Butwal, March 25 -- In a significant boost to Nepal's spiritual tourism, construction of Vishwa Shanti Dham (Global Peace Sanctuary) has officially resumed after six years hiatus. The multibillion-dollar project, which was left in limbo over various issues, saw a major milestone on Sunday as officials of Lumbini Development Trust and monks gathered to oversee the concrete casting of the building's first floor.

The ambitious project is the brainchild of renowned Buddhist Master Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche. Estimated to cost over Rs 5 billion, the sanctuary is designed as a stunning four-storey meditation hall shaped like a blooming lotus, reaching a height of 44 metres.

The journey to this point has been fraught with challenges. While the fo...