Renovation of Swayambhunath temple’s pinnacle begins

Kathmandu / July 2: The Swayambhu Management and Conservation General Committee has started renovation of the pinnacle of Swayambhunath Temple more than three months after it was damaged by a storm.

After the pinnacle fell due to a storm in the Nepali month of Falgun (mid-February mid-March), the committee along with the Department of Archaeology and a technical team of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) had conducted a detailed study before starting the renovation work.

This temple is significant from archaeological and historic point of views and is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Buddhist followers in large numbers visit this temple located in Kathmandu-15 everyday for prayers. Domestic and foreign tourists also come here to study and research the art and techniques of the heritage site. Also, the general public visit this temple to observe a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan mountain range.

Monk Bhramamurti Mahasthabir, chairman of the Swayambhu Management and Conservation General Committee, said that the renovation and restoration works were started only after consultation with the Department of Archeology and after obtaining the permission from the latter.

The committee has been looking after the heritage site and is responsible for the protection and cleaning of this area. Locals say that the storm caused damage to the pinnacle as it was already weakened by monkeys.

After the completion of the repair work, the pinnacle will be replaced again after performing forgiveness prayer according to a special religious ritual.

Pratappur and Shantipur temples in the vicinity of Swayambhunath Temple also add special beauty to the area. Both these temples were renovated earlier.