Stone Slabbing Begins on Roads Inside Religious Tourist Hub of Galeshwor in Myagdi

Myagdi. Stone slabbing has begun on the roads inside Galeshwor, the main religious tourist destination of Beni Municipality-9, Myagdi.

A beautification project is underway to attract tourists and devotees by making the roads and pathways inside Galeshwor, considered the gateway to Muktinath for Hindu and Buddhist followers, organized, systematic, and beautiful.

River Edge Engineering and Builders signed a contract for Rs 4,874,277 for the construction under the Galeshwor Market Beautification Project, estimated to cost Rs 6,407,000, in the month of Mangsir last year.

Ward Chairman of Beni Municipality-9, Chakra KC, informed that the work of laying stone slabs has started from the entrance of the Galeshwor temple towards the bus park under the project. The Galeshwor Market Beautification Project is a pride project of Beni Municipality. This project, which started last year through cost-sharing between the Galeshwor Shivalaya Area Development Trust and Beni Municipality, has continued in the current fiscal year as well.

Sub-Engineer of Beni Municipality, Milan KC, stated that this year, 1,718.5 cubic meters of 'slate' stone will be laid on 295 meters of road distance, and a 30-meter long drain will be constructed. Last year, 7,100 cubic meters of stone were laid on 106 meters of distance from the Galeshwor entrance towards the temple, along with the construction of a 53 cubic meter wall and a 20-meter culvert drain.

The work involves leveling the road, constructing drains and walls, and cementing two-inch thick 'cutting' stones to be laid on the ground as an alternative to concrete pouring and blacktopping. Ward Chairman KC stated that the beautification plan, initiated with the objective of bringing tourists and devotees traveling to and from Muktinath and Mustang into Galeshwor and extending their stay, will be continued.

He further informed that after the stone slabbing on the roads inside Galeshwor market, public transport vehicles will be managed to travel only on the road along the Kaligandaki corridor outside the market. A structure has been designed to allow the operation of vehicles supplying construction materials and consumer goods inside the market without affecting the stones laid on the ground.

There is a religious belief that worshipping and visiting the Galeshwor temple, situated on a single massive rock spanning nine ropanis on the banks of the Kaligandaki River, fulfills desires and brings merit. The temple, mentioned in Hindu scriptures as having derived its name from the falling of Sati Devi's 'gala' (throat/neck), hosts special fairs on the Mondays of Shrawan month, Balachaturdashi, and Shivaratri festival. Daily rituals are also performed.