BHOJPUR: The ‘Pema Chhyoling Buddhist Monastery’ has been constructed in the Panitanki area near Bhojpur district headquarters with the active participation, labor, and financial support of local residents.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs 23.5 million, the monastery aims to preserve Buddhism and local culture while promoting religious tourism. According to Angdawa Sherpa, treasurer of the monastery management committee, the project was largely supported by the Sherpa community both within Nepal and abroad, in collaboration with provincial and local governments.
About 78 percent of the total cost was raised through donations from the Sherpa community. “The monastery is being constructed with the active involvement of locals to preserve religion, customs, and culture,” said Treasurer Sherpa.
The committee has so far collected Rs 3.1 million from the provincial government, Rs 1.7 million from Bhojpur Municipality, Rs 6 million from the ward office, and Rs 18.1 million from the local community. Notably, Faradendi Sherpa, currently residing in the US, personally funded a chorten worth Rs 2.7 million within the monastery premises.
Approximately 114 Sherpa families from Wards No. 7 and 9 contributed a minimum of Rs 20,000 each toward the construction. Ward Chairman Ram Bahadur Tamang added that Rs 200,000 has been allocated from the ward office and Rs 500,000 from the municipality in the current fiscal year to complete remaining and additional structures.
He emphasized the ward’s ongoing support for the conservation and development of religious sites. Located on an area of four ropanis and eight aanas in Panitanki near the Bhojpur market, the monastery is expected to strengthen religious tourism in the region, which hosts numerous temples and other monasteries.
“The monastery has been built to promote religious tourism while preserving Buddhist traditions and culture,” said Ward Chairman Tamang.
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