BHAKTAPUR: A study has come up with the finding that the 'Bhajya' or Bhaju Pokhari (pond) based in Bhaktapur Municipality-1 is 500 years more ancient than Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu.

At the launch of a preliminary report on renovation of the historical Bhajya Pokhari, on Monday, it was learnt that the pond was built in the 12th century.

Making public the 80-page report on the pond, historian and culture activist Purushottam Lochan Shrestha claimed that the seven-month investigation had collected evidence revealing that Bhaju Pokhari was 500 years older than Rani Pokhari.

He also claimed Kathmandu's Rani Pokhari was built in 1727 BS (790 Nepal Sambat), some 348 years ago, after the rulers got the inspiration from Bhajya Pokhari.

Historian Shrestha further revealed that the temples constructed in Bhajya Pukhu and Rani Pokhari shared similar details in terms of Vastu and designs. The temples were constructed over both the ponds in Shikhar style.

The study has also shed light on the fact that the mega earthquake that occurred at Nepal Mandal in 1738 BS during the time of Jitamitra had broken down the Shikhar styled temple of Bhajya Pukhu, Shrestha said.

Precious goods and metals were found in the course of excavation initiated in 2059 BS and during reconstruction by the municipality in 2074/75 BS, he said, adding that the study has also revealed the Pokhari had an idol of Jaleshwor in the Shikhar-styled temple.

On the occasion, House of Representatives member Prem Suwal said that several heritages have collapsed due to lack of conservation efforts and called for ending the practice of privatising public properties to protect the heritage.

He also stressed the need to carry out a study on the historical perspective of heritages and take forward the renovation and reconstruction works accordingly.

Also speaking on the occasion, Bhaktapur Mayor Sunil Prajapati pointed out the need to have an intensive study and rigorous discussion to validate the preliminary finding that Bhaju Pokhari is 500 years older than Rani Pokhari.

Meanwhile, Bhaktapur Municipality has started its efforts to renovate the heritage.