The reconstruction  work of Ranipokhari is set to start on Sunday, coinciding with the anniversary of the Gorkha Earthquake. The Yamaleshwor temple situated in the middle of Ranipokhari was badly damaged by the quake.

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on January 16 had inaugurated the national reconstruction campaign from Ranipokhari amid a function.  

Gyanendra Karki, spokesperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, said they plan to complete the renovation work by next year’s Bhai Tika festival.

The National Reconstruction Authority has allotted Rs 120 million for the project. The quake-ravaged temple was built by late King Pratap Malla in 1670 to console his queen who was heartbroken following the death of their son. Legend has it that the water from various holy sites were brought to fill Ranipokhari.