Shankharapur

In Kathmandu Valley; a part from Kantipur, Bhadgaon and Patan; there are several historical settlements, such as Kirtipur, Handigaon, Gokarna, Lele, Nagadesh, Khokana, Deopatan, Sankhu etc. Sankhu is one of the oldest settlements of the valley.

Sankhu, a Newari town, is rich in social, cultural, as well as religious values. The town has been planned in gridiron pattern, in the shape of Shankha (conch Shell). The legend tells that it was formed in the concept of goddess Bajrayogini. Bajrayogini is a tantric goddess and one of the four yoginis of Kathmandu Valley. There are four yoginis at Kathmandu valley among sixty-four yoginis. These four yoginis are Bajrayogini at Pharping, Khadgayogini at Pulchowk, Akasyogini at Bijeshwari and Bajrayogini at Sankhu.

There are several legends such as Manishail Mahawadana, Himwatkhanda, Swayambhu puran etc., which force to give importance of Sankhu, goddess Bajrayogini and surrounding. Not only legends, there are several historical documents and inscriptions which support it. Such as Gopalrajbamshawali, Shanti Swasti Ghatanawali (SSG), inscription of Handigaon etc.

Sankhu, the eastern most settlement in the Kathmandu valley, is located at the end of a small valley, which is drained by the Salinadi River. The Nagarkot hill and Thugun hill surround it on the east, on the north by the Gubhagun (Bajrayogini) hill, and on the south by the Itagun hill, which opens towards the valley. The settlement is built on a high, mostly level plateau.

The road, 12 Km from Boudha, reaches the southern side of the settlement and is flanked by a row of trees. At a walled Bhagabati shrine, the road sharply turns north and meets the Bhaudhwakha from where the Sankhu is entered.