The locals of Bhaktapur have discovered Machheshwar Mahadev at Suryabinayak Municipality-5. Though earlier known as Pichashewar, Masaneshwar and Isamsaneshwar among the locals, a recent study has proved it to be Machheshwar Mahadev.
The study was done with the initiation of culture and historical expert, Prof Dr Purushottam Lochhan Shrestha, and in coordination of locals as well as students of history and culture. According to Shrestha, the temple’s name was proven by the epigraph found during the study.
Month-long festival kicks off at Doleshwor, Ashapuri Mahadev te...
During the study, it was found that this place was urbanized during the Licchavi Dynasty by the name of Hansa Griha, informed Shrestha. He also stressed on the need to reconstruct the temple in its original Gumba style. The place doesn’t have a temple structure and is an open area secured by walls.
Raj Karki, a local, said though the place carries historical significance, the government has been negligent toward its conservation and promotion. According to the locals, the temple was excavated by Nepal Army two years ago. According to local resident Prakash Bista, the temple had been buried in a landslide.
The area is surrounded by small walls on all sides, while a dry pond with natural stone statues on it is also present near the temple. The presence of different temples, including Anantalingeshwar, Doleshwar, Suwarnashwar and Aashapusheshwar further justify that it is Machheshwar Mahadev Temple, claimed researcher and student of Khwopa College, Manisha Thapa.
The temple is around seven kilometers away from Suryabinayak Temple. Head of Suryabinayak Municipality, Basudev Thapa, said they were planning to construct a temple as per the ancient design.
