An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 1

INTRODUCTION
Conservation carries a wider meaning and
embraces the various kinds of treatment that are given
to any monument to lengthen its life. The spinal concept
of conservation is to retain the originality of the
monument to the greatest possible extent.

Conservation is the action which we undertake to

prevent decay. Objects once made, are subjected to
development and decay. Nothing manmade can defy Figure 1: Restoration work:
time and stand forever. But the notion of object Mahadev Temple II
permanence and conservation which form the backbone in
the development of a person remain in the back of the mind of human beings.
Conservation motivates to regenerate what is lost or what has otherwise taken a
different form. Architecture of any place gives the place its identity and integrity. Just
like a nose provides an identity to a person.1

The need of conservation is undeniable. Everything around us will either perish

or be transformed into a new form, sooner or later. Our past is out roots and it needs
to be respected. The cultural relics of our ancestors have been renowned all over the
world for its fine craftsmanship. It's the duty of the current generation not to act
according to whims of fashion and follow the popular trend but to look after and
preserve the objects of heritage.

Architecture conservation is important because it helps to preserve the

emotional values, functional values and cultural values of an area while preserving
the structure that emanates those vibes. Architecture always has to give out an aura
of originality and authenticity. To prevent it from getting too lost conservation is
needed, so that, authenticity, originality and truth of an architecture gets to remain
intact.
It is true that,
 Authenticity is heart of conservation
 Originality is core of conservation
 Truth is base of conservation

Conservation thus helps to retain the existing state of buildings and prevent
decay. This ultimately freezes the expertise of the craftsmen of the previous years in
terms of the visible marvels and in the process passes on the information’s to the
future generations. Architecture conservation helps to identify the importance of
buildings and conserve them.

OBJECTIVES
1. To record the present condition of the monument by studying, recording the
religious and cultural value of the monument.
1
Figure 1: DOA, KMC & KVPT, Final Report, Mahadev Temples, 2007, page no 43.
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 2

2. To formulate the program for the conservation of each possible intervention.

3. To identify and reveal the three main values such as cultural, ethical values that
each element possesses.

4. To focus on the conservation of the traditional architectural elements the

monument posses.

5. To present it to those who use and look at historic buildings and elements with
wonder, the artistic and human message that such object posses.

6. The traditional buildings and structures handed down to us through history with
all modification for functional and aesthetic reasons are source of knowledge for us.
Such structures give information about our ancestors their religious, their
achievement, their technological knowledge and their knowledge of materials

7. By conserving the traditional architecture we will be able to gain such knowledge

and also the future generations can learn from it.

8. By conserving, a trend of conservation will be developed and the tangible and

intangible cultural properties will be conserved.

9. The conservation of the traditional architectural element here will require revival of
traditional materials, traditional skills and traditional techniques. These are nearly in
the state of the loss due to the stoppage of the construction of such elements.

10. To revitalize architectural elements conservation is needed. By revitalizing the

traditional skills and craftsmanship we can generate employment opportunities to the
people. This way the craftsmanship will not be dead and also people will be attracted
towards learning such skills as they can get employments.

11. The conservation will also help in the revival of the traditional brick makers, door,
and window makers.

12. To make people aware of the importance of our traditional architectural elements
conservation is essential.

13. To conserve and reuse the traditional building as the regular use will help in use.
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 3

METHODOLOGY

1. VISUAL INSPECTION
A general inspection was done for the first time consulting the inventory.
General record of the monument was kept.

2. DETAIL INFORMATION
Detail information was taken out from various books from Department of
Archeology and library.

3. DETAIL INSPECITON
It was carried out at the second visit after gaining insight of the monumental
zone. Each monument was inspected from roof to plinth and foundation. The
picture was taken of the monument and the details present.

4. INTERVIEW
For acquiring general information about the site few questions were
prepared through inspection and was put forward to the priest and the
authority of the conservation federation.
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 4

Mahadev Temples:
Pair of pagoda temples flanking Singh Dhoka, the western entrance of Taleju
Temple at Kathmandu Darbar Square are Temples of Lord Shiva (Mahadev
temple). These 17th century structures have been constructed as a part of the
entrance2. The Temples, which symbolized the guardian deties of the entrance
make significant components of historic ensemble. The restoration work was
completed for these temples in July 2007 by the Joint project of DOA (Nepal
Government Department Of Archeology), KMC (Kathmandu Metropolitan City)
and KVPT (Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust) 3. With these restored, the
entire culturally and architecturally important ensemble of Kathmandu Darbar
Square is completed.
Before these
three Parties initiated
the restoration in
February 2006, their
structural conditions
were very poor even
though their
appearance looked
respectable.
The entire
structure of Mahadev
Temple II was
leaning towards east.
In both structures,
Figure 2: Before and After Restoration: Mahadev Temple I
the timber members
Including the rafters, planking, purlins and wall plates etc. had deteriorated
considerably. Many of their significant carved details were lost.

But the present condition of these structures after the restoration shows
the ancient look in modern technology. From the roof up to the plinth,
necessary works were done by replacing the deteriorated materials by good
quality materials maintaining the aesthetic value.
As the religious significance of Taleju Temple is notable (opened in the day
of Fulpati in Dashain every year) but the cult object in these temples are no
longer actively worshipped.

Significance of Temples:
According to the Venice charter article 1,

2
Gautam Bajra Bajracharya, "Hanuman Dhoka Rajdarbar" published by Nepal Asian Studies institution, T.U. 1997,
page no. 82-83.
3
Final Report, Mahadev Temples, Kathmandu Darbar Initiative, Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust, August, 2007
Figure 2: DOA, KMC & KVPT, Final Report, Mahadev Temples, 2007, page no 2.
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 5

“The concept of an historic monument embraces not only the single architectural work but
also the urban or rural setting in which is found evidences of a particular civilization, a
significance development or an historic event. This applies not only to great works of art
but also to more modest works of the past which have acquired cultural significance with
the passing of time.”
Even though no stone inscription could be found in the temple about the
date of the consecration, they have been mentioned in some publications. In
the book "Hamumandhoka Raj Darbar" (page no 83), the writer Gautam Bajra
Bajracharya states that the temples were established as the part of the
Singha Dhoka itself which is constructed during the reign of Pratap Malla
(1641-1674 AD). And the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Environment and
Cultural Heritage Protective Inventory" attributes the temples as 17th century.
These Mahadev Temples date back to the time when the entrance was
consecrated in 17th century. The triumphant King, Pratap Malla brought back
two huge stone lions as a victory trophy after conquering Bhaktapur in 1663
AD. He established them as the guardian figures of Taleju's western gate
thus, marked an important event in the history of Kathmandu. it is most
probable that these two temple structures were constructed during the same
time frame.
The principle deity from Changu Narayan Temple is brought in to the
Hanumandhoka through this very
entry and Khadga Jatra during the
Dashain is also initiated from here.
Twice every year Changu Narayan
comes to Taleju Temple to pay
homage to the Malla Tutelary deity,
during this time, the Goddess
Kumari visits the Taleju Temple
and is worshipped on the plinth of
Mahadev Temple II. The entrance
is used during various religious
activities, thus, is of immense
cultural and historical significance.
With their history linked to the
Singh Dhoka, the temples were
built to accentuate the historic and
artistic significance of the entrance.

Location
These of Mahadev temples are located at northern side of Kathmandu
Darbar Square. Under the shade of huge tree, just in front of the Taleju
Temple, these two Mahadev Temples are situated as like as the guardian in
the gate. The other Mahadev (Chaturmukhlinga) temple is also situated in
front of Kageshwor Temple, constructed in rich stone.
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 6

The locations of temples in four directions are: 4

Figure 3: Kathmandu Darbar Square
North: Mahadev Temple I and
Makhan Tole (pati)
South: Sundari Chowk
East: Taleju Temple
West: Kageshwar Mahadev Temple
I
Architecture
The both temples are an ample II
example of Brick architecture of the
Malla Period. The plans are basically
consists of a symmetric square, brick
masonry of dimensions 2.50m X
2.50m. The temple stands on
475mm wide and 350mm height
plinth of brick wall with 100mm thick
stone blocks on the top surface. The
entry to the temple is from the west. Figure 4: Local Surroundings of Mahadev Temples
The sanctum room is small with the idol of Shiva linga at centre. The door is
highly carved with religious motifs. Original carvings have been used in the
restoration of 2007 at most places. There is an exquisite display of wooden
craftsmanship above the cornice.
The visually dominant lower tiered roof overhang is supported by 8
struts and 4 corner struts. The top tier is also
supported by the same number of struts. Each
struts displays carvings of religious motifs. All
the struts are original dating back from 17th
century. Some of the struts which have cracks
are supported with the stainless steel at the
back side of struts for reinforcement during the
restoration done in 2007.
New timbers have been used for the
rafters, purlins and eaves board. Jhingati tiles
have been used for cover above the planking
layer. Also the windows were replaced with
carving the missing details.
The existing pinnacle was cleaned and
reinstalled with the base of brick masonry in
the restoration of 2007.
Current Condition
Figure 5: Mahadev Temple I
Restoration works for these temples were done in under the shade of Huge Tree
2007 by KVPT. So these temples are good in present
4
Figure 3: Korn Wolfgang, The Traditional Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley, 1993, page no 63.
Figure 4: DOA, KMC & KVPT, Final Report, Mahadev Temples, 2007, page no 1.
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 7

condition. Based on the observations of the Mahadev temples, the prepared

list of current condition of external and internal elements are as follows: 5
External
 Plinth and drainage:
Before the restoration work, the brick work in the plinth was damaged and
the stone apron in the top was missing. After the Figure 6: Ground Floor Plan
restoration work, plinth is in quite good condition.
The topping of the plinth by the stone blocks is in
good condition and is functional in letting any water
to drain to the outside of the plinth. Due to the
large overhang of roof, direct penetration of
rainwater does not occur in the plinth but the
sloping plinth surface will suffice to drain any such
water. The brickwork in plinth on the west side of
Temple II is slightly deteriorated.
 Wall:
The wall of the sanctum room is in good condition.
The thin mud mortar is intact and functional. No
cracks or moisture penetration was observed.
Figure 7: Plinth and Wall of Mahadev temple II
 Doors:
The entrance doors in both temples are an
elaborative with carved frames. Bhairab figurines can
be seen in the extended doorframes and the forward
standing column. The door surrounds contain two pairs
of carved deities set in miniature niches, Shiva and
Vishnu above and Ganesh and Kumar are placed below.
Female figures Salabhanjika a top a crocodile (makara)
can be seen on the door flank, the two figures being
identical but mirror images. Lower images are not
provided in the door of Temple I. The door seems as a
marvelous craftsmanship.
 Windows: Figure 8: Door of Mahadev Temple II
The window on lower level and top level are devoid of torana. The upper
windows are constructed in the form of openings with panels below
(kvasvahjhya in Newari). They are rendered identically
on all four sides with animal and floral motifs
elaborated in locations where the entrance door house
deities.
 Cornice:
Miniatures between the carved lion heads in the
base level cornice just above the ambulatory depict
floral motifs and the eight auspicious symbols of
Astamangala.

5
Figure 6: DOA, KMC & KVPT, Final Report, Mahadev Temples, 2007, page no 24.
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 8

 Struts:
Figure 9: Eastern side window
The corner struts depict a single full height horse Mahadev temple I
design (Kunsal in Newari). The flying horse figure
motif has been repeated at both levels. The lower
struts are carved in more details than the upper
struts (smaller). All the struts used are the
original dating from the 18th century. Lower part
of middles struts depict individual gods
surmounted by an upper panel of foliage. Some
appendages of the carvings have been lost and
have not been replaced. The middle struts in
eastern part of Temple I has no any carvings.
 Roofs:
The roofs have been attacked by vegetative
growth. Grass and small plants are growing from
the tiles. The vegetation has not done any
structural damage to the roof but it could inflict
serious damage if not properly controlled. Figure 10: Cornice, Struts and Roof:
Mahadev temple I

 Pinnacle:
The pinnacle was cleaned and reinstalled over
brick masonry in 2007. It is in fairly good
condition. The shininess has been slightly less
which can be regained through regular cleaning
and polishing.

INTERNAL
Based on the observations and study of report,
prepared list of current condition of internal Figure 11: First Floor Plan
elements as follows:
 Statue:
The Shiva Linga, is centrally placed as a principal
deity. Traditional Telia tiles are laid in paving in the
sanctum area. The statue is currently in good condition
due to no longer actively worshipping.6
 Wall:
The internal wall is made up of brick (Maa Appa) with
yellow mud mortar. Walls are tied with timber ties at the
corner above the lintel. Out plaster and is in very good
condition. No moisture penetration or cracks were
detected.
 Ceiling:
6
.
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 9

The ceiling is in fairly good condition. The timber joints as seen from inside
appear to be intact and serviceable. There is a narrow opening on the ceiling
for access to the upper levels. The opening is usually kept locked as it is only
for service purposes.
 Internal Decorations:
The temple lacks any internal decorations. Figure 12: West-East Section:
Mahadev Temple I

Recommendations
The restoration carried out in July 2007 by the Joint project of DOA (Nepal
Government, Department Of Archeology), KMC (Kathmandu Metropolitan
City) and KVPT (Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust). The once crumbling
and decaying adobe has now been transformed into an excellent example of a
tiered temple. Over the last two years there have been some minor damage
to the structure but I could not detect any major flaws. I have prepared a list
of recommendations as follows:

 Immediate Recommendation
1. The repair of a plinth stone on east side, which has lost contact with
mortar and has been rendered loose.
2. The small portion in the western side of the roof of MahadevTemple I,
should be treated so that its look from front will be good.
3. The branches of huge tree at the side of Temple I, which could break
anytime by the wind force, should be cut off for its protection.
4. The deteriorated face of plinth wall in temple I should be immediately
treated.
 Middle Term Recommendation
1. The uncarved struts placing at the eastern side of Temple I should be
carved as per the specifications in such types of struts to maintain its
identity and harmony among the corner struts.
2. The Pinnacles of both temples should be cleaned and polished regularly.
 Long Term Recommendation
As long-term recommendations I have made a list as follows:
1. The monitoring of these temples condition by an institutionalized body
and yearly evaluation of the conditions. A team of experts should
analyze the temple conditions on yearly basis and suggest for any repair
before it's too late.
2. Involvement of the local people in the conservation process should be
taken carefully so that individual could be interested in noticing the
temples daily. The involvement of the local people will also educate the
general public about the need of conservation.

Conclusion
 An Inspection Report on Mahadev Temples at Kathmandu Darbar Square 10

The temples of Mahadev are now in a propitious situation-thanks to

restoration work carried out two years ago. It is a standing proof of what
proper conservation can do. These temples are not only free standing
elements but also, part of the society of its vicinity. So these temples should
be rich in carvings and should be in well conditions. Temples, Chaitya, Stupas
etc. reflect the Architectural character of respective society. So the concerned
authority should be in standby position for any of such renovation or
restoration works to maintain the identity of each ancient as well as historical
elements. There might be a moral to be learned from the restoration of
Mahadev Temples and similar techniques can be applied to other temples to
fulfill the maxim of conservation, and to broaden the access to our heritage.

Bibliography
1. Gautam Bajra Bajracharya, "Hanuman Dhoka Rajdarbar" published by
Nepal Asian Studies institution, T.U., 1997.
2. Final Report, Mahadev Temples, Kathmandu Darbar Initiative,
Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust, August, 2007.
3. Korn Wolfgang, The Traditional Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley,
Ratna Pustak Bhandar, Kathmandu Nepal, 1993.
4. KVPT website at http://www.asianart.com/kvpt/
5. Lecture notes by: Prof. Dr. Jiba Raj Pokharel, IOE, Pulchowk Campus.