Rato Machhindranath idol to be reinstalled inside rebuilt temple

By Binu Shrestha,Lalitpur, May 27: The locals of Bungamati are filled with excitement as the idol of Rato Machhindranath is set to be reinstalled in its original spot inside the Rato Machhindranath Temple on June 1, 10 years after it was displaced by the devastating earthquake of 2015.  

The long-awaited reconstruction of the Shikhar-style Rato Machhindranath Temple in Bungamati, Lalitpur, has reached its final stage. Amir Shakya, Chairperson of the Rato Machhindranath Temple Reconstruction Consumer Committee (RMTRCC), said that a recent meeting involving the Department of Archaeology, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Patan Guthi Sansthan, and local stakeholders decided to reinstall the idol inside the temple.

Representatives of the concerned authorities had stated that the idol could be placed once the pinnacle and the Singhasan (throne) were completed. According to Shakya, the pinnacle was installed on May 22 and construction of the Singhasan has also been completed.

Shakya further said that additional tasks including installing the guard statues (Singh idols) at the temple’s main entrance and setting up three large bells are currently going on in full swing. "Our goal is to complete these remaining tasks along with cleaning and maintenance by May 30," he added.

An agreement was signed on June 29, 2020, to officially hand over the project over to the RMTRCC. 

Shakya attributed some of the delays to the complexity of the construction process, explaining that around 50 different sizes of bricks were used to reconstruct the temple—each aligned with the original design. 

Earlier, the project faced uncertainty when the Sri Lankan government withdrew its support due to technical controversies surrounding the use of construction materials. As a result, the government handed over responsibility for the reconstruction to the RMTRCC, which began work following a special worship ceremony.

“From very large to smaller bricks, each weighing around 50 kg, we used traditional bricks instead of the standard ones typically used in other temples. Preparing bricks in so many different sizes does take time, but it's essential to ensure the temple is built in the traditional style and remains structurally strong,” Shakya explained.

A peace worship ritual is scheduled for the morning of May 28 as a part of the preparations to welcome and reinstall the idol inside the temple.

Anil Tuladhar, a local resident of Bungamati, shared his excitement, "Everyone in Bungamati is thrilled this year to finally see Rato Machhindranath placed back in his original location inside the temple."

With the pinnacle now in place, locals have been volunteering to help finish the remaining minor works. "Every day, 10 to 15 individuals contribute their time and effort as volunteers," Tuladhar said. He also noted that the temple looks beautiful with its wooden carvings restored to their former glory.

According to tradition, the people of Bungamati will welcome the deity by burning stalks of dry barley. A lively crowd will march in the dark, chanting, shouting, and playing traditional music.

Dipendra Chitrakar, Chief of Patan Guthi Sansthan, said preparations are under way for the Bhoto Jatra – the final ceremony of the month-long Rato Machhindranath chariot procession. The procession is set to resume on May 29.

Currently, the chariot is located at Thati Tole in Lalitpur. Chitrakar explained that it had passed through several key thoroughfares including Gahbahal, Mangalbazar, Sundhara, and Lagankhel before arriving there.

The Bhoto exhibition ceremony will be held on June 1, provided the chariot reaches Jawalakhel on that day. As per tradition, the idol of Rato Machhindranath will be taken back to Bungamati after the conclusion of the Bhoto Jatra.