The Forgotten Glory of Nepali Temple at Konhara Ghat

 

The Forgotten Glory of Nepali Temple at Konhara Ghat

During my stay in Patna over the past two weeks, I decided to visit the Nepali Temple, an ancient architectural gem nestled at the confluence of the Narayani and Ganga Rivers. These rivers, originating from the Himalayas, traverse Balmiki Nagar, covering nearly 400 km across Nepal and Bihar, before merging at Konhara Ghat in Hajipur, Bihar. This sacred confluence, often referred to as "Sangam", holds deep religious significance.

A Bridge to History

Earlier, reaching this temple was quite an ordeal, taking about 2-3 hours. However, with the construction of JP Setu, the journey has become remarkably convenient—Sonpur is now just a 20-minute drive away.

Renowned senior journalist Shri Surendra Manpuri ji emphasizes that the Nepali Temple stands as a testament to the centuries-old cultural and religious ties between India and Nepal. Unfortunately, despite its historical significance, the temple remains in a state of neglect, with no conservation efforts from the Archaeological Department. Its dilapidated condition poses a severe risk, and without immediate restoration, this heritage site may soon crumble into oblivion.

A Journey Back in Time

I had heard intriguing accounts about the temple’s erotic carvings, reminiscent of the sculptures in Khajuraho and Konark. Intrigued, I decided to document this forgotten marvel. With my nephew's assistance, we set off, reaching the temple within an hour.

Visiting after nearly 30 years, I was disheartened to see how urban development had overshadowed its elegance. Once standing alone in solitude, the temple is now dwarfed by a massive newly built structure and surrounded by numerous buildings.

To my surprise, the ancient temple stood completely deserted—not a single devotee, nor even a bird in sight. However, as I gathered from locals, Nepali devotees flock here during the sacred months of Sawan, Ashwin, and Kartik, just as Indian devotees visit Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Janki Dham in Nepal. This mutual reverence for deities reinforces the shared spiritual heritage between the two nations.

The Legacy of Nepali Temple

Built around 170 years ago by Kazi Subba, a Subedar of Nepal and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, the temple is inspired by the Pagoda-style architecture of Nepal, much like the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Its historical mention can be found in Yogendra Mishra’s book, published in 1960.

The two-storied structure boasts four intricately carved doors and enshrines a Shiva Linga, which, as local stories go, was once stolen but later recovered. According to Shri Surendra Manpuri ji, a fascinating play of sunlight illuminates the Shiva Linga through the southern entrance, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Erotic Art and Spiritual Awakening

Upon entering the temple, one is immediately struck by the presence of erotic carvings, which may initially bewilder visitors. These wooden engravings, depicting various copulation postures, are reminiscent of Khajuraho and Konark temples. As explained in Osho’s book "From Sex to Super consciousness", these depictions symbolize the transition from materialistic desires to spiritual enlightenment.

A Temple on the Brink of Collapse

Despite its rich heritage, the temple is crumbling due to official apathy. The government has renovated the floors, but the main structure remains untouched, and its exquisite wooden carvings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, animals, flora, and fauna are slowly decaying. The only staircase leading to the roof is closed, preventing visitors from viewing the temple up close.

A Call for Preservation

The temple hasn’t been refurbished in decades, and if properly maintained, it could attract tourists from around the world, generating substantial revenue while strengthening India-Nepal ties. Urgent intervention from the government and heritage conservation authorities is crucial to prevent this architectural masterpiece from fading into history.

In Pictures 📸

1️⃣ A panoramic view of Nepali Temple at Konhara Ghat, Hajipur
2️⃣ The dilapidated doors of the temple
3️⃣ The deserted premises of Nepali Temple
4️⃣ Shiva Linga inside the Nepali Temple, Hajipur

📷 & ✍️ By Ashok Karan
🔗 ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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