KATHMANDU, NEPAL, April 29, 2015 (IBNLive): The devastating earthquake that struck the Nepalese capital has turned the 500-year-old Kasthamandap temple to rubble, killing several under the debris of the historic structure from which the city derives its name. Incidentally, on the fateful day, a private company had organized a blood donation camp and most of the donors including the nurses are dead. To add to the misery, people thought that since the temple has survived earthquakes before, it can manage even this time. So people from outside rushed inside,” said Ajay Shakya, 21, a volunteer and student who stays near the temple. Fortunately, the camp was about to end when the earthquake struck, which reduced the casualties.
The structure was a crucial part of the Nepalese heritage in the city. It is also believed that Kathmandu city got its name from the temple and it was constructed from a single tree with beautiful sculpting done on them. The Gorakhnath temple also had four Ganesh temples. “The statues were recovered and have been kept safely,” added Shakya.