Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is an ancient royal palace where the kings of Nepal were crowned and their coronations were held. The square is home to some of the oldest and most important temples and palaces in Nepal, including the Kumari Ghar, the home of the Kumari, the living goddess worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists.
The square is surrounded by a number of temples, palaces, and courtyards, including the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Nasal Chowk, and the Taleju Temple. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the royal palace of the Malla and Shah dynasties, and it is home to the living goddess Kumari. The Nasal Chowk is a courtyard used for important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the king, and it is also home to the Temple of the Living Goddess. The Taleju Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani, who is considered the protector of the royal family.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also an important center of trade and commerce in Kathmandu. It is surrounded by a number of markets and shops selling traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and other goods. The square is also a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to see the ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards and to learn about the rich cultural and religious history of Nepal.
The historical buildings and temples in the area were erected from the times of king Ratna Malla(1484-1520) to Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah(1875-1911AD) covering the period of Malla, Shah and Rana Period of Nepalese history. The entire palace complex here is name after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red next to the main entrance (the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the Durbar Square.
Prominent Monuments:
Taleju Temple:
The temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1562 AD was dedicated to the royal deity of the Malla kings. Resting on a 12 stage plinth, the temple is 36.6 meter high. The temple is opened to the public just once in a year during Dashian(sept-oct).
Krishna Temple:
This octagonal temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was built in 1649 AD by Pratap Malla in memory of his two dead queens. There is a mention in the epigraph that the temple contains the status of the king and his queens representing as Lord Krishna and his consorts.
Jagannath Temple:
The image of Jagannath was installed in 1563 AD during the reign Mahendra Malla and the temple is famous for erotic carvings.
Stone Column:
The stone column represents the statue of king Pratap Malla in praying to goddess Taleju-The Royal Family Deity.
Degutalle Temple:
A tantric goddess representing the family deity of the Malla Kings is enshrined in the temple and access is restricted to visitors. The temple lies opposite the stone column and was built in 1671 AD by King Shiva Singh and later renovated by king Pratap Mallla.
Hanuman Statue:
Kneeling Hanuman, the monkey god, seated on a stone pedestal and flanked by a pair of lions symbolizes strength and protection against all possible threats. The Hanuman pedestal was erected by king Pratap Malla in 1672AD.
Shiva-Parvati Temple:
The divine couple Shiva and his consort Parvati look out from the central window of the first floor as the temple was built during the rein of king Rana Bahadur Shah.
Big Bell:
The bell erected in 1797 AD by King Rana Bahadur Shah is rung only when worship is being offered in Degutalla temple situated nearby.
Kal Bhairav:
Shiva in his ferocious from is known as Bhairav. This is one of the largest image of Bhairav and was erected by king Pratap Malla.
Maju Dewal:
This temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the late 17th century by Queen Mother Riddhi Laxmi and rests on a nine plinth base dominating the square and commanding a good view of the area.
Trilokya Mohan Narayan:
This Vishnu temple of late 17th century near the Kumari Ghar, was built on a five stage plinth by king Parthibendra in memory of his deceased brother. There is a kneeling images of Garuda-the vehicle of Vishnu, near the temple. During Indrajatra(chariot festival) large crowd gather here to see the ten incarnations of Vishnu enacted on the pedestal.
Kumari Ghar:
Kumari Ghar built in 1757 AD by king Jaya Prakash Malla is the house of the living goddess ‘Kumari’ who is believed to be the incarnation of goddess Taleju the protective deity. Kumari often provide her blessing from the window to the visitors.
Basantapur Durbar :
The Basantapur Durbar also known as Nau-talle durbar was built by king Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1770 AD. Alongside there are other high standing pagodas known as Kirtipur Tower, Bhaktapur Tower and Lalitpur Tower.
Kasthamandap:
This 12th century wooden building is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree hence Kathmandu obtains its name from this historic building, Kasthamandap. The building was used for public gathering during those days. The central image in the building consists of Gorakhnath and there are miniature temples of four Ganeshas.
Ashok Vinayak:
This temple dedicated to the elephant god Ganesha is revered both by the Hindus and Buddhists alike and is one of he most important shrine in the valley.
Dhansa:
This temple was built in 1673AD by Pratap Malla to start a new masked dance of Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.