BAGLUNG: The income from offerings at the Kalbhairav Temple in Baglung has tripled following the renewed activity of the Guthi Management Committee and improvements in physical infrastructure.
Listed among the government’s 100 major tourist and religious sites, the temple—also recognized as a religious Shakti Peeth—has seen a significant rise in visitors and income.
The Guthi Management Committee became active in 2023 after a six-year hiatus, overseeing the Kalbhairav Temple located in Baglung Municipality-12. With the committee now leading efforts to conduct regular worship and develop infrastructure, the number of pilgrims and religious tourists has increased noticeably.
Gyanendra Raj Dhakal, Chairperson of the Bhairavsthan Temple Guthi Management Committee, said the committee began performing pujas a year ago, leading to a threefold increase in offerings collection.
“In the fiscal year 2080/81, income from leasing the temple was Rs 900,000. But after the committee took over and began managing the pujas, the income rose to Rs 2.7 million in 2024/25,” Dhakal said.
He added, “Previously, the temple was in disarray under private contracts. Our goal is to use the income generated through committee-led worship for physical infrastructure development and to enhance visitor facilities.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, offerings amounted to just Rs 50,000. Now, with recent growth, the collection has reached Rs 2.7 million, and further increases are expected next year.
Over the past two years, more than Rs 8 million has been invested in improving the temple’s infrastructure, including the construction of a sattal (rest house), a secretariat building, an entrance gate, footpaths, drinking water facilities, and toilets.
Treasurer Chandra KC stated that these developments were made possible through the combined support of the federal government, Gandaki Province, Baglung Municipality, and the committee itself.
He also mentioned that this year, for the first time, the committee has publicly disclosed its income and expenditure and completed an audit—something not done by the previous management. The lack of financial transparency and a concrete master plan had contributed to the temple’s decline in recent years.
To further support its operations, the committee has constructed 11 commercial shutters using internal funds. These are currently rented out for Rs 30,000 per month, generating additional income for the temple starting next year.
Located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, the Bhairavsthan Temple is one of Baglung’s most significant religious sites. With the Guthi Management Committee now actively involved, infrastructure development has gained momentum, and the long-standing contract-based system has been replaced by community-led management.
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