KATHMANDU POST REPORT
KATHMANDU, NEPAL, August 8, 2003: The 348-year old Pratappur temple, flanking the eastern entrance of Swoyambhunath and declared a World Heritage Site in 1976, could collapse any momen. The devastating fire outbreak on Tuesday morning has left gaping fissures on its crumbling walls. The fire was completely doused only yesterday, four days after the outbreak. However, the fire combined with intermittent rain has considerably weakened the walls, and chunks of earth are falling down every now and then. “The temple requires immediate bracing. UNESCO is ready to provide financial and technical assistance if the government and the management committee deem it necessary. A probe committee formed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and high priests including Rajguru Pushpa Ratna Bajracharya and Swayambhu’s main priest Najarman Thakali entered the temple today after performing chhyama puja, the ritual necessary before entering the temple, as prescribed by tradition. This is the first time anyone has entered the temple in 30 years. The main icon inside the temple is still spic and span. On the other hand, many other icons of historical value have been reduced to a cinder. Also debris of burnt bricks and stones has gathered at the temple’s base, after considerably eroding its walls.