Bhaktapur, Nepal: Situated beside Bhaktapur Multiple Campus, Bhaju Pokhari (also known as Bhajya Pokhari) is one of Bhaktapur’s most significant historic ponds and an enduring symbol of the city’s rich water civilisation. In the local Nepal Bhasa (Newar language), Bhaju means “grandfather” or “ancestor”, reflecting the pond’s deep association with ancestral reverence and religious devotion. Historians believe the pond dates from the late Licchavi period to the early Malla era, giving it a history of more than five centuries. Throughout its existence, Bhaju Pokhari has played a vital role in Bhaktapur’s traditional water management system, religious practices and cultural life.

The most distinctive feature of Bhaju Pokhari is the Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple, built in the Shikhara architectural style at the centre of the pond. During the monsoon season, when the temple is surrounded by water, it presents one of Bhaktapur’s most picturesque and spiritually captivating landscapes. In Hindu tradition, Lord Jaleshwar Mahadev is regarded as a manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with water, symbolising creation, preservation and purity. The temple attracts large numbers of devotees, particularly during the holy month of Shrawan, Maha Shivaratri and Bala Chaturdashi.

According to ancient religious beliefs, the establishment of a pond and a Shiva temple at the heart of a settlement was thought to protect the community from drought, epidemics and natural disasters. This philosophy influenced the planning of many traditional neighbourhoods across Bhaktapur, where ponds and temples were constructed as complementary elements of urban design. Even today, local residents continue to worship Jaleshwar Mahadev for balanced rainfall, agricultural fertility, environmental harmony and the prosperity of the town. Elderly members of the community recall that special rituals and prayers were traditionally performed at the pond before major religious ceremonies and rain-invoking rituals.

Historically, Bhaju Pokhari served not only as a sacred site but also as an essential component of Bhaktapur’s indigenous water conservation system. Rainwater stored in the pond helped recharge nearby wells, stone spouts and agricultural land, ensuring a sustainable supply of groundwater. The city’s traditional planning philosophy integrated ponds, temples, monasteries and residential settlements into a unified environmental and cultural landscape. In this respect, Bhaju Pokhari stands as an outstanding example of Nepal’s traditional urban water management practices.

Although urbanisation, population growth and increasing pressure on natural resources have altered parts of the pond’s original character over time, its historical, religious and cultural significance remains intact. Local communities, Guthi institutions, heritage conservation authorities and the Bhaktapur Municipality have undertaken periodic conservation, cleaning and restoration initiatives to preserve this invaluable site. Safeguarding the pond’s ecological integrity alongside its spiritual and historical identity has become an important responsibility for present and future generations.

Today, Bhaju Pokhari is far more than a historic pond. It is a living testament to Bhaktapur’s ancient civilisation, architectural excellence, religious devotion and environmental wisdom. Standing on its banks offers visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate the sophisticated water management practices of the Licchavi period, the artistic legacy of the Malla era, the enduring tradition of Shiva worship and the vibrant cultural life of the Newar community. For these reasons, Bhaju Pokhari deserves continued research, documentation and conservation as one of Bhaktapur’s most treasured cultural heritage sites.

Author and Compiler:
Journalist:  Dipesh Shrestha

The historical, cultural and mythological information presented in this article has been compiled from available historical studies, local oral traditions, cultural practices and various reference materials. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain traditional narratives reflect long-standing local beliefs and folklore rather than independently verified historical evidence.