A new Hindu temple under construction in Pemathang Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar is expected to address the challenges faced by the local Hindu community in conducting rituals. About 90 per cent of the construction works are already completed.
For years, residents struggled to conduct rituals and festivals due to the absence of a dedicated place of worship.
Without a temple, they often gather at a resident’s house and perform religious ceremonies. Sometimes, they pitch tents in open space.
Yadap Timsina, a resident said, “Earlier, we had a small temple within Pemathang School premises, which made it inconvenient to conduct religious ceremonies since the land belonged to the school. With the construction of the new temple, those challenges have been resolved, and everyone here is happy.”
Khini Maya Phrokhel, another resident said, “Earlier, we didn’t have a proper temple, but now we have an appropriate place to pray and conduct rituals. We are very happy and grateful.”
Likewise, Ganga Ram Khatiwari said, “We have many traditional festivals and rituals that have been passed down by our forefathers. Having this new temple will make it easier for us to continue those practices.”
According to the Pemathang Gewog Administration, the construction of the temple is expected to be completed within the next three to four months, with only the painting and beautification works remaining.
Pema Lekso, Pemathang Gup said,“Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche gave us Nu 2.5 M to construct the temple. In addition, the gewog office contributed Nu 1 M in keeping with the financial rules, as the gewog administration is allowed to spend only 10 per cent. Villagers also contributed for the construction.”
Once complete, the temple will stand as one of the major religious landmarks for the Hindu community in Samdrupcholing Dungkhag, serving devotees from Pemathang, Phuntshothang, and Samrang gewogs.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
