Kathmandu, July 30: Chhyema Puja was performed at Hiranyavarna Mahavihar and Digi Chhen, Lalitpur, by the local community as ritual of ‘asking forgiveness’ before the start of restoration work today.

The Puja was attended by officials from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Central Level Project Implementation Unit, Government of Nepal and Intach Kathmandu.

The Mahavihar is being reconstructed at a cost of Rs 181 million. Hiranyavarna Mahavihar popularly also known as the golden temple is situated in the monument zone of Patan Darbar square.

It is one of the 28 cultural heritage projects being undertaken under the Government of India's grant assistance of USD 50 million for post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites in Nepal.