Spaces Vol 1 Is 6

Text: Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust
THE IMAGE OF KAL BHAIRAV REPRESENTS LORD SHIVA IN
HIS FEROCIOUS MANIFESTATION AND IS WORSHIPPED BY
BOTH HINDUS AND BUDDHISTS ALIKE AS THE SEER OF TRUTH.
Standing imposingly at the centre
of the Royal Square of
Kathmandu since its consecration
in the 17th century, the shrine of
Kal Bhairav has evolved as a crucial part of
the historic ensemble of the Square over a
period of time. A very rare example of stone
architecture, the image of Kal Bhairav
represents Lord Shiva in his ferocious
manifestation and is worshipped by both
Hindus and Buddhists alike as the seer of
truth. The monument of Kal Bhairav has a
significant place in the religion and culture
of the Valley and it is believed that the person
who lies before the monumental figure has
to face terrible consequences. Besides being
closely associated with the eight Mother
Goddesses, Kal Bhairav is the most
worshipped deity and is considered to be the
protector of the Valley.
The original configuration of the structure
was completely lost under several layers of
continuous alterations done due to wellintentioned
votive offerings of the devotees.
The first recorded major alteration made to
the holy shrine was triggered by the
devastating earthquake in 1934. The upper
level including the cornice and the pinnacles
were severely damaged. During the repair
the former shape of the upper structure was
completely changed. Much of the shrine’s
historic fabric and details were already either
lost or altered when the Kathmandu Valley
Preservation Trust (KVPT) initiated the
project in 2003. The proposal to restore the
structure back to its historical state was
successful only after winning the U.S.
Ambassador’s fund for Cultural
Preservation, 2003.
With repair and restoration of this shrine,
not only has the local community gained its
Photo: Manju Rana
Left: Kal Bhairav in 1910 before the 1934
earthquake: details such as the tympanum
(found missing prior to restoration) still
existed during this period. This photograph
served as the prime reference to deduce
the original form and lost intricate details.
SPACES SEP-OCT 2005 31