Damage/Loss in Culture Heritage Sector of Kathmandu

Seven groups of monuments and buildings in Kathmandu Valley make up the world heritage site. Let’s take a sad look at what has gone and what stands still.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

80 percent of the temples around Durbar Square are now destroyed in Kathmandu Durbar Square, including the 18th century Vatsala Durga Temple – a towering sandstone structure that evoked the peaks surround-ing the city. Kathmandu’s Durbar Square also sustained severe damage, with parts of the Hanuman Dhoka (the city’s oldest palace) having collapsed along with the pagodas of several temples.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The famous pagoda, Nyatapol, remained intact even after the devastating earthquake. But, there were other temples and monuments that have taken both minor and major effects. The Authorities at Bhaktapur Durbar Square said 67 monuments out of 116 at Bhaktapur have been demolished. The Priest House, Siddhi Laxmi Temple and the replica of Muktinath Temple among others suffered minor damages where as the Temples of Shiva, Asi Dega and Batsala DSevi among others have demolished.

Patan Durbar Square
Despite the shocking earthquake, very few monuments of Patan durbar square are completely demolished. Also, the temples such as Taleju temple, pashupati temple, mahadev temple and Mahaboudha temple have taken slight effect which could be renovated. The patan Museum has also taken partial damage. Meanwhile, the main attraction sites have remained intact. Krishna Temple, Mayadevi Temple, Golden Temple, Minnath Temple and the Big Bell of Patan Durbar Square remained intact during the powerful quake of 25/04. The artistic Dhunge Dhara (Stone-Tap) at Patan Durbar Square suffered no loss at all during the quake.

Changunarayan Temple

Although, Changunarayan temple has survived against the trembling earthquake but it has taken some minor damage which has to be renovated. It is one of the oldest temples full with its beautiful art and architecture which should be pass to next generation so that it will not lost its glory in coming future. Presently, the temple along with other side temple is held and supported by the wooden planks until the renovation will not be completed. Also, the temple was closed temporarily for tourist until the renovation is not completed.

Swayanbhunath Stupa

During the earthquake on 25th of April, Swayambhunath stupa has suffered significant effects all around. Although, the main Swayambhunath stupa and five monuments have been intact but some of the monuments and idols around the stupa have been demolished. Also, the Swayambhu Museum has also taken partial effects but it could be renovated. The natives of Swayambhunath (Buddacharya Family) now protect the historic inscriptions, idols and monuments at Swaymabhunath. For few months, this place has not access to the tourist or visitors until the renovation is completed and safe to travel.

Pashupatinath Temple

The temple of Pashupatunath has not taken any damage and has remained intact during the devastating earthquake. However, minor damages can be seen around the temple which could be renovated. But, the observation can be concluded with no major effects in the area. And, there is no restriction in tourist or visitors access.

Bouddhanath

Bouddhanath stupa has got serious damage due to the devastating earthquake. The top part of the large dome shaped stupa has destroyed and is under construction. Tourists were re-stricted to visit the area for few months and some precautions to be taken while visiting the area once it is opened for tourist again. It is said that it might take two years to compete the renovation. Similarly, there are other places which are famous among the tourists. Those places have taken serious damage.

Bungamati and Khokana

Bunngamati and Khokana are the small villages located in Lalitpur district of Kathmandu valley. The villages are the inhabitants of Newari society. The villages were very famous for their peculiar home structure, culture and traditions, temples and monuments.

The villages have taken serious damage during the life threatening earthquake. Most of the houses were made of mud and brick which were not able to endure the devastating earth-quake. The home of ‘Rato Machhindranath’, a goddess, located in Bungamati has damaged completely with no trace possibility of renovation. Officials said that it would at least take 7-8 years to rebuild the Shikhara style Temple of Machhindranath.

These all affected areas will take more than 7 years to be completely renovated and the flow of tourism may not be as usual as it used to be before the devastating earthquake.