Shankhamul is one of the twelve most sacred places in the unique religious Kathmandu Valley, as recorded in many old stories and historical accounts of Nepal. In Nepal, people consider places where two or three rivers come together holy.
Sankhamul: Bagmati-Manohara river confluence
At Shankhamul, the Bagmati River, which flows south from the Pashupati temple complex, joins with all the rivers that start from the eastern part of the valley, including the Manohara River. From there, the river continues west and south, eventually leaving the Kathmandu Valley at Chobhar before flowing into the Terai. The source of the Bagmati River is also within the valley, on the southern slopes of Shivapuri Hill to the north, known as Baghdwar, which is a popular hiking destination in Shivapuri National Park.
The people of Patan, who belong to different traditional trusts (guthis), have come together to protect the built and natural heritage of Shankhamul. Encourage visitors to walk through the area and witness the impressive results of the locals’ hard work.
Sankhamul Ghat
The restoration of the cremation ghats, the creation of a flower garden, and the repainting of various structures along the Bagmati River have greatly improved the area’s appeal. This community effort is likely to inspire similar projects along the Bagmati and its tributaries.
Visitors at the local Buddhist learning center can view a statue of the Maitreya Buddha, unearthed in 1987 at Shankhamul and dating back to the 10th century. Such finds are common in the Kathmandu Valley, where historical sites have seen monuments built, destroyed by nature or human activity, and then rebuilt.
This cycle of construction and reconstruction often confuses the religious affiliation of a site, as builders erected different idols and temples at various times on the same sacred grounds, whether Buddhist, Shivas, or Vaishnav.
Sankhamul Temple
Jagat Rana, one of the younger brothers of Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana, built a beautiful temple complex on the eastern side of Shankhamul in 1860. The main temple complex, dedicated to Shiva and Narayan, showcases striking large stone statues of Hanuman, Ganesh, and Garuda. The complex is well-maintained, making it a must-visit destination.
Sankhamul River Revitalization
For those who feel discouraged by the current state of the Bagmati River, the revitalization of Shankhamul offers a glimmer of hope. The river, which once sustained the valley, is now in desperate need of restoration. Everyone can contribute to this cause, regardless of their location or occupation.
We need to replicate successful conservation efforts, similar to those observed in the Shivapuri watershed, across the valley. Ensuring that the fees collected for wastewater treatment are effectively used and not diverted elsewhere is crucial. Preventing waste from entering the river is essential.
In the medium to long term, it is important to decentralize services and facilities that attract people to the valley to other parts of Nepal. This would help achieve true decentralization and reduce pressure on the valley’s resources. The urgency of such efforts can be compared to a historical story about Napoleon. He instructed his staff to plant trees along roads to provide shade for his troops.
Similarly, we must immediately tackle the environmental challenges facing the Bagmati River and the Kathmandu Valley.
