Kathmandu, Feb. 8 -- The Pashupati Area Development Trust has begun reconstruction on the unique Vishwarup temple on the premises of the Pashupatinath temple by digging 12 pits and filling them with concrete, inviting the ire of heritage enthusiasts, locals and the authorities.

Built in 1874 by Jung Bahadur Rana, the Vishwarup temple, with its oblong structure topped by a distinctive Mughal onion dome, is one of the most uniquely shaped structures on the Pashupatinath premises. Inside are two massive 12-feet statues of Shiva and Parvati, each with 1,000 heads.

Unfortunately, it suffered massive damage in the 2015 earthquakes when the dome broke and only half of the bottom remains standing. Its repair has been on the cards ever since. Re...