Gulmi : Inspector General of Police, Dan Bahadur Karki, has said that Marbhungkot Temple at Malika rural municipality-8 in Gulmi has served as a living school of inspiration for the new generation, standing as a testament to the accomplishments and pride of ancestors.
Visiting the historic Marbhungkot that carries religious and historical significance dating back to 500 years today, the police chief echoed the need to preserve religious faith and cultural heritage while fostering social harmony within society.
Inspector General Karki inaugurated the temple following its recent reconstruction.
On the occasion, he stressed the need for collaboration among the local, province and federal governments and the stakeholders concerned for further development of Marbhungkot that has high potentiality for religious tourism. He said that roadway connectivity, facilities for drinking water, toilets, resting places and other basis infrastructures should be ensured for the development of the area.
“On the one hand, goddess is worshipped, but on the other, women are subjected to injustice, and exploitations in their homes and society. This is a contradiction within the society,” he said.
He was of the view that the message and significance of Bijaya Dashami festival becomes meaningful only if we can ensure respect for women by eradicating women domestic violence, accusations of witchcraft, the dowry system, child marriage and other forms of discriminations against women,” said Inspector General Karki.
“Bijaya Dashami festival does not just symbolise a victory of truth over untruth, but it serves as an occasion to make a resolution against malpractices, and indiscrimination’s existing in the society,” he said.
On the occasion, Temple Management Committee Chair Himalaya KC said the temple was reconstructed with the participations of locals. According to Upendra Aryal, Vice-Chair of Malika Rural Municipality, the reconstruction of the heritage costs Rs 6 million rupees.
Donations ranging from Rs 100 to a maximum of Rs 331,111 were contributed by 324 people to the temple reconstruction fund. During the event, donors who made significant contributions to the temple’s construction, as well as office-bearers of the construction committee, were honored.
