Kathmandu Durbar Square
Durbar literally mean Palaces is in the heart of old
city Kathmandu in Basantapur. . Kathmandu valley was
divided into 03 kingdoms from 9th century onward
till 1768 AD. The founding of the Palace dates back
to Licchavi times. With considerable renovations by
Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was
accomplished progressively over many centuries.
There are around 50 temples in the vicinity
including the temple Taleju Bhawani which was
brought from Indian continent by Mallas with them in
around 9th Century. The Durbar is divided into two
courtyards, the outer comprising Kasthamandap,
Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and the inner
consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace.
Important ceremonies, including the coronation of
the Nepali monarch, are held in the Kathmandu Durbar
Square. Most parts of the palace premise are open
for tourists throughout the week during office
hours.
Kumari Virgin lady recognized as Goddess in the
valley by both Hindus and Buddhists families. Kumari
is selected from one specific clan called Shakya
residing near by the square at around the age of 3 /
4 and brought up here in the palace till her
maturity.... She is highly worshipped by the peoples
of Nepal and put strong belief on her. She lives in
the palace during the period and very limited
occasion she got chance to come out from the Palace.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square another royal palace complex of
the then Malla Kings during 17th century is situated
in the center of Patan city. This was taken as the
youngest Kingdom. The Square and its surroundings
provide very good example of ancient Newari
architecture. Patan City is taken as Buddhist city
and can be seen many Buddhist shrines, stupas,
monasteries etc.
The palace has three main courtyards the central and
the oldest is Mul Chowk. To the west of the complex
are a dozen free standing temples of various sizes
and styles. Krishna Temple widely worshipped on
Krishna's Birthday, Bhimsen Temple, the Golden
Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira and Sundari Chowk (
the bathing complex of the then Malla King's ) mark
the architectural excellence of its era. The Sundari
Chowk with the sunken bath of Tusha Hiti, contains
exquisite woodcarvings, stone, and metal sculpture.
Patan Durbar Square also houses a temple of Taleju
Bhawani. In this complex, there is amazing museum of
art where the collection of Hinduism and Buddhism
are displayed.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square another palace complex of
the Malla King's during 9th - 18th Century is
located in the center of Bhaktapur. The Square is
one of the most charming architectural showpieces of
the Valley as it highlights some of the finest
medieval arts of Nepal. The main items of interest
in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate, the
Golden Gate and the statues of kings on stone
monoliths. The Golden Gate was erected by King
Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard
of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace.
The Palace of Fifty-five Windows was built during
the reign of King Yakshya Malla in A.D. 1427 and was
remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th
century. The art gallery of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu
and Buddhist traditions of various periods. This
gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.
Beside this complex amazing 5 storied Nyatapola
temple and Duttatreya temple complex is great to
enjoy. The narrow lanes with puppets and
handicrafts, wooden carvings on sale is worth
walking around. Bhaktapur is popular for its
woodcarving and pottery art.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swoyambhu literally means 'Self-Existent One.'
Swoyambhunath is believed to have been established
more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460
A.D. states that the construction was carried out by
King Manadeva. By the thirteenth century
Swoyambhunath had developed into an important
Buddhist learning site.
The history of Kathmandu Valley is said to have
started with the beginning of Swoyambhu. The largest
image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a
monastery next to the Stupa. Behind the hilltop is a
temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the
goddess of learning. Statues and shrines of Buddhist
and Hindu deities dot the Stupa complex.
Large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus alike visit
Swoyambhunath. Swoyambhu is perhaps the best place
to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The Stupa
is atop a hill, and requires considerable walk.
There is also a road that leads almost to the base
of the statue
Pashupatinath Stupa
Pashupatinath is one of the four most important
religious sites in Asia for Shiva devotees.
Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, is
the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal.
Although the Pashupatinath Temple was only built in
the fifth century and later renovated by Malla
kings, the holy site is said to have existed from
the beginning of the millennium.
A gold-plated roof, four silver doors, and wood
carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda
temple of Pashupatinath. Temples dedicated to
several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround
the temple of Pashupatinath. Nearby is the temple of
Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi.
Behind the temple is the River Bagmati. On the banks
of Bagmati are raised platforms used as cremation
sites for Hindus. Only Hindus are allowed inside the
Pashupatinath courtyard.
Pashupatinath, in a limited sense, literally means
the Lord of the Animals. But animal is also a term
that denotes the animal like instincts in human
beings. Capable of destroying instantly every evil
force either with his trident or the third eye, when
it comes to his devotees, the Lord Pashupatinath
destroys their ignorance. Be it an issue of material
gain or release from the cycle of mortal existence
he is the height of compassion, generosity, as well
as consciousness.
Shiva has been worshipped in Nepal from the
beginning of the Neolithic civilization in the
Kathmandu Valley, with scientific archaeological
studies and findings around the temple proving that
the god Pashupatinath was worshipped here from about
the beginning of the Christian era. From about the
7th century onwards it became the first and foremost
temple of Nepal, with kings, aristocrats and the
rich offering a great deal of wealth and land in
trust to the god, making it one of the richest
temples in Nepal. Many temples and statues around
the temple were added making it a big complex rather
than just a temple. The main God or the Lingam of
Pashupatinath is carved on a blackish stone, with
four faces engraved on four sides of the Linga
Boudhanath Stupa
Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in
Nepal. The 36-meter-high Stupa of Bouddhanath is one
of the largest stupas in South Asia. Bouddhanath
Stupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth
century. The Mandala design in Bouddhanath is a copy
of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet.
The Stupa is located in the area of ancient trade
route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and
offered prayers for many centuries. When refugees
entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided
to live around Bouddhanath. Hence, a complete
township has developed around Bouddhanath. The Stupa
is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage
venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. Smaller
stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries,
curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath.
Because of its location and size, it seems much
larger than the Swoyambhunath Stupa, with the same
hemi-spherical dome symbolizing the emptiness from
which everything emanates. On top is the harmika
painted on each side with the eyes of the Buddha
symbolizing awareness, and above the spire with its
13 stages to the canopy. At ground level there is a
brick wall with 147 niches and 108 images of the
meditational Buddha inset behind copper prayer
wheels. Early morning and evening are the times to
visit Bouddha to join the local residents in kora
(walking the pilgrim's circuit, sometimes with
Tibetan pilgrims on their hands and knees)
Pokhara
Millions of people travel thousands of miles in the
search of Heaven or Paradise on Earth ,fully unaware
of the existence of a corner of real paradise.
Pokhara valley is situated at an altitude of 827
meters from sea level. This is one of the
picturesque spots of Nepal. Its lovely lakes and
mountains enhance the beauty of the valley. Pokhara
is situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. It is
linked by Air and by road from Kathmandu and the
Indian border Sunauli. Pokhara offers magnificent
views of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, five peaks
of Annapurna and others. This is one of the few
places in the world to provide such a dramatic view
in a sub-tropical setting. The nearest snow-capped
mountain, Fishtail, is less then 30 kilometers from
Pokhara. Pokhara's numerous lakes offer fishing,
boating and swimming.
Lumbini
Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, in southern
Nepal, twenty five hundred years ago. Lumbini has
since been a holy ground for Buddhists all over the
world. The restored garden and surroundings of
Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient
stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar erected
by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an
inscription about the birth of the Buddha.
An important part of Lumbini is the temple of Maya
Devi. It has a stone image of Maya Devi giving birth
to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch. It has
been well worn by the strokes of barren women hoping
for fertility. To the south of the temple is a pool
where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed and
given her son his first purification bath.
A quiet garden, shaded by the leafy Bo tree (the
type of tree under which Buddha received
enlightenment), and a newly planted forest nearby
lend an air of tranquillity which bespeaks Buddha's
teachings. Lumbini is now being developed under the
Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust, a non
governmental organization dedicated to the
restoration of Lumbini and its development as a
pilgrimage site. The plan, completed in 1978 by the
renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, will
transform three square miles of land into a sacred
place of gardens, pools, buildings, and groves. The
development will include a Monastic Zone, the
circular sacred Garden surrounding the Ashoka pillar
and Maya Devi temple, and Lumbini Village, where
visitors will find lodges, restaurants, a cultural
center and tourist facilities. |