Gorkha, Oct 11 : A cleanup campaign has taken place today in the premises of Manakamana temple, the famous religious site of Gorkha district, under the leadership of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati.    


Local residents and various organisations participated in the waste management programme that took place in the temple premises and surroundings under the leadership of the minister, said Dipak Timalsina, coordinator of the CPN (Maoist Centre). The minister reached the district on Tuesday evening for the event.    


Devotees crowd the temple throughout the year due to the religious belief that desires are fulfilled by worshipping the temple. Thousands of devotees visit the temple annually to offer sacrifices and fly pigeons as a matter of fulfilling their vows.


The Manakamana temple that lies in Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality-2 and 3 in Gorkha district is famous as an important religious and tourist pilgrimage site in Nepal. The temple has been named Manakamana because since ancient times, people hold a belief that worshipping at the temple fulfills one's wishes.    


Tourists visit the place to ride a cable car and for sightseeing. Situated at an elevation of 1,303 metres above sea level, the Mahabharat hill range and Chhimkeshwori hills are seen in the south from the temple, and Mount Annapurna and Manaslu in the north.  (RSS)