Kathmandu.
Bhanubhakta Achary’s ancestral home in Chundiramgha, Tanahun, lies in ruins. Only fragments remain, scattered amidst the broken remnants of mud and stone. Inside the house, large thorns lie amidst the debris. The foundation of the house is barely recognizable.
Preparations have been made to begin the reconstruction of the birthplace of the Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya in Chundiramgha this year. The old house in Shikharkot, Chundiramgha, Ward No. 4 of Bhanu Municipality, will be reconstructed.
The Bhanubhakta Birthplace Development Committee’s executive director, Shankar Ranabhat, revealed that despite the lack of assured budgetary sources, the work to rebuild the house will commence. He stated, “Even if we cannot build a concrete house, we will start the construction with mud and clay. We appeal to the Municipality, Province, and Federal Government for support in building the house.”
After the failure to start the construction despite the foundation stone being laid on Chait 22, 2073 B.S., Ranabhat expressed his frustration. He said, “Although we could not start the construction due to the lack of ownership transfer and previous arrangements, now we will begin the work actively.”
There is belief that once Bhanubhakta Acharya’s home is rebuilt, it will attract both domestic and international tourists. Ranabhat stated, “While the name of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya brings grand programs in the country and abroad, it is a shame that his birthplace was neglected. We have confidence that the reconstruction of the house will increase domestic and international tourism.”
The main problem for the construction of the Bhanugriha (Bhanubhakta Acharya’s birthplace) identified by the Pashchimanchal Vikas Manch was the acquisition of ownership and the lack of preliminary infrastructure, which delayed the start of the project. The location of the Bhanugriha within a community forest also posed security challenges. In 2057 BS, with the support of the Bhanubhakta Janmasthal Vikas Samiti, Yadav Kharel reconstructed the Bhanugriha at a cost of one lakh rupees. However, during the floods in Jestha 2061 BS, the house suffered a loss of Rs. 1,27,000.
In an effort to develop Bhanubhakta’s birthplace into a literary pilgrimage site, the Bhanubhakta Birthplace Development Committee has made various structural arrangements for publicity and promotion in both national and international arenas. However, due to insufficient budget allocation, the project has not been implemented effectively.
Ranabhat mentioned that a park called Bhanu Smriti Park is being constructed on the committee’s 14-ropani land, which is under their ownership. They are also preparing a master plan to develop Chundiramgha into a tourist destination. He said, “For the development of Chundiramgha, which should be developed as a literary destination, we are in need of budgetary support from the federal and provincial governments.”
Additional infrastructure is required for the reconstruction and renovation of Bhanubhakta’s birthplace. Ranabhat expressed, “We have the office of the Bhanubhakta Birthplace Development Committee, Bhanu Sanskrit Mahavi, and Bhanu Sanskrit University in temporary structures. They need proper buildings, concrete paths, and drains. Budgetary support is essential.”
On the occasion of the 210th birth anniversary of Bhanubhakta, various programs are being organized in Chundiramgha. The committee has arranged for a morning procession, lectures, and award distribution. The event will be attended by the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surenra Raj Pandey, as informed by the organizers.
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