|
|
|
 |
| |
 |
Kathmandu Places to See |
 |
|
Kathmandu Durbar Square
This complex of places, country yards, and temples built between the
12th and 18th used to be the seat of ancient malla kings of
Kathmandu. An interesting object here is the 17th century stone
inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15
language.
The durbar square protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. This is
the social, religious and urban focal point of city. There are also
museums inside the palace building.
|
|
|
Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square)
It is the historic seat of royalty. The durbar square, with its old
temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of
the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their
coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju
Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A. D. Kal Bhairav, the
God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chok, the
Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big
Drum and, the Jagannath Temple. On the right-hand corner, larger
wooden latticescreen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav.
The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.
There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the
Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the
museums. Both the museums remain . closed on Tuesdays and government
holidays.
|
|
|
The Temple of Kumari
(Kumari Ghar)
The temple or the residence of Living goddess,
Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The
building has profusely carved wooden blaconies and window screens.
The Kumari- the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her
balcony window. Photography is prohibited.
|
|
|
Kasthamandap,Nepal
Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said
to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of
the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of
a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this
temple
|
|
|
Ashok Vinayak,Nepal
The small but a very important temple of Ashok
Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap also known as Kathmandu
Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
|
|
|
Swayambhu Stupa,Kathmandu
This is the second holiest place of Buddhism in Nepal. Swayambhunath
is perched on hilltop over looking Kathmandu and is a complex of
temples including Nepal? most famous landmark, this large stupa
adorned with eyes watching over the Kathmandu valley.
Swayambhunath located 6.5 km west of Kathmandu is popularly called
Swayambhu ?hich means self-existent". This shrine is dedicated to
the supreme Adi-Buddha. Its religious significance is also described
in the Swayambhu Purana written in the 15th century.
This is a very holy shrine for Buddhist and is equally regarded as
sacred by the Hindus as well.
It is dedicated to Bodhnath, the god of wisdom , and is located at
the centre of Kathmandu Valley.
The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist monastery in Nepal,
establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out
of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is
listed as a World Heritage Site. It watches over the Valley from the
top of a hillock on its western side.
|
|
|
Bouddhanath Stupa,Nepal
Bouddlianath Stupa a world heritage site lies
about 6km to the east of downtown Kathmandu is the largest stupa in
the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most
fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath is also known as
Rhasti. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries In the area.
|
|
|
Pasupatinath Temple,Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred Hindu
shrines in the world, lies 5 km east of the city center, is also
world heritage site. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred
linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the
temples existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can he seen taking
ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple.
|
|
|
Budhanilkantha,Nepal
About eight kilometers north of Kathmandu, at
the base of Sivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord
Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snakes. This is one of the
masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This fifth
century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float
in water. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|