jhalludurbar
Neglected Historical Structures Associated with National Hero Bhimsen Thapa
Historical structures linked to Nepal’s national hero, Bhimsen Thapa, are struggling to survive amidst neglect and natural decay. Located in Bungkotghat, Ward 9 of Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, Gorkha, significant archaeological sites like the Bhimvireshwar Mahadev Temple and Bhimsen Sattal are left abandoned, overrun by invasive weeds, and exposed to the elements.
Bhimvireshwar Mahadev Temple at Bungkotghat
This historic site, now engulfed by wild vegetation and eroded by heavy rain, is rapidly deteriorating. Numerous archaeological artifacts in the area have been damaged, including long stone pillars, many of which are broken and scattered. Walking through the site, visitors unknowingly trample on these invaluable remnants.
The Bhimvireshwar Temple (Shivalaya), Bhimsen Sattal, and the inscriptions detailing their history are buried under weeds and debris. Key elements of the temple, such as its five golden pinnacles, are missing. Similarly, copper plates, the main pinnacle, smaller pinnacles on all four sides, bells, and decorative elements like Peepal leaves have also disappeared. Locals recall that the site once included cremation grounds and ceremonial ponds, which are no longer visible.
The temple’s surrounding area, spread over approximately 800 ropanis (about 40 hectares), houses the Bhimsen Column, in front of which once hung a massive 3,000-kilogram bell. This bell was stolen and later found in pieces buried under sand on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. A small bell now hangs from the heavy chain where the original once resided. Additionally, golden urns on the Sattal’s four corners were stolen, and bricks and materials from the structure were removed.
Damaged Trishul and Dilapidated Structures
A 12-foot-high iron trident (trishul) near the temple has one of its three prongs missing. The Sattal, which previously served as a resting place for travelers, is in ruins, hidden under dense vegetation. Bricks and wooden components are also disappearing. Locals reportedly use parts of the site for cooking during picnics and collecting grass.
The Sattal’s walls, especially along the Budhi Gandaki River, have collapsed during recent monsoons, leaving only remnants of its original form. The lack of conservation efforts has turned this historic site into a dilapidated shadow of its former glory. Most valuable artifacts are either stolen or left in a neglected state.
Challenges in Relocation and Conservation
The Bhimvireshwar Mahadev Temple and Sattal were designated for relocation under the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project, but no progress has been made. This uncertainty has not only jeopardized the future of the historical structures but also created instability for the local community.
Earthquakes and Structural Decline
Historical records suggest that earthquakes in 1890 and 1990 B.S. (1833 and 1934 AD) caused significant damage to the Sattal. Subsequent earthquakes in 2045 B.S. (1988 AD) and 2072 B.S. (2015 AD) further weakened the structures. Despite these events, reconstruction efforts have been minimal, leading to the current state of disrepair.
Efforts to Preserve Remaining Artifacts
According to Surendra Thapa, chairman of the Bhimvireshwar Guthi Committee, the temple’s golden pinnacles and other valuable items are under the protection of the Thapa family and the local police. However, many of these artifacts remain inaccessible to the public. The 3,000-kilogram bell was found in fragments and reassembled for safekeeping. Other items, such as a large copper garland, are reportedly secure, along with photographs of the temple's copper inscriptions.
Loss of Archaeological Inscriptions
The site contains stone inscriptions detailing Bhimsen Thapa’s contributions and the historical context of the Guthi (trust). These inscriptions, vital for preserving history, are fading due to neglect and erosion. The Archaeology Department has yet to document or publish these inscriptions, raising concerns about the long-term preservation of historical data.
Expert Opinions on Preservation
Historians like Dinesh Raj Pant, who visited Bungkotghat in 1981, recall the site as historically and archaeologically significant. At the time, it was already in a state of neglect. Pant noted the presence of large inscriptions related to Bhimsen Thapa scattered throughout the area.
Similarly, archaeologist Sushil Kumar Gautam criticized the lack of preservation efforts, emphasizing that these inscriptions provide crucial insights into Nepal’s history and culture. Gautam warned that continued neglect could lead to the loss of irreplaceable historical evidence.
Conclusion
The historical structures associated with Bhimsen Thapa, a key figure in Nepal’s history, face imminent destruction due to neglect, theft, and environmental factors. Without urgent intervention by the state and concerned communities, these invaluable cultural heritage sites may soon disappear, leaving a void in Nepal’s rich historical narrative.
Neglected Historical Structures Associated with National Hero Bhimsen Thapa
Historical structures linked to Nepal’s national hero, Bhimsen Thapa, are struggling to survive amidst neglect and natural decay. Located in Bungkotghat, Ward 9 of Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, Gorkha, significant archaeological sites like the Bhimvireshwar Mahadev Temple and Bhimsen Sattal are left abandoned, overrun by invasive weeds, and exposed to the elements.
Bhimvireshwar Mahadev Temple at Bungkotghat
This historic site, now engulfed by wild vegetation and eroded by heavy rain, is rapidly deteriorating. Numerous archaeological artifacts in the area have been damaged, including long stone pillars, many of which are broken and scattered. Walking through the site, visitors unknowingly trample on these invaluable remnants.
The Bhimvireshwar Temple (Shivalaya), Bhimsen Sattal, and the inscriptions detailing their history are buried under weeds and debris. Key elements of the temple, such as its five golden pinnacles, are missing. Similarly, copper plates, the main pinnacle, smaller pinnacles on all four sides, bells, and decorative elements like Peepal leaves have also disappeared. Locals recall that the site once included cremation grounds and ceremonial ponds, which are no longer visible.
The temple’s surrounding area, spread over approximately 800 ropanis (about 40 hectares), houses the Bhimsen Column, in front of which once hung a massive 3,000-kilogram bell. This bell was stolen and later found in pieces buried under sand on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. A small bell now hangs from the heavy chain where the original once resided. Additionally, golden urns on the Sattal’s four corners were stolen, and bricks and materials from the structure were removed.
Damaged Trishul and Dilapidated Structures
A 12-foot-high iron trident (trishul) near the temple has one of its three prongs missing. The Sattal, which previously served as a resting place for travelers, is in ruins, hidden under dense vegetation. Bricks and wooden components are also disappearing. Locals reportedly use parts of the site for cooking during picnics and collecting grass.
The Sattal’s walls, especially along the Budhi Gandaki River, have collapsed during recent monsoons, leaving only remnants of its original form. The lack of conservation efforts has turned this historic site into a dilapidated shadow of its former glory. Most valuable artifacts are either stolen or left in a neglected state.
Challenges in Relocation and Conservation
The Bhimvireshwar Mahadev Temple and Sattal were designated for relocation under the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project, but no progress has been made. This uncertainty has not only jeopardized the future of the historical structures but also created instability for the local community.
Earthquakes and Structural Decline
Historical records suggest that earthquakes in 1890 and 1990 B.S. (1833 and 1934 AD) caused significant damage to the Sattal. Subsequent earthquakes in 2045 B.S. (1988 AD) and 2072 B.S. (2015 AD) further weakened the structures. Despite these events, reconstruction efforts have been minimal, leading to the current state of disrepair.
Efforts to Preserve Remaining Artifacts
According to Surendra Thapa, chairman of the Bhimvireshwar Guthi Committee, the temple’s golden pinnacles and other valuable items are under the protection of the Thapa family and the local police. However, many of these artifacts remain inaccessible to the public. The 3,000-kilogram bell was found in fragments and reassembled for safekeeping. Other items, such as a large copper garland, are reportedly secure, along with photographs of the temple's copper inscriptions.
Loss of Archaeological Inscriptions
The site contains stone inscriptions detailing Bhimsen Thapa’s contributions and the historical context of the Guthi (trust). These inscriptions, vital for preserving history, are fading due to neglect and erosion. The Archaeology Department has yet to document or publish these inscriptions, raising concerns about the long-term preservation of historical data.
Expert Opinions on Preservation
Historians like Dinesh Raj Pant, who visited Bungkotghat in 1981, recall the site as historically and archaeologically significant. At the time, it was already in a state of neglect. Pant noted the presence of large inscriptions related to Bhimsen Thapa scattered throughout the area.
Similarly, archaeologist Sushil Kumar Gautam criticized the lack of preservation efforts, emphasizing that these inscriptions provide crucial insights into Nepal’s history and culture. Gautam warned that continued neglect could lead to the loss of irreplaceable historical evidence.
Conclusion
The historical structures associated with Bhimsen Thapa, a key figure in Nepal’s history, face imminent destruction due to neglect, theft, and environmental factors. Without urgent intervention by the state and concerned communities, these invaluable cultural heritage sites may soon disappear, leaving a void in Nepal’s rich historical narrative.