The construction of Shivalaya Mandir in Sarpang is scheduled for completion in March, next year.
Works to build the Hindu temple began in March last year and it is being constructed upon the command of His Majesty The King as a gift to the people of Sarpang. The exterior and interior designs of the Shivalaya Mandir will be same as the one in Samtse.
The Mandir is being built in Shetikahri under Gelegphu Gewog on an area, measuring 80 decimals. It’s the Royal Government funded project and the entire cost estimation is over Nu 36 M.
Currently, works are in full progress and recently, the Information and Communications Minister DN Dhungyel visited the construction site. He also told the local residents to take equal responsibility in monitoring the quality of ongoing works and inform the concerned authorities if contractors happen to compromise the quality.
The Sarpang Dzongdag Karma Galay encouraged people residing nearby the Shivalaya Mandir construction site to do vegetable farming and sell their crops to the construction workers. He also asked the residents to contribute labour for the construction of the temple.
“Over 16 people are willing to extend help in construction of the Mandir and we are going to organise volunteerism programme for labour contribution,” added the Dzongdag. “If the temple is ready before scheduled deadline, it will not only accumulate merits for the volunteers but also benefit the whole community here.”
People of Sarpang are happy to see such sacred Hindu temple is being constructed. They said it will give them opportunities to organise more spiritual events in future.
“Since the Mandir is conveniently located, the residents of Gelephug Thromde and villagers from gewogs can congregate for religious gatherings,” said one of the residents named P.P.
Also, once the Shivalaya Mandir is fully built, people there will no longer have to travel to Bihar in India to offer water to deities which is considered as an integral part of Hindu rituals.
