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AKASH
BHAIRAV TEMPLE
The
renovation work of Akash Bhairav Temple at Indrachowk is going on war-footing
to revive its historic charm. Officials say they will complete the renovation
of the century-old temple by April next year.This historical monument was
in a dilapidated condition for many years until the locals themselves initiated
the renovation works last year. After the renovation, the temple will get
its original look, like it was before 1910. The added attraction after
the renovation will be the balcony, which was discarded during the renovation
60 years ago by the Ranas. The ten Astamatrika paintings, kept in Khopi
(hole on the wall) behind the big Bhairab statue, will be changed to respective
stone statues. The Malla period monument, which is situated in the heart
of the capital, was last renovated in 1939. The historians are still confused
about when the three-and-half-storey-temple of deity Bhairav, the fierce
form of Lord Shiva, was first constructed. It is believed that thetemple
came into existence along with the origin of the Kathmandu City in 11th
century. However, evidences such as the names of King Pratap Malla and
King Narendra Malla carved on the stones found in the temple depict that
it was built around that time.
MAHAVISHNU
TEMPLE
The
government is on the way to complete costly renovation of 170-year old
temple of Mahavishnu but it is going to have a false idol instead of the
historic. The idol was taken to the Hanumandhoka Palace but now it is unlikely
that it will come back to the temple. The Department of Archaeology (DOA)
started the reconstruction of the temple two years ago. People took the
around-three-feet tall gold-plated idol of Lord Vishnu with five heads,
sitting with his consort to the Hanumandhoka Palace when the temple collapsed
during the great earthquake of 1934. The Hanumandhoka Palace belongs to
His Majesty the King. The chief of Hanumandhoka Palace Protection Office
said the palace would not return the idol for the temple
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