Kathmandu, August 19

Reconstruction of the Balgopaleshwor temple that lies in the middle of the historic Ranipokhari has finally begun more than four years after the 2015 earthquakes that damaged the temple.

Issuing a press release, the National Reconstruction Authority stated that the temple would be rebuilt in traditional granthakut style of the Malla era. The temple was built by King Pratap Malla in granthakut style in 1670.

The original temple was destroyed in the earthquake of 1934. After the earthquake, the temple was later reconstructed following gumbaz model by Rana rulers. According to historians and activists, the temple was rebuilt by Jung Bahadur Rana in 1905 making changes to its original design.

Two temples beside Swoyambhunath Stupa — Anantapur and Pratappur — were built in granthkut style. These two temple were also built in the Malla era.

Locals of Kathmandu, especially people from Newar community, were demanding that the temple be built in the Malla-era design.

NRA has also stated that they had started removing the previously made concrete foundation of the temple. “All structures built at Rani Pokhari will the given the Malla-era look,” the press release read.

NRA had started reconstruction work of the pond by hiring 60 women workers from Bhaktapur a few months ago.