The long-awaited repainting project at Changunarayan Temple in Bhaktapur is reaching its final stages. This marks the first time in 62 years that the temple has undergone such a restoration, with the expected completion date set for the end of mid-June, according to Chakradharananda Rajopadhyaya, the temple’s head priest.
The initiative to repaint this UNESCO World Heritage site is being carried out by the Changunarayan Development Committee, in accordance with their agreement with the infrastructural department of the palace caretaker committee, which was signed on October 6, 2022.
Rajopadhyaya explained that the historic temple was last painted in 1961, during the reign of the late King Mahendra, and over time, the paint has significantly worn off in many areas. He emphasized that only natural paint has been used in this meticulous repainting process.
Leading the project is Rajendra Chitrakar, who has previously overseen paint jobs at renowned religious sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Jayabageshwari Temple.
The estimated cost of the repainting project, as reported by the development committee, is around Rs4.4 million.
This effort aims to rejuvenate the historic site and contribute to the preservation of the wooden structures. The pagoda-style temple was originally commissioned by Lichhavi King Haridatta Barma in 325 AD and is considered the oldest temple in the valley. It was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1969.