GORAKHA: The reconstruction work of Manakamana temple, sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, has been ramped up.

The temple had suffered damages during the April 25 earthquake last year and had to undergo a complete demolition.

In a year's time, construction of the pagoda-style temple's first floor has been completed, informed Narendra Babu Shrestha, Coordinator of Renovation Committee.

"We have completed the construction of the temple's first storey despite the shortage of wood."

The Committee brought Sal wood from Chitwan, Hetaunda and Birgunj districts for reconstruction. There is need for additional 500 cubic feet of wood, Shrestha added.

Wood carving artists have been brought from Bhaktapur to whittle the windows, doors and struts used for reconstruction.

The officials of the Department of Archaeology are overseeing the reconstruction of the temple, which draws thousands of devotees each year.

The government has been supporting the reconstruction with cash and kind.

It has provided gold worth of Rs 30 million and additional Rs 10 million which includes Rs 5.7 million worth of gold and Rs 4.3 million worth of Sal wood.

"We have already collected more than Rs 50 million in fund from devotees," Shrestha shared.