Nestled in the heart of the capital, Rani Pokhari is an ornamental pond that stands in its full magnificence amidst the hustle bustle of the city. It is located near Bhanubhakta School, formerly known as Durbar School. Rani Pokhari stands smack in the middle of Old Kathmandu in its west and its modern developments to the east at Kanti Path, Durbar Marg and beyond; to the north leading to Lain Chour, Lazimpat and beyond; and in the south the city leads to the Tundikhel, Tripureshwor and further.
Constructed during the reign of King Pratap Malla in 1670, it is a glory of the medieval capital since it reminds us of the history of seventeenth century Nepal.
When King Pratap’s son, Crown Prince Chakrawatendra, had an untimely death from an elephant’s trampling, the queen mother was in deep anguish. So the king built a pond in memory of their beloved son in order to help the queen cope up with the loss. It is believed that the holy water for the pond was brought in from various pilgrimage sites of the country like Gosaikunda, Muktinath, Badrinath, Kedarnath and Kali Gandaki, among other sources. The pond was also supposed to provide as a useful facility for the dwellers of the city but it was later closed to the public when suicides by drowning became rampant in the Pokhari. [break]
Significance of Bhai Tika
Since the holy pond is fenced with iron bars throughout the year, it often is the subject of curiosity and fascination among the city dwellers. Entrance to Rani Pokhari was not allowed for the public but later it was opened specifically on Bhai Tika, known as brother’s day in Hinduism. Since that period of time, the pond was famously known as the pond of consolation for those who have lost their brothers, sisters or members of the family.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has a separate unit to look after Rani Pokhari’s management. According to Shanta Ram Pokharel, chief of Administration Management Development Department of KMC, since the time of the Malla era, the temple is opened only on the day of Bhai Tika, the fifth day of Tihar.
“It’s a tradition that has been followed since years back. People who don’t have their own brothers or sisters come to the temple to receive blessings from the priest. Interested ones also receive tika from people who are there to visit the temple,” he says.
People who have lost their siblings since they passed away also visit the temple to receive blessings and tika from the priest as well as to pay their respects and tributes to their lost ones.
KMC’s unit also looks after the cleanliness of the pond and its surrounding area throughout the year and especially on the day of Bhai Tika.
Highlights
In the centre of the pond, there is a shikhara-style temple to Lord Shiva. To the south of the pond, there is a statue of Pratap Malla and his family riding on a white elephant.
The temple is called Matrikeshwor Mahadev and it looks magnificent especially during Tihar since it is decorated with bright lights. Rani Pokhari offers an incredible sight, especially in the evenings when the temple glimmers in bright light. With the temple’s reflection on the water, the view not only looks breathtaking but it also looks like the temple is actually floating in the midst of the pond.
Since there are a lot of people visiting the temple, a fair also takes place in the surrounding area where people sell clothes and daily usage items as well.
Preparations
Every year, large numbers of people flock the compound of Rani Pokhari in order to participate at the rituals. You can prepare your own ritual necessities to take along with you to perform the puja. You can also buy all the necessary items like flowers, colors, and other puja items on the premises.
“It’s been a tradition to sell puja items at the Rani temple premises since a long time. Though there will be a number of people visiting the temple, the place will be well organized like every year,” says Pokhrel.
He assures that since it is a public holiday on that day, there won’t be any problems of traffic in the Rani Pokhari vicinities.
Opening and closing hours
The temple will be open the whole day on Bhai Tika, starting from 6 am and it will remain open until the priests leave late at night.
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