Mustang. Mustang: The Muktinath Temple complex at Baragung Muktikshetra-1 in Mustang, a common religious pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, has been upgraded in a tourist-friendly manner. The temple complex has been upgraded with a budget of Rs 900,000 allocated by the Social Development Office Mustang for the current fiscal year.

Office chief Nirpati Darji said that the work of laying the chhappani stone has been completed through the Social Development Office so that the existing structure of muktinath temple complex will not be disturbed. A quotation contract was awarded for laying the chhappani stone in muktinath premises. Khinga Construction was entrusted with the responsibility of laying the chhappani stone towards the temple premises, kund and 108 streams.

Lakpatasi Gurung, a representative of the private company, said that the work of laying stones around the premises could not be completed due to the limited budget of the office. According to him, 3,140 square feet of chhappani stone laying has been completed through the Social Development Office.

Rabin Subedi, an employee of the Temple Development Committee, said that it has become easier for the visitors coming to Muktinath after the upgradation of chhappani stone. “The premises in front of muktinath temple and 108 streams in front and back were uncomfortable and the old stones were uprooted,” he said. ’

The committee has made arrangements for electrical dispersion of 200 liters capacity to drink pure hot water for the convenience of the visitors visiting Muktinath. Subedi informed that the committee has made arrangements to drink hot water for 12 months at the initiative of committee chair and Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal. He said that this would reduce the chances of devotees visiting the high places of Muktinath.

Subedi said, “Similarly, railings have been constructed to protect the devotees who bathe in 108 taps from the risk of accidents. More than 700,000 domestic and foreign tourists visit muktinath temple every year. It has become easier for the devotees to drink hot water in the temple premises. Visitors have also been provided with hot water during the tourist season. ’