Kathmandu, March 2
Kathmandu Metropolitan City, with the support from other government agencies, have decided to revive a rare Bramha temple at its original place at Jay Bageshwori on the premises of Pashupati temple.
The temple is believed to be built between third to seventh century, but no one really knows when the temple was submerged. KMC's preliminary investigation revealed some remnants of the temple above the ground around 58 years ago. After some time, the temple premises turned into a waste dumping site and was eventually encroached by private homes.
The four-faced statue of Lord Brahma considered very rare and probably one-of-akind in the world was dumped inside Gaushala Police Circle for an unknown time.
On 8 February 2022, THT had published news about the Bramha statue among other statues that were gathering dust in several police stations in Kathmandu valley.
Hindu religion does not allow crafting statues of Bramha (creator of universe) as it is believed that nature itself is Bramha. But, Nepali tantriks had built the statue for tantrik worship as a part of worship at Pashupatinath temple.
Authorities have also undertaken some archaeological excavation at the site where they have unveiled an uncanny foundational structure with uncommon design. Aasaman Sangat, ward chair of the area, told THT that their plan to rebuild temples similar to other structures had completely changed after the excavation. "We are now consulting archaeological architects, who can identify such structure and rebuild it without altering its original design and structure," Sangat told THT.
KMC will also remove a private house from the temple area for the reconstruction process. It has been estimated that the temple complex will cover around seven aana land (approximately 2,395 square feet). However, the final area for the temple will cover around three aana land (approximately 1,026 square feet).
KMC had allocated Rs four million for revival of the temple. However, with the changed foundation, the price is expected to go up since they have to rework on the design, use more traditional construction materials and adhere to prescribed guidelines.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 3, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
