Pauwa related to Jung Bahadur awaits conservation

By Ganesh Khanal, Arghakhanchi, July 24: The historic Bichitra Pauwa (rest house) in Balkot, Chhatradev Rural Municipality-2, Arghakhanchi, has fallen into disrepair due to a lack of conservation.

This heritage site, rich in Rana-era history, intricate wooden craftsmanship, and local legends, remains significant from religious, cultural and historical perspectives. However, it has not received the attention needed for its preservation and promotion. It is believed to be the site where the naming ceremony (Nwaran) of the then Rana Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana was held.

Located along the Sandhikharka–Balkot–Pyuthan road section, the Pauwa is currently used as a resting place for travellers, local gatherings and social activities. However, due to inadequate conservation efforts, the artistic wooden carvings and other structures are gradually deteriorating.

According to Shankar Pandey, Ward Chairman of Chhatradev Rural Municipality-2, construction of the Pauwa and the temple began in 1847 AD (1904 BS) under the leadership of Colonel Sanand Singh Randung.

It is said to have taken around 20 years to complete the construction. The Pauwa complex includes a Shiva temple, temples dedicated to various deities, and resting places. The intricate wooden carvings are regarded as among the finest examples of Nepali craftsmanship of that era.

According to local belief, the hand of the craftsman who built the Pauwa was later cut off. This legend is one of the reasons why the Pauwa is regarded as a mysterious heritage site.

According to local historians and elders, the then Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana was born in the Lampati area of Arghakhanchi, his naming ceremony was performed in Balkot, and the Bichitra Pauwa was later built there in accordance with his wishes.

According to Narayan Bhattarai of Chhatradev-2, Balkot, historian Professor Dinesh Raj Pant and Yubraj Shamsher JB Rana have also referred to this account in their studies.

Locals claim that royal seals and other historical records issued during the reign of King Surendra Bikram Shah also support this account.

Chandra Man Shrestha, Chairman of Chhatradev Rural Municipality, said the heritage site is not only a centre of religious faith but also a priceless monument linked to the historical identity of Arghakhanchi.

He said that with proper conservation, restoration and effective promotion, it could be developed into an important destination for religious and historical tourism.

According to Pitambar Khanal, a resident of Chhatradev-2, Balkot, a Guthi had previously been established to manage the Pauwa. There was a tradition of daily worship, devotional rituals, hymn singing, and regular cleaning of the temple. Although worship continues today, efforts to preserve the structure have weakened.

Locals said that unless the Department of Archaeology, local governments and tourism-related agencies take timely steps to conserve the historic wooden carvings and structures, they risk being lost forever.

They stressed that the government should take special initiatives to protect, restore and promote the unique Balkot Pauwa as a heritage site of national importance.