Rani Pokhari Pond, originally known as the Nhu Pukhu Pond or New Pond in Nepal, is a historic artificial pond in Kathmandu. It dates back to the 17th century and is located on the eastern side of the city limits.
The pond has both religious and aesthetic significance in Kathmandu. The Rani Pokhari was built by King Pratap Malla, one of the most prominent monarchs under the Malla dynasty in Nepal, in 1670 AD.
East of Ranipokhari is a clock tower and a Tri Chandra college. West of Rani Pokhari is the Durbar High School, built by Junga Bahadur Rana and one of the oldest in Nepal. Ratna Park and Biswajyoti Cinema are also located north and south of the pond.
This pond was constructed as a means of comforting Pratap Malla’s grieving queen after his son passed away. The pond was sanctified by several holy places within Nepal and India, including Gosaikunda, Muktinath, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
History of Ranipokhari:
The pond was built by King Pratap Malla to appease his mourning queen after her eldest son Chakravartendra Malla died in 1725 BS. A statue of Pratap Malla and his sons Mohipaten Malla and Chakravartendra Malla was also built on the south bank of the pond.
After the temple gate collapsed in the 1990 BS earthquake, Juddhashamsher gave the Ranipokhari temple its current appearance. The temple was once again severely damaged by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Baisakh 12, 2072 BS.
The reconstruction work was inaugurated by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Baisakh 12, 2073 BS, one year after the earthquake. Currently, the reconstruction of the temple has been completed in Kartik 2077 BS.
Cultural & Religious Significance:
Ranipokhari holds immense cultural and rеligious significance for the people of Kathmandu. The pond area is considered sacred and it is a popular site for religious and cultural activities. It is surrounded by a beautiful and intricately designed railing adding to the spiritual ambiance.
Annually during the Chhath festival, dеvotееs gather at Ranipokhari to offer prayers to the setting sun and create a sеrеnе and picturesque scene. The pond is also an integral part of various religious processions and events making it a focal point for cultural and spiritual activities in the city.
Balgopaleshwor Temple is only open once every year on Bhaitika, so people without brothers or sisters to exchange Tihar tika visit the temple to receive and offer Bhaitika. Traditionally, those without siblings or those who are unable to visit their sisters because of various reasons reach the temple to receive Bhaitika.
Myth related to Ranipokhari:
According to legend, King Pratap Malla always bathed in Ranipokhari after the pool was constructed and a statue of him was kept on an elephant. When the king came to bathe in the pool, he met a little girl and fell in love with her. The girl became pregnant as a result of the intercourse between her and the king.
Observing that the king was also losing weight. They became worried and searched for the cause of the king’s weight loss, and discovered that the king was having an affair with the little girl. Additionally, they learned that the little girl was pregnant.
Upon discovering their love story, brothers and Guru Purohits tried to control that little girl using different techniques. Finally, they built the gigantic elephant with the idols of a king, queen, and prince on it and placed the fetus of a pregnant little girl on its foot.
Legend has it that the idol was constructed in such a way that if the front foot of the elephant trampled the baby and fetus, it would not hurt again.
Highlights and Attractions of the Place:
- This pond is surrounded by the Rani Pokhari Temple, a magnificent pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a beautiful blend of Nepali and South Indian architecture in the temple, which exhibits exquisite craftsmanship.
- Ranipokhari provides a tranquil environment amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. The pond attracts many visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Rani Pokhari has historical and cultural significance, as well as impressive architecture, which makes it a favorite destination for photographers. A scenic lake and its surrounding areas provide excellent photographic opportunities.
To conclude, Ranipokhari is more than just a pond; it is a reflection of Kathmandu’s historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. Ranipokhari remains a jewel in the heart of the city, inviting all to delve into the rich tapestry of Nepal’s past in the presence of its serenity and intricacies.