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| Rani Pokhari of Kathmandu (A must see place) |
Rani Pokhari/Queen's Pond also known as Nhiyu pukhu (new
pond) in local newari language, is situated in the heart of Kathmandu City just
in front of Durbar High School( Nepal’s first school). The construction of this
pond is dated back to 17th Century. This pond is one of the magnificent
souvenir of an ancient Kathmandu. After the destruction took place in 2015 earthquake,
the renovation progress is going on for the damaged parts.
Rani Pokhari was built by King Pratap Malla, one of the most
prominent ruler in Nepal. He constructed this beautiful pond to comfort his
queen who was shattered with sorrow after the untimely demise of their son
Chakravartindra Malla who got crushed by an elephant on the ceremony of his
successor to the throne. After the completion of this pond King Pratap Malla
collected water from many holy places like Muktinath, Gosaikunda, Badrinath,
Kedarnath etc. and spilled it into the pond to purify it. It is also said that
after this pond was constructed, Queen used to visit every day in evening which
later named Rani Pokhari/Queen’s Pond.
At the center of the pond lies the temple which is devoted
to hindu lord Shiva. A huge stone sculpture of an elephant and Pratap Malla sitting
on it with his two son has been carved in the south part of the pond. And at
the four corners of the pond four temples of Bhairava, Mahalaxmi and Ganesh has
been placed. This pond is protected with iron bars from all side and is opened
only twice a year during the festival Bhaitika in Tihar and Chhath.
Nepal One Tours and Travels is organizing guided sightseeing tours everyday in January and February 2019.
