Tallest Shiva statue in Nepal

A 143-feet idol of Lord Shiva built by an Indian businessman Kamal Jain and claimed to be tallest in Asia, was formally opened for the public in the outskirts of the capital today.

The idol constructed by Indian businessman Kamal Jain was inaugurated by Nepalese Tourism Minister Sharad Singh Bhandari at Sanga of Bhaktapur district, 20 km east of Kathmandu.

Jain who hails from Gurgaon in Haryana is the proprietor of Hill Take water tank, one of the leading water tank industries in Nepal. The construction of the idol made of cement and concrete started more than a decade ago.

Bhandari said the site will be developed as a popular tourism destination and will attract more tourists into Nepal as the country gears up for Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign with an aim to attract one million visitors.