Nepal Sambat

Siddhivanta, the famous astrologer of Bhaktapur, discovered a rare conjunction by which sand taken at an auspicious moment from the confluence (Lakhutirtha) of the Vishnumati and Bhadramati rivers would turn into gold.

By order of King Anandadev, the Jyapus filled the sand at night and brought it to Kathmandu. But on the way, Shankhadhar Sakhwa, a benevolent merchant of Kathmandu, had that sand poured out at the foundation of his own house, filled fresh sand in its place, and sent it on to the palace.

From the sand of the auspicious moment a vast treasure of gold took shape in Shankhadhar's house. Shankhadhar kept none of that gold for himself; he paid off the debts of all the poor people of the Kathmandu Valley and freed them all from debt.

In memory of this great act of benevolence, in Kaligat Sambat 3981 (CE 879) he began 'Nepal Sambat' in the name of his own country, which remains in use to this day as the national era.