KATHMANDU: Residents living around the Kashthamandap in Kathmandu have begun reconstructing the historic temple destroyed by the devastating 2015 earthquake.

A prayer was offered in presence of five priests representing abstract Buddhas (Pancha Buddha) as the first foundation stone of the Kashthamandap was laid, in the premises of the temple, on Monday.

According to Rebuild Kashthamandap Campaign Chariman Birendra Bhakta Shrestha, the priests paid homage to eight Bhairavs surrounding the wooden mandap and shrines placed around the Temple in a circle.

Including the chief priest Yagya Man Pati Bajracharya, 125 worshippers recited Pacharakshya Scripture before commencing the reconstruction of the earthquake-hit monument.

Culture expert Satya Mohan Joshi attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest and renowned poet Durga Lal Shrestha recited a poem on the occasion.

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