 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.
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.
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.
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. |
[January
25, 2009]