Kathmandu, Jan 23: A key body that administers
Nepal`s holiest temple Pashupatinath has initiated a crucial
discussion on ways to manage the shrine, which was at the
centre of a row after the removal of the Indian priests.
During a three-day conference organised by Pashupati
Area Development Trust (PADT), religious activists, priests
and government officials expressed their views regarding the
proper management of the affairs and fund of the temple.
We have discussed the procedures of religious rites,
affairs of the temple and proper management of the fund of the
temple, said Narottam Vaidya, the former member of PADT and
one of the participants at the conference that began
yesterday.
The 17th century temple was the centre of a row for
weeks after the Maoist-led government sacked the Indian
priests serving in the temple and replaced them with local
priests. The PADT is headed by the Maoist Minister for Culture
and State Restructuring Gopal Kiranti.
Prime Minister Prachanda, who is also the patron of
the temple, reversed the decision and reinstated the Indian
priests after protests by locals, temple aides and political
parties.
Some local religious activists and the temple aides
have demanded that the Prime Minister be relieved from the
responsibility of being the patron of the temple.
The Maoists have unnecessarily interfered in the
affairs of the temple and the involvement of the Prime
Minister, who was indifferent towards the temple`s activities,
was unnecessary, said Vaidya.
Though Prachanda is the patron of the temple, he has
never visited the temple premises in his five months tenure as
the Prime Minister, he pointed out.
Bureau Report
