GORKHA: The reconstruction works of the historic Gorkha Palace in the Gorkha district has begun.

The palace, which holds a historic, religious and archaeological importance, had suffered extensive damages during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake that rattled the country last year.

The palace would be reconstructed from its foundation, informed the Gorkha Palace Caretaking Section. Currently, the palace has been surrounded by the corrugated zinc sheets as the dismantling is going on.

The Department of Archaeology has allocated Rs 505 million for the same.

The palace dating back to 400 years will be restored to its original form, Section Staff Rameshwor Kattel said.

Expressing happiness over the commencement of the rebuilding works, the main priest at the Palace Pradeepnath Yogi said he palace developed cracks on its walls and its yard caved-in the quake.

The quake inflicted damages to Gorakhkali Temple, Gorakhnath Cave, Chaughera Palace and other structures. Guru Gorakhnath is respected as the ancestral God (Kuldevata) of the former royal families.

However, the Gorakhnath Cave and some other structures were repaired earlier.

Public will not be allowed to worship at the temple for a month citing the reconstruction. However, the temple will continue its regular rituals.

It is expected to take three years to complete the reconstruction works.