KVPT

One of the most prominent temples in the square outside Hanumandhoka in Kathmandu, the Jagannath Temple is an outstanding example of tiered temple architecture from the Malla period (1200-1769). Dedicated to Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu, the temple was consecrated in 1562. Due to repeated earthquake damage, the temple has been rebuilt and altered on several occasions. During the 1934 earthquake, the temple lost part of its upper roof and suffered extensive damage to its floors and walls. The temple was dismantled and rebuilt in 1936 using original materials. Nearly 60 years after its reconstruction, the temple had been damaged by its leaking roofs, causing the severe decay of its timber frame construction. In the monsoon of 1999, a section of the lower north roof collapsed. The Department of Archaeology implemented emergency repairs but the timber frame remained vulnerable to moisture. KVPT raised the necessary funds for the complete restoration of the temple including the reconstruction and waterproofing of both roofs, repair and replacement of damaged timber elements, restoration of the missing plinth with traditional bricks and tiles, as well as the restoration of the four small corner temples.