Reconstruction of the historic Narayan Temple based on remnants
Lalitpur, 9th Shrawan 2078: The reconstruction of the Narayan Temple, located in the eastern part of the Patan Durbar Square area, has started. According to the inscriptions found on the temple’s stone slab, it was originally built in Nepal Sambat 735.
The area known as Sundhara, located in Ward No. 6 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, is locally known as “Nugha” in the Newar community. This area still preserves remnants of heritage that existed a hundred years ago.
Rajiv Shrestha, the coordinator of the Nugha Reconstruction Committee, provided information about the ongoing reconstruction of the Narayan Temple based on the remnants. He stated, “There are remnants of ancient heritage remaining in the Sundhara area. These remnants were possibly displaced by the earthquake of 1990. The government has been demolishing the remnants by encroaching on the heritage land.”
During the study of the remnants of the Narayan Temple, it was found that the temple had a depth of eight feet and would be extended 32 feet in height during the reconstruction. Rajiv Shrestha expressed his disappointment that the Department of Archaeology did not provide technical support for the reconstruction.
He mentioned that it took approximately 11 months to prepare the maps for the reconstruction. Since being elected as a ward member in the local elections of 2074, Rajiv Shrestha has shown interest in reconstructing the remaining archaeological heritage and preserving it. Lalitpur Metropolitan City has provided economic support for the reconstruction.
The remnants of the Narayan Temple, which began reconstruction eight years after the 2015 earthquake, are now in the final phase. The reconstructed Pasupati Falcha 9-Storey House, locally known as “Pwasya Phalcha 9-Pati,” will serve as a symbol of Newar community heritage and will also be used for various public events. The house was damaged by the earthquake in 2072.
Pwasya Phalcha 9-Pati is especially important for hosting various cultural programs of the Newar community. It is also used for ceremonial purposes, such as taking part in senior citizen and children’s events. After the earthquake caused damage to this property, it took two years to reconstruct it. The final reconstruction is expected to be completed within two months.
Radheshyam Prajapati, a 70-year-old local resident, expressed concern about the neglect of historical heritage in the Sundhara area, which is home to many historic treasures. He mentioned that the government’s negligence in protecting and reconstructing these historical assets has led to encroachment on public land.
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