Kathmandu : An idol of Gautam Buddha has been reinstated at Nhuchhe Baha (Bajradhatu Bihar Monastery) after nearly five decades. The antique statue dating back to the 13th century is believed to have been stolen in 1980’s from the monastery located in Jorganesh Ombahal Tole, Kathmandu Metropolitan City–13.

The statue was brought back to Nepal on Fagun 18, 2078 BS (March 2, 2022) from the Tibet House Collection in New York, United States. Since then, it had been conserved at the Department of Archaeology.

The heritage idol was reinstalled in its original place on the occasion of the 2570th Buddha Jayanti on May 1. Officiating Mayor of Kathmandu, Sunita Dangol, Ward No 23 Chair Macharaja Maharjan, along with other local representatives, heritage conservation activists, and Guthi members, were present to witness the reinstatement ceremony, which was followed by playing of traditional music.

“The idols of Nepal Mandal are not merely objects but hold deep cultural significance and are closely tied to public social life,” the Officiating Mayor said. She urged locals to remain aware and proactive in the conservation of such heritage.

National Museum Chief Aruna Nakarmi, along with heritage conservation activists Ganapatilal Shrestha and Sanjay Adhikari, said that ongoing efforts to conserve heritage and recover stolen artifacts are encouraging.

Earlier, the Toran (an ornamental arch) of Kumari Ghar and an idol of Mahagauri (Parbati) from Ga Guthi Suryamukhi Mahadev Temple were also brought back and reinstated. Kathmandu Metropolitan City facilitated the legal and administrative procedures required to recover these stolen artifacts from abroad.

The Toran from Kumari Ghar at Basantapur was reinstated on Mangsir 5, 2082 BS ( November 21, 2025). Similarly, the 13th-century idol of Parbati was reinstalled on Baisakh 5, 2083 BS (April 18, 2026) after being returned from the United Kingdom. Although it was brought back in 2052 BS, it had been kept at the National Museum until its recent reinstatement.

Published Time: 13:49 PM