KATHMANDU, March 18: President Ram Chandra Paudel performed the consecration ritual of the pinnacle of the Swayambhu Mahachaitya temple today.
The Head-of-State performed worship of the Chaitya as per the religious tradition amid a program organized today by the Swayambhu Management and Conservation General Committee.
Committee office-bearers and employees welcomed the President to the site on the occasion.
The pinnacle of the Chaitya temple was damaged by a storm on March 14, 2023. Situated at Kathmandu Metropolitan City-15, the Swayambhunath Stupa complex is enlisted as a World Heritage Site.
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The Mahachaitya has been renovated at a cost of approximately Rs 5 million. The Chaitya that has been restored is about 106 meters tall. The renovation was carried out after a technical team comprising the Department of Archaeology and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the District Administration Office and the Guthi Sansthan made a detailed study of the structure.
Committee Chair Bhikkhu Dharmamurti Mahasthaveer gave a briefing on the conservation activities carried out in the Swayambhunath world heritage site.
On the occasion, President Paudel honored General Committee Chair Bhikkhu Dharmamurti, and General Secretary Ashok Bajracharya, among others.
General Committee administrative officer Deependra Vaidya said that Swayambhunath Chaitya is a sacred site for the Buddhists of all sects including Hinayana and Mahayana. They perform various religious activities at the site.
Both domestic and foreign tourists come for a visit to this place. The Anantapur and Pratappur temples close to the Chaitya were also renovated a few years back.
In Sanskrit, the word Swayambhu means the land that came into being by itself. The faithful believe that the Vipassvi Buddha had visited the place and performed certain rituals.
Several religious activities are organized at the site wishing for world peace and human wellbeing.
