KAL BHAIRAB
RESTORATION: december 2003 - march 2005FUNDED BY:
us ambassadors fund for cultural preservation
nepal investment bank
prithivi B. Pande
german development service
The Kal Bhairab shrine, located at the center of Kathmandu Darbar Square, was consecrated by King Pratapmalla in the 17th century. A rare surviving example of stone architecture, the large image of Bhairab is thought to predate the 10th century. Bhairab is the major protector of the Kathmandu Valley and its people, making the Kal Bhairab one of the most frequented shrines in the valley. The main image survived the 1934 earthquake but the wall and roof details were partially destroyed. Between 1936 and 1991 several changes were made to the shrine including a corrugated zinc roof supported by a concrete frame and GI pipes, and tiled marble on the back wall.
Much of the 17th stone shrine structure was concealed and damaged by these later additions. After careful documentation of these conditions, KVPT began a complete restoration of the shrine based on historical photographs and drawings. The removal of the concrete enclosure revealed an openair shrine with three pinnacles, a cornice, and an elaborate tympanum. Missing and severely damaged elements were re-carved on the basis of historical photographs. Structural reinforcements including stainless steel ties were employed to connect the carved stone veneer to the core masonry.
