Madhyapur Thimi, August 7:

Locals of the Madhyapur Thimi ward no-16, Lokanthali, have renovated a three-storied temple of Siddhi Ganesh in Pagoda style with the aid of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the municipality.

According to Gyan Lal Dware, a local, the 132-year old temple was established by the Newar communities for their good health and prosperity. The temple covers an area of six annas where a separate building has been built for devotees to stay in night and chant hymns. The temple is also decorated with idols of Siddhi Ganesh, Shesh Narayan, Astha Matrika and others.

The renovation cost Rs 781,216, out of which the GTZ provided Rs 115,000, and the Thimi municipality granted Rs 20,000, locals said.

Santa Krishna Hekka, president of the Siddhi Ganesh Temple Renovation Committee, said the temple was on the verge of collapse due to lack of maintenance. “We discussed among ourselves, formed a committee to take initiative and asked donors to financially help us. We have completed the renovation of the temple and are all set to construct a two-storied building near the temple for the convenience of the devotees and the pilgrims, so that they can stay there at night too.”