Pashupatinath calls for technical inspection

BY BABURAM KHAREL

KATHMANDU, Oct 15 - The main temple of Pashupatinath, which Hindus believe to be the holiest shrine in the country, is in dire need of technical observation to check its structural condition, engineers say.According to the engineers, checks must be carried out to see if any ...

The store-keepers who are known as Bhandaris have told officials of Pashupatinath Area Development Trust [PADT] that structural supports like wooden beams of the temple are in a dilapidated condition requiring replacements.

The Bhandaris who along with five priests have the right to access inside the temple say no repair work have taken place inside the temple since its last renovation in 1697 BS They say a large number of mice that infest the temple premises could have created numerous holes inside the ceiling and the walls.

"The temple is in dire need of thorough observation as most of the supporting wooden beams and inner parts of the walls in the temple are feared to be in a dangerously dilapidated condition," said sub-engineer Rebati Raman Adhikari at PADT.

According to historical records, the temple existed in the area in 879 AD It has been enlisted as a heritage sites by UNESCO. The temple, which was renovated by former King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697 BS, has remained unobserved by building experts since then, according to Adhikari. "Every building has its age-limit, and it is high time we checked the Pashupatinath temple's structure," said Adhikari.

He said gold, silver and copper plated doors of the temple could clearly be seen from the outside to be in a weak condition. The buildings located on the eastern side of the temple also require immediate renovation, according to him.

"Observation of the inner part of the building is quite difficult. As of now, nobody, except five priests and Bhandaris, is allowed to go inside it," he said, adding, "The long-practiced tradition of not allowing anyone else to go inside should be relaxed in order to preserve the temple.

Inspection plan in offing

Asked about the plan on the matter, Treasurer of PADT Gyan Bahadur Hamal said the formation of a team comprising top archeologists and Bhandaris is in the offing to learn about the condition of the temple.

"We have already instructed Bhandaris to observe holes created by mice and other structural decays.  Archeologists will study their reporting and suggest recommendations to preserve the temple," Hamal said. "We shall take immediate initiatives with regard to this matter as soon as the team reaches conclusion on what needs to be done.

He is optimistic that Pashupatinath temple will not collapse any time soon. "But we have realised that its inner structures need to be immediately inspected and make an assessment of the existing conditions inside the temple," he said.