Shankhamul

Shankhamul is one of the historical and culturally rich places around Kathmandu valley and is considered as one the twelve most holy junctions of two rivers, consisting of various historical evidence of documents and legends about earlier Kathmandu valley. The people living in this area belong to various traditional trusts which lead in the reconstruction and management as well as preservation of the heritages from ancient time. This great effort made by the local community will surely help in the restoration of ancient heritages along with Bagmati and its various tributaries will want to replicate. It is said that there are many heritages, sites, idols, temple and many more related evidence with proof of different religion, which are believed to be constructed and destroyed from ancient time. It is said that different temple and idols were built at different period of time in this holy site and also considered as a very ancient site in the Kathmandu valley.

However, Shankhamul consists of many valuable sites and monuments. You can see a statue of the Maitreya Buddha which was discovered in 1987 from Shankhamul and is dated the 10th century. This kind of find happens in many historical sites of Kathmandu valley where monuments have been built, destroyed by nature or man and then rebuilt again. The reason for any confusion as to whether any sight is Buddhist, Shaivic or Vaishnav is due to this reason as well. Similarly, the three storey Chamunda Temple is said to be dated in the 3rd century. In addition, there exists a beautiful temple complex established by Jagat (Sumshere) Rana at the eastern side of Shankhamul which is believed to be established in 1860 dedicated to Shiva and Narayan. Besides, the temple complex also features very large stone statues of Hanuman, Ganesh, and Garuda, which is still in good condition and really worth visiting the valuable site.

Nevertheless, there is a beautiful park at the bank of Bagmati River near Shankhamul Bridge which consist of a beautiful idol of ‘Shankha’ adding beauty to the sacred site. The park over there is very beautiful to hang out for a bit in this busy city.