The Bhaju Pukhu, a centuries-old pond in Bhaktapur with a temple at its centre, is finally going to be restored. The temple, which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1737 BS (1681AD), had never been reconstructed.

Efforts to reconstruct the historic pond were made in 2058 BS, but they were abandoned, until last year, with the formation of the Bhaju Pukhu Reconstruction Sub-Committee who has taken up the task of completing the project. 

According to historian Purushottam Lochan Shrestha, and his calculations after studying remains of the temple, the pond’s origins date back to the 12th century. 

Bhaktapur municipality officials say the pond’s restoration work is set to be complete by the end of this fiscal year.

A general view of the construction site of Bhaju Pukhu, an ancient pond in Bhaktapur.

Workers built a pathway to a temple at the centre of the pond.

A female worker finds her way through to the construction site.