Idols to be moved into rebuilt Rudrayani temple in Khokana as Sikali Jatra begins

Preparations are underway to move the idols into the rebuilt Rudrayani temple in Khokana, Lalitpur, on Sunday, after reconstruction of the temple — which was completely destroyed in the earthquake — was completed.

The temple, damaged in the earthquake of Baisakh 12, 2072 BS, has been rebuilt at a cost of around 51.3 million rupees, according to available details. Of this, Lalitpur Metropolitan City contributed about 49.5 million rupees and local supporters raised about 1.8 million rupees, while locals also contributed labor.

Ravindra Maharjan, ward chair of Lalitpur Metropolitan City-21, said it became possible to inaugurate the temple this Dashain with the support of the local committee, the guthi (trust), and various agencies. He said that although the Department of Archaeology had allocated a budget, its funds were not taken because the process was cumbersome and the metropolitan city had already pledged support.

During reconstruction, Nepal Mediciti Hospital had provided scaffolding to keep the temple secure. Khokana, which does not celebrate Dashain, has also begun its Sikali Jatra festival.