Reconstruction of quake-damaged Kashthamandap commences

KATHMANDU, May 15: After three years of the devastating earthquake, the reconstruction of the quake-damaged historical temple Kashthamandap began from Monday.

Chairman of Kashthamandap Reconstruction Committee and Province Assembly Member Rajesh Shakya marked the beginning of the reconstruction of the temple located within Kathmandu Durbar Square by offering Kshyamapooja.

Nepali Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari, during an event organized to lay the foundation of the temple, said, “Rebuilding of Kashthamandap which carries the name and history of Kathmandu has begun from today. The temple will be constructed with the participation of general public and will be ready by next three years.”

Likewise, Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Bidya Sundar Shakya made his pledge for all sorts of supports from his side and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City in the reconstruction of Kashthamandap.

Reconstruction of this ancient three-storey pagoda styled temple is being undertaken by Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Kashthamandap temple is the seventh century heritage of the country, which is also known as the oldest temple built during Lichhavi period. It was built from the timber of a single tree.

It is believed that the name of capital Kathmandu has been derived from the same word Kashthamandap. The structure had collapsed during the earthquake of 2015 killing nearly a dozen, who were gathered in the temple premise.

Though reconstruction of the temple had begun after the disaster, it was put off immediately followed by protests from local public, conservationists and cultural experts. The temple was being reconstructed using steel and concrete while the locals demanded originality.

According to the Department of Archaeology, 753 temples and heritage monuments were damaged in the 2015 earthquakes across the country.