Reconstruction of historical Argha Palace resumes

By Radha Nepali,Sandhikharka, Aug. 3: The reconstruction of Argha Palace, a key religious and tourist site in Arghakhanchi district has resumed. The Department of Archaeology has started restoring the palace in its traditional style, which was damaged by the 2015 earthquake. Although work had begun last year, it was halted due to budget constraints. 

After the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation provided a grant of Rs. 4 million recently, the project is in progress. 

Saroj Bhusal, chairperson of the Palace Conservation Committee, noted that the reconstruction was being carried out according to the Baise Chaubisi Rajya architectural style, based on research and findings from the Department of Archaeology.

Previously, the palace was a three-story structure. Located on a prominent hill, Argha holds significant natural, cultural, historical and archaeological values. It once served as the administrative centre of the region. The Mahakali temple and the palace remain intact to date. The Mahakali temple hosts a special festival annually on the full moon day of the  Dashain festival. 

Argha Palace and the Argha Bhagwati temple are also the birthplace of the Saraye dance. According to priest Kishor Acharya, the Bhagwati idol has been replaced with a new one and the temple now features a 21-foot statue on a 10-foot base, along with new temple and sattal constructions. 

Krishna Prasad Shrestha, Mayor of Sandhikharka Municipality, announced plans to direct tourists visiting Supa Deurali in Arghakhanchi and Lumbini through  Sandhikharka to Argha.