Nelson Ferreira - Aulas de Arte - Pintura e D.
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Dedicated to Bhimsen, the god of trade among the Newars - the historical inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and the 8th largest ethnic group in Nepal. The monument is of uncertain age but was rebuilt in 1682 by Shrinivas Malla (r. 1661-85) following a fire. Later reconstructions took place in 1934, following the great earthquake, and again in 1967. Although the temple was significantly damaged (though not leveled) in the April 2015 earthquake, it reopened in early 2022 after a thoroughgoing reconstruction that retained much material from its pre-earthquake form.
Like all Bhimsen temples, its ground floor plan is rectangular, with Bhimsen himself residing on the first floor (i.e., one floor above ground level). According to Michael Hutt, the temple is managed by the Kapali-Jogi, a Newar caste of Shaiva renouncers who perform services such as death rituals and religious music for community members. The shrine to Bhimsen, which they maintain, is strictly off-limits to foreigners, who are barred from entering the sanctum via its steep staircase (see image 62), but visitors are otherwise welcome to approach the building's exterior from all angles.