KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 18
President Ramchandra Paudel visited Shalinadi in Shankharapur municipality this morning and participated in the Madhavanarayan Mela as part of the Shree Swasthani Brata Katha.
On the occasion, President Paudel paid obeisance and worshipped Shri Swasthani and Madhavnarayan. He also performed worship at the Bajrayogini temple.
Speaking briefly, President Paudel expressed his happiness in visiting the Bajrayogini Temple, which holds ancient, historical, cultural, and touristic significance. He expressed his belief that the state would give special attention to the development of Bajrayogini and the Shalinadi area, which he noted, has historical importance dating back to the time of Princess Bhrikuti and Songtsen Gampo.
Sobita Gautam, Member of Parliament elected from Kathmandu Constituency No. 2, who extended the invitation to the President, expressed her belief that the visit would draw the government's attention to further preserve and manage Shalinadi. She emphasized that despite their mythological and religious significance, Shalinadi and the Madhavanarayan temples have been neglected.
Likewise, local representatives, including MPs, the mayor, and deputy mayor of the municipality, lamented the slow progress of reconstruction works in the Shalinadi area and the incomplete development projects despite its religious, cultural, and historical importance.
Approximately 300,000 devotees visit the Shalinadi fair every year.
