Shaligram statue unveiled in Mustang to boost religious tourism

In Mustang, a Shaligram statue has been inaugurated. The 22-foot-tall statue, carved by an artist, was unveiled on Thursday evening at the banks of the Kali Gandaki River in Jomsom, Ward 4 of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, following religious rituals.

The inauguration of the grand Shaligram was conducted by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahaswami Vidushekhara Bharati Maharaj of the Sringeri Sharada Peeth in Karnataka, South India, who was visiting Muktinath. The unveiling of the Shaligram stone is expected to boost religious tourism in the area.

Three weeks ago, a sculpture workshop was organized in Mustang by Gharpajhong Rural Municipality and the Integrated Social Development Office, in coordination with the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts. Three dozen sculptors associated with the academy shaped various forms out of large stones from the Kali Gandaki River. Among these, the world’s largest Shaligram stone statue was constructed on the riverbank and was ceremonially inaugurated by the Indian Jagadguru, according to Mohan Singh Lalchan, the chairperson of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality.

The Indian Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahaswami Vidushekhara Bharati and his team visited Muktinath on Wednesday afternoon via the national pride Beni-Jomsom road, under special security surveillance. They inaugurated the Shaligram stone in Jomsom immediately after returning, as informed by Santosh Basyal, Inspector at the District Police Office, Mustang.

The event saw significant participation, including Gharpajhong Rural Municipality Chairperson Mohan Singh Lalchan, Vice-Chairperson Jamuna Thakali, local representatives and staff, Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma, heads and representatives of all four district security agencies, Jomsom Village Society, women’s groups, and local citizens. Prior to this, the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Maharaj was warmly welcomed and honored by a large number of people upon returning to Jomsom after visiting Muktinath.

Dinesh Bhusal, manager of the Muktinath Development Committee, informed that the team, including the Indian Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahaswami Vidushekhara Bharati Maharaj, visited the Muktinath temple. The Maharaj spent about an hour in worship and rituals at the temple, including bathing in the 108 spouts and the temple pond, as reported by Bhusal.

The District Police Office, Mustang, facilitated security and traffic management for the Indian Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahaswami Vidushekhara Bharati Maharaj’s visit to Mustang, which was under special security arrangements by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The visit of the religious leader Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahaswami Vidushekhara Bharati Maharaj is believed to significantly contribute to the promotion of religious tourism in Mustang. Among foreign tourists visiting Mustang, 80 percent are Indian, and the number of Indian tourists visiting Muktinath has been increasing annually. The inauguration of the Shaligram in Jomsom is expected to attract even more Indian pilgrims.