GORKHA BAZAAR: The foundation stone reconstruction of the renowned 400-year-old Manakamana Temple in the district was laid today after the older structure sustained damages in the massive earthquake on April 25.

The structure had posed a considerable danger and was razed down recently.

The foundation stone was laid at the auspicious hour of 10 am amid religious rituals, prayers and offerings to the temple's foundation.

Gorkha's Chief District Officer Uddhav Prasad Timalsina laid the foundation stone in the presence of Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Suresh Man Shrestha and Director General at the Department of Archaeology Bhesh Narayan Dahal.

The temple had tilted six inches south-west after the massive 8.4-Richter scale earthquake in 1934 and another jolt in 1988. It leaned further six inches in the same direction after the massive 7.6-Richter scale earthquake on April 25 this year.

"The ramshackle temple was razed down after demolition work for 13 days," Manakamana Temple Renovation Committee Coordinator Narendra Babu Shrestha said.

The Renovation Committee has sent a sample of the soil of the foundation for testing. Coordinator Shrestha said the foundation was laid after finding the bedrock.

Chief Priest Insan Thapa said Rs 150 million would be spent for reconstructing the temple.

He added that the cost may rise as the walls in the southwest side of the temple were also in need of complete reconstruction.