Exploring the Beautiful Ranipokhari in Kathmandu: A Historical and Cultural Gem

Ranipokhari is a historic pond located in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a popular landmark and a cultural heritage site in the city. The pond, which means “Queen’s Pond” in Nepali, was originally built in the 17th century by King Pratap Malla as a part of his palace complex. The pond is known for its unique octagonal shape and is surrounded by a beautiful temple, a palace, and various statues and shrines.

Ranipokhari is a significant cultural and religious site for the Nepalese people. It is particularly important during the annual Dashain festival, when the pond is emptied and people come to bathe in the holy water. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm in Nepal.

In 2015, Ranipokhari suffered significant damage during the earthquake that struck Nepal. However, the pond has since been restored and continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Story of Ranipokhari

The story of Ranipokhari goes back to the 17th century when King Pratap Malla ruled over the Kathmandu Valley. According to the legend, the king had a vision of a goddess who told him to build a pond at a certain location in the city. The king followed the goddess’s instructions and built the pond, which he named “Ranipokhari” in honor of his beloved queen.

Ranipokhari was built as a part of the palace complex and was used for various purposes, including as a water source for the palace and as a site for religious and cultural events. Over the years, the pond became an important landmark and a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.

In 1934, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, causing significant damage to Ranipokhari and other historic structures in the city. The pond was rebuilt and restored, but it lost some of its original features and significance.

In 2015, Nepal was hit by another earthquake, which caused extensive damage to the pond and the surrounding area. The government and various organizations worked together to restore Ranipokhari to its former glory, and the restoration was completed in 2020.

Today, Ranipokhari remains an important cultural and religious site in Kathmandu, and it attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and learn about its history.

Ranipokhari is a pond with a unique octagonal shape located in the center of Kathmandu, Nepal. The pond is surrounded by a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a palace, and various statues and shrines.

The temple located on the western side of the pond is known as the Balgopaleshwor Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the pagoda style of architecture and has a beautiful golden spire. The temple also features intricate carvings and sculptures.

The palace located on the northern side of the pond was originally built by King Pratap Malla as a part of his palace complex. Today, only the entrance gate of the palace remains, which is also known as the Ranipokhari Durbar Gate. The gate features beautiful carvings and is considered a masterpiece of traditional Newari architecture.

Around the pond, there are various statues and shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses, including Ganesh, Hanuman, and Kali. The area is also surrounded by a beautiful park where people can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the pond and its surroundings.

During the annual Dashain festival, the pond is emptied and people come to bathe in the holy water. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm in Nepal.