The Nepal’s tallest statue of Lord Shiva constructed at the initiative of Nepal’s Jain community is set to open for public visit from the fourth week of this month.



According to project sponsor Kamal Jain, the 108 feet tall statue in Sanga, some 20 km away from Kathmandu on the way to Banepa, will be inaugurated officially on June 21 by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav. The function will be graced by Hindu leader Shankaracharya from Badri.



The rituals for inauguration will start as early as June 14 and Kalash Yatra has been scheduled for June 19.



Though it was not intended to make it a place of attraction for tourists and other visitors, the statue has already drawn attention of Nepalese and foreigners as a place of retreat and religious destination.



The center spreading over 75 ropanies of land will not only host the Shiva statue, but also a natural therapy center serving visitors free of cost. Jain expects to employ some 50 people in the center, with monthly expenditure crossing Rs 500,000, for regular service delivery.



Though his religion mentions nothing about Lord Shiva, Jain says he chose this God, believed to reside in Kailash, further north from the statue, due to his closeness to Pashupatinath over the past 20 years he stayed in Kathmandu valley.



Built with cement, Jain said the statue, named Kailashnath Mahadev, can resist minor earthquakes and strong winds.



Facilities like spa, yoga, meditation center, horse riding and nature walks around the parks are sure to invite more tourists and not merely those visiting for the purpose of rituals