KVPT

The Kal Bhairab shrine, located at the center of Kathmandu Darbar Square, was consecrated by King Pratapamalla in the 17th century. A rare surviving example of stone architecture, the main 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 damged by these later aditions. After careful documentation of thse conditions, KVPT began a complete restoration of the shrine based on historical photographs and dawings. The removal of the concrete enclosure revealed an open-air 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.