38 of 75 Hanumandhoka temples rebuilt

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Jan. 24: Reconstruction and repair works on 38 of the 75 temples of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square (HDS) have been completed, while rebuilding process of 14 temples is in progress.  

The devastating 2015 earthquake had damaged 75 big and small temples, shrines and rest houses among the 96 structures of the HDS. 

Sandeep Khanal, executive director of Hanumandhoka Palace Museum Development Committee, said that some heritages were yet to be handed over even after the completion of their reconstruction.  

The reconstruction of historical nine-storey palace, Basantapur tower, Lalitpur tower, Kirtipur tower and Bhaktapur tower close to the palace have already been completed with the fund from the Chinesese government. 

The reconstruction and repairing works of Kasthamandap, Natyashwor, Panchamukhi Hanuman, Taarinidevi Temple, the first and second floors of Mahadev Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Kageshwori Temple, Nagara, Banshagopal, Swet Bhairav, Silyan Sattal, Gaddi Baithak, Dhukuti Chowk, Taleju Temple and other small temples on Taleju premises, statue of Pratap Malla and Kadel chowk have been completed.  

The historical Gaddi Baithak is now open to common people after reconstruction, he informed.  

The reconstruction work of other remain temples is in progress with the aim to complete within a period of one-and-a-half years, he added.   

“Reconstruction works of some damaged structures cannot begin before completing ongoing works. In some cases, reconstruction works could not move ahead due to the obstruction by local,” said Khanal. 

Among the remaining 23 heritages awaiting reconstruction are Mohan Chowk, Sundari Chowk and other some heritages inside Kamdev Temple, in front of Majudega.  Reconstruction work of Kamdev can be started after completion of Majudega temple, he said. 

Moreover, reconstruction work of Aagamche has not started due to the obstruction from local. 

The reconstruction process of Mohan Chowk and Sundari Chowk will begin after completing Aagamche.