By Binu Shrestha
Kathmandu, Jan. 2: Heritage monuments standing along the bank of the Bagmati River from Thapathali to Teku Dobhan are now being renovated and reconstructed under the Bagmati Beautification Project.
Recently, renovation tasks are now in progress by dividing works into three phases. Around 27 heritage monuments are being rebuilt and renovated, making the area as the major reconstructing site of the Kathmandu Valley of late.
According to the Planning Division of the Department of Archeology (DoA), reconstructing heritage monuments from Thapathali to Teku Dobhan are now moving ahead into three phases.
The reconstruction works of first phase have completed 50 per cent to 60 per cent, two heritage monuments of second phases have reached the final stage and the third phase reconstruction work is beginning soon, informed the Planning Division.
The area is rich in heritage monuments where more than 100 historic structures, including temples stand.
The dome and bell-shaped roof temple complex, Sattals for hermits and saints, cremation platforms, chaityas and a monastery constructed in the 19th century lie in the area.
A legend has it that late king Gunakama Deva had established a city on the bank of the Bagmati River in the 10th century. The shrine of Pancha Lingeshwor Bhairab was installed which later became popular as Pachali Bhairab.
It is believed that Teku Dobhan Ghat was the earliest temple built by Ne Muni (the ancient sage from which Nepal derives its name) to meditate.
There are 14 ghats from Thapathali to Teku which were built at different periods. They belong to different caste groups.
Jagannath Temple, Lakshmishwor Mahadeva Temple, Tripureshwor Mahadeva Temple, Bam Bikateshwor Mahadeva Temple and Purneshwor Mahadeva Temple are the major heritage structures of the area, which are now in reconstructing stage.
The Shikhar style Jagannath Temple complex with Chaughere Sattal is one of the largest temples built by Bharo Bhava Singh Pradhan in 1792.
Bam Bikateshwor Temple also called Teen Dewal complex with Chaughera Sattal was built by commander-in-chief and acting prime minister Bam Bahadur Rana in 1850. The multi-layered platform has three Shikhar structures.
The dome-shaped roof of Jang Hiranya Hem Narayan Temple was built by Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana.
Puret Ghat Sattal, Mathema Sattal, Manadhar Sattal are the the 19th century heritages which are being preserved and renovated under the project.
Under the second phase Bagmati Beautification Project from Thapathali to Teku Dohban works to construct corridors on either side of the river are in progress, said Kamal Aryal, information officer of High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilisation (HPCIDBC).
A park is being constructed from Thapathali to Teku on a stretch of 6100 metres under the project and a total stretch of seven kilometers will be beautified.
The park is being built at a cost of over Rs. 1 billion under the joint funding of the government and the Asian Development Bank by constructing a wall on either side of the river and growing plants. Rs. 1.05 billion has been allocated to reconstruct the monuments of the area.
“As per the plan of the project, a cycle lane, footpath and greenery will be developed on both sides of the corridor. The footpath and cycle lane each will be two meters wide while greenery will cover three meters,” he said.