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Lamjung Palace Reconstruction Delayed Due to Budget Shortage

Lamjung Palace Reconstruction Delayed Due to Budget Shortage

The reconstruction of Lamjung Palace, situated at an altitude of 1,445 meters above sea level, remains incomplete due to a lack of budget. The palace, believed to have been built in the 16th century, is considered the birthplace of the Shah dynasty. The Department of Archaeology began its reconstruction three years ago in Besisahar Municipality-3, Gaunsahar, but progress has stalled.

According to Govinda Adhikari, an engineer from the Department, the initial plan aimed to complete the reconstruction within two years. However, due to insufficient funding from the government, the project remains unfinished. Key remaining tasks include constructing walls, installing a roof and wooden framework, placing the pinnacle (gajur), plastering the interior, fixing doors and windows, painting, and flooring.

The reconstruction began in the fiscal year 2079/80 (2022/23) with an allocated budget of NPR 133 million. However, in the last fiscal year, the government only provided NPR 50 million, causing delays. The palace is being restored in its original architectural style, featuring a three-story structure with a traditional pagoda-style roof for the Kalika Temple. Bricks, wood, and mortar for the project have been sourced from Bhaktapur.

Rajendra Bohara, Chairperson of the Gaunsahar Kalika Temple Conservation and Management Committee, expressed concern over the delays. “Despite an oral agreement with the Department of Archaeology to complete the work within two years, the project remains unfinished even in its third year. The incomplete construction has created obstacles for devotees and tourists visiting the temple during festivals,” he said.

Locals have requested that the roof be covered with brass or copper, but their concerns remain unaddressed. Chitra Bahadur Danai, Chairperson of Ward No. 3, stated, “Even after several years, the construction is not complete. This year it was supposed to be finished, but due to a lack of funds, the project remains stalled. We have repeatedly urged the authorities to expedite the work, but no action has been taken.”

Resident Suresh Shrestha criticized the government’s approach, stating that the palace should have been reconstructed with full funding in one go instead of small, incremental budgets that have caused yearly delays. According to the management committee, the palace spans 16 ropanis of land.

Lamjung is known as the origin of the Shah dynasty, and Lamjung Palace is a part of this historical legacy. Kalu Shah, the eldest son of King Kulmandal of Kaskikot, was appointed as the first ruler of the Chaubise kingdom of Lamjung in 1540 BS by Khajedura, Sukaram Kyousa, Maghe Dura, Kushmakhar Ghimire, and Laxman Dura.

However, historical records indicate that he was later assassinated by the army of the then-ruling Ghale king of Lamjung. After this incident, the younger son of Kulmandal, Yasobrahma Shah, was brought from Kaskikot and enthroned as king on Asar 15, 1550 BS, during an auspicious period marked by a 15-ghadi Singha Lagna, as recorded in inscriptions.

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