Chapters
Introduction of Gunakamadeva
King Gunakamadeva is the most famous King of the Dark Ages of Nepal who ruled Nepal from 980 A.D. to 998 A.D. and is famous for having founded the City of Kantipur.
The Chronicles and Genealogies of Nepal have placed well-distinguished importance on him. He also made the gift of 11 Treasures to The Temple of Pashupatinath and renovated the roofs of Vasuki Temple in Pashupatinath to make it golden.
King Gunakamadeva is said to have been a vigorous personality in the series of Unknown Kings. A Manuscript that was found in the Year 990 A.D. states that he had established his sole rule.
Reign of King Gunakamadeva
King Gunakamadeva was the successor of King Raghavadeva as the 6th Generation King of Nepal after Raghavadeva. According to Gopal Raja Bansawali, he ruled for 85 years and 6 Months.
The Chronology of William Kirkpatrick also provides the reigning Period of 85 years which is nearly impossible. Therefore, Dilli Raman Regmi reduced it to 35 years whereas Rishikesh Shah further cemented it to 18 years.
Although his Family, his History, and Personality aren’t known. He has been mentioned in almost all chronicles with some big achievements in his Reign. Rishikesh Shah even points out that anything old in Nepal is always ascribed to King Gunakamadeva in the Oral Tradition.
He was possibly sharing his reign with Another King according to obtained Materials. The Manuscript of 990 A.D. also proves that he was successful in establishing his sole reign. Therefore, he was a Powerful King who had a strong and mesmerizing personality.
After the Death of King Gunakamadeva, it was later revived by his successors such as Rudradeva and Nirbhayadeva who even ruled as Three Kings.
Contributions of King Gunakamadeva
King Gunakamadeva is the most famous King of the Pre-Medieval Period. According to Gopal Raja Bansawali, he provided Eleven Treasures to the Temple of Pashupatinath and established a Copper Roof in the Ishaneshwor Temple. He also constructed a Golden Water Tap in the Pashupatinath Compound.

City of Kantipur
The Largest Contribution of King Gunamakadeva was managing a formal settlement and forming the Town of Kantipur. Kantipur is the Present-Day Kathmandu. King Gunakamadeva is said to have built the Kasthamandap according to various sources. According to Sylvain Levi, even the towns of Patan and Bhadgaon came into existence during this Period.
Although Evidence lacks to support this contribution, it is the convenient means of settling the unknown History of Kantipur City by attributing it to King Gunakamadeva. Dilli Raman Regmi opines that the foundation of Kantipur by him shouldn’t be considered Literally True.
Donation to Pashupatinath
The Donation of King Gunakamadeva to Pashupatinath and its renovation has been mentioned in almost all historical chronicles. He is supposed to have made lavish donations to Pashupatinath.
According to Dilli Raman Regmi: The Later Chronicles say that King Raghavadeva brought Wealth from the four Quarters of the earth and used the same wealth ” to bathe Pashupati with Golden Water, poured from Golden Fountains, for fifteen whole says.
The rest of the treasures worth Rs. 52 Crores were stored in a room in Indrachal Mountain to protect the Serpent Vasuki.
King Gunakamadeva also performed Sacrifices in honor of Pashupatinath and donated other large treasures to Pashupatinath.
Conclusion
King Gunakamadeva is a well-known King among the clusters of tens of Kings of the Dark Ages of Nepal. He may not have literally founded Kantipur but he conducted significant actions in the History of Nepal as every chronicle and Historian mentions his importance.
He also attempted to free himself of other rulers of which he succeeded temporarily. Therefore, he should hold an important place in the History of Nepal for being the Light of the Dark Ages of Nepal.
Miscellaneous
References
Cite
Pokhrel, A. (2023). King Gunakamadeva – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/dark-ages-kings/gunakamadeva/
FAQ’s
What is King Gunakamadeva known for?
King Gunakamadeva is famous for founding the City of Kantipur and making a significant donation of 11 treasures to the Temple of Pashupatinath.
How long did King Gunakamadeva rule Nepal?
According to Gopal Raja Bansawali, King Gunakamadeva ruled for 85 years and 6 months. However, other sources, such as William Kirkpatrick’s Chronology and Dilli Raman Regmi, have estimated his reign to be 35 years and 18 years, respectively.
What were some of King Gunakamadeva’s contributions?
ing Gunakamadeva constructed a Golden Water Tap in the Pashupatinath Compound, established a Copper Roof in the Ishaneshwor Temple, and founded the City of Kantipur. He also made a significant donation of 11 treasures to the Temple of Pashupatinath and performed sacrifices in honor of Pashupatinath.
Did Gunakamadeva build Kantipur?
While evidence is lacking to support King Gunakamadeva’s literal founding of Kantipur, various sources attribute the establishment of the Kasthamandap and the towns of Patan and Bhadgaon to him.
What is King Gunakamadeva’s legacy?
King Gunakamadeva is considered the most famous King of the Dark Ages of Nepal and is well-known for his significant contributions to the City of Kantipur and the Temple of Pashupatinath.