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The Ramayana is an epic poem
which beautifully depicts the life of Rama and Sita, two Hindu Gods. Their
struggle and triumph over evil, the courage of Rama and the virtue of Sita
set out in 24,000 double verses, the longest Sanskrit epic after the
Mahabharata.
Here
in the area of Kathmandu known as Battisputali (32 butterflies), home of
Dwarika's Hotel, there is a temple dedicated to Rama. Built in the 19
century, this temple originally had a commanding hill view over the
countryside and the city, but as the area around the temple grew and
became more urbanized it would appear the temple was, except for a
faithful band of worshipers, forgotten and fell into disrepair.
Happily however in recent years work has begun to restore this unique
building to its original form.
Today
Govinda Tandan, an indirect descendent of Sanak Simha, founder of the
temple, leads a temple committee, the Sriramacandra Mandira Jimoddhara
evan Samvarddhana Samiti (Committee for the Renovation and Promotion of
the Ramacandra Temple). The committee is financed solely from donations
and has to date restored to almost original the main temple building and
is presently reconstructing one of the pilgrims rest houses or satal.
Restoration
of the temple started 8 years ago. The main temple building is now
completed but much work remains to be done under the final phase.
Dwarika's Hotel, itself a project for restoration, preservation and
revival of the traditional architectural heritage of Nepal, is
coordinating the final phase of the restoration work. Our team of
engineers and craftsmen are currently working on the first of the pilgrims
rest houses, or satal, to be restored. Dwarika's is also actively involved
in on-going fund raising for the temple restoration and are committed to
encouraging the local community to participate. This is a project for the
people by the people; a people's project with participation and funding at
all levels.
The
final phase of the project was launched on 5 January 2001. Joining us at
this launch were over 24 media representatives. This alone demonstrates
how much local interest there is in work of this nature.
Dr Tandan has also pointed out that in recent years there has indeed been
an increase in the number of pilgrims to this site. What he and the
Committee are aiming for is to see the temple "get its due respect as
a revered pilgrimage site and important tourist attraction."
We at Dwarika's are also working towards increasing awareness of the
temple and will be adding this unique building on to the list of
attractions within easy walking distance for guests. The final phase will
see the building of the retaining wall round the hill on which the temple
stands and a further two satals.
RAM
MANDIR- ONE YEAR ON
It is now a year since the launch in
January 2001 of the final phrase of the restoration project for Ram Mandir.
Over the past year several
wonderful things have happended:-
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The restoration and reconstruction
work on the east sattal (pilgrims rest house) has been completed.
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A second sattal to the south is
nearing completion.
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A large personal donation for the
construction of a third, smaller sattal, known as a yagnya sala, to
house important religious artifacts has been received.
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The access stairs to the north of
the temple have been restored.
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A garden is in the process of being
created.
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Plans are underway for a devotee’s
toilet to be installed.
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Plans are also underway for a new
access path to be created for threee residential houses which back on to
the temple. Currently residents have to enter the temple area to access
their homes.
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Work on the much needed retaining
wall will begin later this month (March ’02). Soil samples have been
taken, the results of which will be published shortly.
New Life!
But much
more exciting is that the number of devotees has increase considerably due
to the new life injected into the temple through the restoration and
cleaning of the complex!
Dr Tandon,
Chairman of the Restoration Committee reports that an average of 150-200
devotees attend the temple every day. A special puja (religious ceremony)
held on the 1st of each lunar month attracts even bigger
crowds.
Local
residents round the temple are now taking an active interest in the temple
and are proud of its newfound life. The number of marriage ceremonies
which take place at the temple have increased and Nepali classical music
programmes are being scheduled every 15 days from this coming April.
Dwarika’s
Hotel is still very actively involved with ongoing works. Our engineers
are working closely with Professor Rao on the retaining wall project and
fund raising is also ongoing with donations being made by guests at the
Hotel.
Invitation
May we take this opportunity to invite you to take a look at the Ram
Temple on your next visit to Dwarika’s. And should you wish to make a
donation; your contribution will be very gratefully received and put to
good use.
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