DoA to reconstruct Aagan Chhen at Hanumandhoka

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 30: Department of Archaeology (DoA) is set to reconstruct the Aagan Chhen (a building made for social purpose and religious activities) located in the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square.

The reconstruction of the Aagan house, located next to the main entrance of Nasal Chowk in the Hanumandhoka area, has progressed after a consensus was reached among the concerned offices regarding its reconstruction in Nepali craftsmanship and style, informed Saubhagya Pradhananga Director General of DoA. 

Director General Pradhananga, said that further processes will proceed regarding the reconstruction of the Aagan Chhen temple located at the southwest corner of the Malla era palace within few days. 

In the Newar community, there is a separate place for their own deity. This is considered the Aagan Chhen. It is built in the form of a room or temple.

Mohan Chowk within the Hanumandhoka Durbar was built by Pratap Malla, it is said that the nearby Aagan was also constructed by him.

There are artistic doors with arches around the temple. There are attractive windows. Images of deities from the Shiva sect are carved on the struts. There are peacock designs at each corner of the roof.

Pratap Malla established a statue of Hanuman near the main entrance of the palace in 1672, and it is said that it became known as Hanumandhoka Palace. Later, in 1769, King Prithvi Narayan Shah built the Basantapur Durbar, and it has since been referred to as Basantapur Durbar.

The earthquake in Gorkha in 2015 has damaged 71 heritage sites in the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square. Many of the damaged sites have been rebuilt. Some are still in the reconstruction phase. Aagan Chhen is one of them, which is being reconstructed with Japanese assistance. 

Kajiman Pyakurel, Executive Director of Hanumandhoka Durbar Museum Development Committee, said that estimated budget of Aagen Chhen is around Rs. 50 million.