Conserving an ensemble of two 15th century shrine buildings at the monastery of Mubaha, Patan
Two shrine buildings of Mubaha, Patan, are rare, remarkably intact examples of Newar architecture dating to at least the late 15th century; although dilapidated, the Kwapadyah (main shrine) and Digichhen (auxiliary shrine) define the south and west sides of a residential courtyard; they have been used for worship continuously by the sangha, the local monastic community, for more than half a millennium. The sangha comprises 30 – 40 families living in this courtyard and several adjacent ones, a striking example of Patan’s intact social topography within the core area. These two buildings are still owned by the monastery, while other buildings in the courtyard have been privatized over the last two centuries.
The project will carefully document the two historic structures, including their significant program of surviving wood-carved decorative elements, including doorways, wooden cornices, individual and multi-bay windows, and decorative blind windows. Structural consolidation of these buildings, which were damaged in the 2015 earthquake, is necessary and will involve partial rebuilding with parallel goals to maximize historical fabric retention and introduce concealed seismic strengthening measures. The present dilapidation is severe; parts of the buildings have collapsed, and further collapse is unavoidable, making this work especially urgent.
To carry out this ambitious and multifaceted project, Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust has assembled a strategic alliance over the last three years, including with the Mubaha sangha, the Patan Municipality, the local Ward Chairman, as well as international donors including the French Oriental Culture Heritage Sites Protection Alliance (OCHSPA) as a major donor.
