In a morning visit to Shalinadi in Shankharapur Municipality, President Ramchandra Paudel immersed himself in the sacred atmosphere, actively participating in the Madhavanarayan Mela as part of the ongoing Shree Swasthani Brata Katha.
During the visit, President Paudel offered his respects and worshiped Shri Swasthani and Madhavnarayan, culminating in a worship session at the revered Bajrayogini Temple. Addressing the gathering, he expressed his joy at visiting the Bajrayogini Temple, underscoring its significance in terms of ancient, historical, cultural, and touristic importance.
President Paudel conveyed his belief that the state should prioritize the development of the Bajrayogini and Shalinadi area, emphasizing its historical relevance dating back to the time of Princess Bhrikuti and Songtsen Gampo.
Sobita Gautam, the Member of Parliament representing Kathmandu Constituency No. 2, who extended the invitation to President Paudel, expressed her hopes that the President’s visit would draw the government’s attention to the preservation and management of Shalinadi. She lamented the neglect faced by Shalinadi and Madhavanarayan temples despite their significance from both mythological and religious perspectives.
Local representatives, including MPs, the mayor, and deputy mayor of the municipality, voiced concerns about the slow progress of reconstruction in the Shalinadi area. Despite its religious, cultural, and historical importance, they noted that some development projects remain incomplete.
Approximately 300,000 devotees make their pilgrimage to the Shalinadi fair annually, underscoring the spiritual and cultural significance of this sacred site.
