Works underway to remove thick layer of lime on dome of Swayambhunath Stupa

Kathmandu, June 11: Work has begun to remove the thick layer of lime mortar that has accumulated over the years on the dome of the Swayambhunath Stupa, a centre of faith for Buddhists and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The restoration and cleaning work has been initiated with due consideration for the archaeological and historical significance of the Mahachaitya.

The layer of lime on the dome of the Mahachaitya has continued to thicken due to the annual whitewashing (lime-washing) carried out on Buddha Purnima and other religious occasions.

According to Devendra Bhattarai, Chief Archaeological Officer at the Department of Archaeology, the thickness of the lime layer on the dome has been found to range from 10 to 14 inches.

He said that the thickness is not uniform throughout the dome, with some areas measuring only about four inches. Skilled workers are carefully removing the layer using wooden tools to avoid damaging the original structure.

The cleaning work is carried out in the evening, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, so as not to disturb visitors. The removed lime is being collected in sacks and stored near the forest area of Swayambhunath. So far, around 90 sacks have been filled.

Although a large quantity of lime has been collected, its management has not been a concern. Hundreds of people visit the site to take some amounts of the removed lime, believing it to be pure and auspicious. Many use it while constructing new stupas or monasteries.

Bhattarai said that a similar lime-removal campaign was carried out at the Swayambhunath Stupa in 2017 (2074 BS).

As the lime layer continued to grow thicker, concerns increased that the added weight could place excessive pressure on the lower structure of the Mahachaitya and conceal its original ancient features, including traditional brickwork and scoria.

He said that after the previous cleaning, annual lime-washing resumed, and the layer has now grown again to approximately 14 inches. With the permission and supervision of the Department of Archaeology, staff members and craftsmen from the Swayambhu Management and General Committee are carefully removing the lime to ensure that no damage is caused to the original structure.

The cleaning process is expected to take about 18 days. Once completed, the Mahachaitya is expected to regain its original archaeological appearance and ancient glory, he said

This cleanup campaign at Swayambhu, a site closely linked to the civilisation and history of the Kathmandu Valley, has attracted significant interest from the local community, Buddhist monks, and heritage enthusiasts.