Awaiting immediate renovation

By Rajeev Dangol

Like many monuments in Kathmandu, Sattals hold a great importance. But with the passage of time, many of them are either in the state of ruins or encroached by people for commercial purposes. Or else, have become shelters for poor. Some sattals have been demolished with new concrete buildings replacing them while others desperately need renovation. One of such sattals seeking immediate renovation is Sinlyon Sattal, situated in Kathmandu Durbar Square, right in front of the Kasthamandap.

According to the cultural expert Hari Ram Joshi, there is no written material or evidences to prove the origin of Sinlyon sattal.

“No written document, manuscript or scripture has ever been found explaining the origin of Sinlyon sattal. But it can be assumed that this sattal must have been constructed during the period of either Laxmi Narshingh Malla or Pratap Malla in the 17th Century. It is for sure that it was built as a place for spectators to view Jatra or Cultural events in the Kasthamandap vicinity,” said Joshi.

It is believed that Sinlyon Sattal was built from the remaining wood of Kasthamandap during its time of renovation in the period of Laxmi Narshingh Malla and this is how it got its name. Sinlyon Sattal means a Sattal made from ‘left over wood’ in Newari. Sinlyon Sattal is also known as Singha Sattal because of the four Singhas placed in each corner of the Sattal. Joshi denying the belief that Kasthamandap was built by Laxmi Narshingh Malla said, “Kasthamandap existed much before the period of Laxmi Narshingh Malla. A book named ‘Namasangiti’ written in 12 Century (263 Nepal Sambat) at the time of Narendra Dev has mentioned Kasthamandap, proving that Kasthamandap was already there before 12th Century. The only copy of this book is in Tibet. Laxmi Narsingh Malla had only renovated Kasthamandap in 17th Century. It is possible that Sinlyon Sattal was built from the wood left after the renovation of Kasthamandap.”

The sattal endowing such a rich historical and archeological importance is totally at stake. The monument may fall any time from now if it is not renovated immediately. The tile roof has torn out at many places causing leakages. The leakage has further deteriorated the monument from inside. Most of the wooden parts have decayed badly. The façade, exterior and interior of the monument have totally damaged.  Surprisingly, the local shops on its ground floor are still running.