Govt entrusts National Reconstruction Authority with task of rebuilding Rani Pokhari

poKathmandu / Feb 4: The government has entrusted the National Reconstruction Authority with the task of rebuilding Rani Pokhari.

A Cabinet meeting held on January 28 had decided to hand over the responsibility of reconstructing Rani Pokhari, Balagopaleshwor Temple, among other structures of archaeological importance in the heritage site, to the NRA.

NRA CEO Sushil Gyawali said the authority will begin reconstruction of the historically significant pond in consultation with Archaeology Department, Kathmandu Metropolitan Office, experts, stakeholders and locals. He promised to rebuild it by using styles, technology and materials reflecting Pratap Malla-era design.

It is believed that Rani Pokhari, also a UNESCO world heritage site, was built by a 17th century King Pratap Malla to console his grieving wife over the death of her son.

A debate loomed on whether to construct the Balagopaleshwor temple in Mughal style or Granthakut (Sikhara) style. Historians say that when the temple was built in 1670 AD by King Pratap Malla, it was in Sikhara style, but later when the earthquake of 1934 rammed it, the then Rana regime reconstructed it in Mughal style.

The NRA said that it has decided to reconstruct the temple in Sikhara style following consultations with experts, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Archaeology Department.