During Darshan at Pashupatinath Temple, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted 2500 kgs of sandalwood worth NRs. 30 million to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal.

Pashupati Area Development Trust had requested the Government of India for providing the sandalwood to worship Lord Pashupatinath. Although Sandalwood has been banned by India for export, given the ancient cultural relationship that India has with Nepal, Government of India made an exception to fulfil the desire of thousands of devotees visiting the temple daily. Sandalwood forms an integral part of the ritual of worship by Indian and Nepali devotees and pilgrims visiting Pashupatinath Temple.

Government of India has committed to conservation of monuments and improvement of sanitation hygiene in Pashupatinath Temple Complex costing approx. NRs. 400 million for conservation and NRs. 50 million for building of Sulabh Sauchalaya in collaboration with Sulabh International of India.

According to press release issued by Indian Embassy, the Government of India has also undertaken the work of construction of Nepal –Bharat Maitri Pashupati Dharamshala at Tilganga costing NRs. approx. 270 million. The construction work of Dharamshala will commence shortly.

Government of India fully supports the conservation of the invaluable heritage holy sites like Pashupatinath Temple.

Member Secretary of PADT expressed his sincere thanks to the Government of India for providing sandalwood to Lord Pashupatinath which is offered as tika to thousands of devotees visiting the temple. He also expressed his hope that the mutual cultural relations between the two countries would be strengthened with such activities.