Quake-damaged temples still stand in wooden support

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 26: A few historic temples of the World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley are still standing with the support of wooden poles, even seven years after the massive 2015 earthquake left them cracked. 

The temples have been awaiting renovation ever since. Kumari Ghar, Shiva Parvati Temple and Mahadev Temple, which were constructed by using stone beside the Dasavatar Temple in Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, the buildings of Mahendra Sanskrit University and Aagam Chhe are still standing with the support of multiple wooden poles. 

Hundreds of national and international tourists visit the Kumari Ghar every day, but the sight of poles supporting it continues to be an eyesore. Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) bears the responsibility to retrofitting the Kumari Ghar. The KMC has listed these temples for retrofitting, but we don’t know when the work will begin, said Sandeep Khanal, Executive Director of Hanumandhoka Durbar Museum Development Committee. 

“It had decided to form a consumer committee for Aagam Chhe, but it has yet to be formed. This is the reason why the reconstruction process has not begun,” he said. 

Gautam Shakya, president of Indrajatra Management Committee, said that still some poles are supporting the Kumari Ghar from inside and outside. 

The Shiva Parvati Temple is still standing with the support of poles even though locals have frequently demanded its reconstruction to preserve the artistically rich wooden carvings, said Gautam Lal Dangol, a local.     

In the Patan Durbar Square, however, no temple is standing with the support of such poles. Reconstruction of the temples fully or partially damaged and supported by poles has either been completed or is in progress. 

Degu Taleju and Narsingh temple are now in a reconstruction process, he said.