US based Nepali donates Rs 10 Mln to install Buddha’s statue in Muktinath

KATHMANDU: An USA based Nepali has donated Rs 10 million to install a statue of Lord Gautam Buddha in Muktinath temple. Country member of the NRNA International Coordination Council, Sonam Lama donated the amount to install a 32 feet long stone statue of Lord Buddha in the temple’s premise.

The Muktinath Temple located in Mustang district is revered by both Hindus and Buddhist followers.

Though preliminary estimates show that the statute will cost around 20 million, Lama said that he released the amount as first installment.

Stating that he has vision to create a triangular pilgrimage destination for Buddhist and Hindu followers that includes Pashupatinath-Lumbini-Muktinath pilgrimages, he handed over the amount to the temple’s preservation authorities.

Lama announced the donation amid a press conference in Kathmandu that was attended by Yongdel Lama- Chairman of Muktinath Preservation and Development Trust.
On the occasion, Yongdel said that the statue will be one of tallest stone statute of Buddha in Nepal and added that it will take two years to complete the installation.