BAGLUNG: A total of 108 Tulsi shrines have been constructed along the banks of the Kaligandaki River at Nirheghat in Baglung as part of an initiative to promote religious tourism and preserve the area’s spiritual and environmental heritage.

The shrines, built in front of the Manavsewa Ashram at the confluence of Baglung Municipality Wards 1 and 4, were inaugurated with the planting of Tulsi saplings on the occasion of Harishayani Ekadashi.

According to Ramji Adhikari, founder of Manavsewa Ashram, the project is based on the ashram’s master plan and aims to promote religious faith, environmental conservation and cultural values. In Hindu tradition, Tulsi is regarded as sacred and closely associated with Lord Vishnu.

Ashram Construction Committee member Nirmal Kumar Shrestha said each shrine cost around Rs10,000 to build, with funding provided largely by devotees and well-wishers. Although Baglung Municipality and Ward No. 4 had allocated Rs500,000 for the project, those funds will instead be used to construct a Shiva Lingam, while a statue of Budhanilkantha is also under construction.

The ashram also plans to plant 108 Peepal, Banyan, Swami and Bael trees in the coming phase.

Nirheghat has long been a site of religious importance, once hosting large fairs during Harishayani and Haribodhini Ekadashi. Local officials believe the addition of the Tulsi shrines, together with nearby religious sites such as the Laxmi Narayan Temple and Ramanuj Ashram, will help establish the area as a major religious tourism destination in western Nepal