Sankhu City, Nepal

By Chhanya Nidal

Sankhu is an ancient Newari (the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu) town, located in the north east of Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal. It lies at the altitude of 1328m from the sea level and is 17 km from Kathmandu. Sankhu is a beautiful and artistic city located on the bank of Holy River Salinadhi, surrounded by Manichud Mountain from north and east. Nagarkot, Changunarayan and Boudhnath are the nearest world famous destination.

Sankhu is an old settlement in the shape of conch shell based on Vedic principles and cosmic laws. Asthamatrika yantra used for both outer and inner settlement follows mandala model. The foundation of the kingdom of Sankhu is attributed to the goddess Bajrayogini, whose shrine is located in the forest above the town of Sankhu. The temple of Bajrayogini is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus.

This city has long preserved its architectural and cultural heritage thus, occupying a prominent status in economic and religious fields. This place is rich in both natural landscape and cultural aspect with abundance of beauty, antique and mesmerizing tourism probability. Sankhu is culturally and architecturally rich city which holds lots of temples, jatras, festivals, traditional dances, great model of wood carvings, heritages and monuments

Sankhu is famous for a month long fair dedicated to God Madhavnarayan and Goddess Swosthani. This fair is observed from the full moon day of Poush to Magh (mid-January to mid-February). This holy fair attracts thousands of devotees every year at the banks of Salinadhi River in Sankhu. 

Another important feature of Sankhu is its five gates. These five gates have their own significance, one of them is the entry to Bajrayogini and Salinadhi, next is to bring bride to groom's house, another is to send daughter after marriage and last one to take dead body of human out of Sankhu to burn or bury.

Sankhu is an old and artistic city to explore the Nepalese architecture, Newari society, their culture, traditions, religion, and myths and believes.