Tri-Religious Site Built in Bhojpur to Promote Unity and Coexistence

Bhojpur. A tri-religious site has been constructed in Bhayangdanda, Arun Rural Municipality of the district with the objective of maintaining unity, coexistence, and mutual harmony amidst religious diversity. Structures related to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Kirat religions have been built on the same premises here.

With the goal of spreading a message of unity and tolerance rather than division in the name of religion, the Arun Spiritual Foundation has systematically constructed structures across this area, which spans about 50 ropanis of land. Somnath Sharma, Secretary of the Foundation, stated that the structures were built so that followers of all three religions can continue their religious traditions, customs, and practices in one place.

He informed that a temple built in an attractive style for Hindus, a Mankhim house reflecting the cultural identity of the Kirat community, and a stupa symbolizing peace for Buddhists have been constructed, along with a school launched to institutionalize the exchange of religious knowledge. Currently, 72 trainees are studying at the school. They are acquiring basic and practical knowledge related to all three religions.

"In addition to this, structures such as a cowshed, a multi-purpose hall, a canteen, a guest house, and a yoga hall have been constructed. Regular meditation, yoga, satsang, sermons, bhajans-kirtans, and religious-cultural programs have been taking place here," said Secretary Sharma, "We are trying to establish a tradition where followers of all three religions gather in one place to organize programs on the occasion of special festivals. We believe this will enhance spiritual awareness at the local level and further strengthen social unity."

The Foundation stated that approximately NPR 80 million in investment has been received so far for the construction work that began in BS 2077, with support from the Federal and Provincial Governments, all nine local levels of the district, and various organizations. According to the plan to expand structures in phases, a school building is currently under construction with a cost-sharing partnership of approximately NPR 40 million from the Indian Embassy and NPR 10 million from the Rural Municipality.

Social worker Dr. Lochan Karki stated that his family voluntarily provided about 30 ropanis of land free of cost with the goal of developing this area as a religious and 'divine land'. "The establishment of the tri-religious site is also expected to contribute significantly to the promotion of religious tourism. Such a structure, which conveys a message of religious coexistence, will help attract tourists from home and abroad," he said.

Punyaprasad Subedi, an expert in Buddhism (Lochawa), stated that he built the Buddhist stupa through his own initiative and with the support of various donors. He mentioned that although he currently resides in Kathmandu, the stupa was built out of deep affection for his birthplace. Subedi expressed his belief that the religious structure will play an important role in connecting the local youth generation with their original identity and spiritual values.

Religious scholar Prof. Dr. Guruprasad Subedi stated that this area could be developed as a center for religious study and research in the future. He said that religious scripture study, interfaith dialogue, exploration, and research programs could be conducted here.

The Foundation plans to establish a natural therapy center, a cultural museum, and a meditation ashram in the coming days. This is expected to contribute not only to religious faith but also to the development of health, culture, and tourism sectors.

According to local residents, the construction of the tri-religious site has given a new identity to the Arun region. This place is establishing itself as a shining example of unity in diversity and religious tolerance. It is believed that this will be recognized as a model project at the national level in the coming days.