KATHMANDU, Dec 17: The renovation of Swoyambhunath Stupa, a world heritage site, has been completed. The structure was renovated after its pinnacle fell down. According to the locals, a storm damaged the pinnacle which was already rickety after monkeys shook it.
A technical team of the Department of Archaeology, the Swoyambhu Management and Conservation General Committee and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City had carried out a detailed study. Located at Ward Number 15 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the shrine is mostly visited by Buddhists to carry out various religious rituals.
Domestic and foreign tourists also visit this place for carrying out study and research on the art, architecture and structure of this heritage site. People also come to the Swoyambhunath Stupa situated on top of a hill west of downtown Kathmandu for observing the cityscape of the Kathmandu Valley and surroundings.
19 monuments renovated in Swoyambhunath area
Bhikkhu Dharmamurti, president of the General Committee, said the reconstruction has been carried out only after consultation with and permission from the Department of Archaeology, as Swoyambhunath Stupa is an ancient heritage. The General Committee also carries out cleaning and looks after this site.
The pinnacle of the structure was reinstated after performing the associated religious rituals and worship following the completion of the repair and renovation works.
The Pratappur and Shantipur temples in the vicinity of the Stupa have also added to the aesthetics of the place. Both these heritages were renovated before this.
(RSS)