Kathmandu, October 21: Ranipokhari, one of the iconic monuments in the heart of the capital, has been resurrected after it was badly damaged in the April 2015 earthquake.
Originally known as Nhu Pukhu (New Pond in Newari), Ranipokhari now wears a new look with the Balgopaleswar Temple in the middle of the historic pond built in Malla-era style more than 350 years ago.
Although many people see the Granthakut or Shikhar style temple as completely new, this has been reconstructed in the original style built during the reign of King of Kantipur Pratap Malla in 1669. Later, Jung Bahadur Rana rebuilt the temple in Gumbaz style in 1803 and after the devastating earthquake in 1933, Juddha Shumsher Rana again rebuilt the temple in the same Gumbaz style.
Almost two years after the foundation stone was laid, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) formed an 11-member expert group under the leadership of Bishnuraj Karki, former Director General of the Department of Archeology (DoA). This group suggested rebuilding the Balgopaleswar Temple in Malla-era style.
The concerned group meeting chaired by the then Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari decided to rebuild the temple in Shikhar or Granthakut style.
As the reconstruction got delayed due to various issues and concerns raised by the local community and culture experts, the government handed over the responsibility of rebuilding Ranipokhari to the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) on January 28, 2019. The NRA then formed a five-member users’ committee to construct the basement and the inner wall to hold water on March 2. 2019.
President Bidhya Devi Bhandari who had laid the foundation stone of the reconstruction of Ranipokhari on January 16, 2016, inaugurated the reconstructed structures and handed them over to the concerned authority amidst a function held today. She also unveiled bronze plaque installed at the reconstructed facility.
On the occasion, President Bhandari offers prayers at the puja marking the installation of the newly-reconstructed Balgopaleswar Temple in the middle of the historic pond and offered sacred water on the pond.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokharel, ministers and other dignitaries also offered holy water brought from various sacred rivers from different parts of the country.
Addressing the function, President Bhandari said that Ranipokhari has been rebuilt in original style, look and technology, despite facing various hurdles and challenges. She also expressed her satisfaction on the NRA’s integrated master plan to develop Ranipokhari area, including Ratna Park, Khula Manch, Tundikhel, Bhrikuti Mandap and Dasharath Stadium. “This master plan, along with under-construction Dharahara area, will provide people in Kathmandu with an extensive open area,” she said.
In his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of the NRA Sushil Gyewali informed the august gathering about various aspects of the post-earthquake reconstruction, including rebuilding of private houses and heritage sites.
“We are working to complete the retrofitting of the main façade of Singh Durbar,” he said, adding, “We plan to complete it for the Prime Minister’s Office to shift to this new site by mid-December.” He also informed that the main structure of22-story Dharahara will be completed by early next year.
The reconstruction of Ranipokhari was carried out under the aegis of the local users’ committee while the construction of Balgopaleswar Temple, the bridge and the beautification works have been done through the contracting company.
The NRA had signed an agreement with CA/Tulsi Construction JV on July 9, 2019 to construct the Balgopaleswar temple and the bridge. The Gajur, pinnacle or spire, was installed on the temple on October 1, 2020.
Besides involving the local community and cultural experts, the traditional artisans from Bhaktapur, mainly women, contributed significantly in rebuilding the basement of the pond.
Rs. 280 million have been spent in the reconstruction of Ranipokhari and Balgopaleswar Temple.
