Modi announces Rs 25 cr for construction of dharamshala at Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal

Zee Media Bureau/Hemant Abhishek

Kathmandu: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed at Nepal`s Pashupatinath Temple on the auspicious occasion of `Shravan ashtami` on Monday and granted Rs 25 crore to build a 400-bed dharamshala in the temple complex. Among other things, Modi also offered 2,500 kgs of sandalwood to the famed centuries-old temple. He announced that India would actively participate in developing centres of religious importance in Nepal like Janakpur and Lumbini. To remove bottlenecks hindering the movement of people between the two countries he announced the construction of a bridge on the Mahakali river. PM Modi went a step further in his efforts to reach out to the Himalayan nation and said he was open to reviewing and changing the 1950 India-Nepal Friendship Treaty. “My doors are open, I invite you to bring any suggestions to review the 1950 Treaty, if you so want," Modi said at a banquet hosted by Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. There had been demands for reviewing the treaty and both sides have reiterated their readiness to do so without any progress. Some sections in Nepal have argued that the treaty is not in the interest of their country. Earlier today, after offering special prayers at the Pashupatinath Temple, PM Modi said he "felt extremely blessed". A devout Hindu, 63-year-old Modi was at the temple of Lord Shiva for about 45 minutes on the auspicious `somvaar` (Monday). He also met Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav. Modi is on a two-day visit to Nepal, a first by an Indian prime minister in 17 years. His visit ends today.