The restoration of the Anantapur and Pratappur temples, which are listed as World Heritage Sites and are located in Swayambhu, has been completed. The Swayambhu Management and Conservation Grand Committee, responsible for preserving Swayambhu, undertook the necessary repairs and restoration about one year after both temples developed cracks and became structurally vulnerable.
After receiving approval from the Department of Archaeology to restore the temples to their original form, the committee utilized modern techniques to complete the repairs and repainting, according to the committee’s secretary, Chandraratna Buddhacharya.
The temples suffered damage during the 2015 earthquake. Built by King Pratap Malla, these structures hold historical and archaeological significance. History suggests that King Pratap Malla named the temple “Pratappur” after himself, while the “Anantapur” temple was built in memory of his queen, Anantapriya.
The committee’s general secretary, Mahendraratna Buddhacharya, stated that the Department of Archaeology and the committee are currently studying other ancient structures and chaityas in the area for potential restoration. The temples had previously undergone renovations after being damaged by fire and lightning.
In addition to temple restoration, the committee has been involved in organizing local festivals, planting trees for forest conservation in the Swayambhu area, and beautifying parks. Engineer Rajesh Suwal from the committee reported that the restoration cost approximately 2 million Nepalese rupees and that further studies are being conducted to repair other heritage structures around the main stupa.
