 Kathamandu
Valley
The Valley is situated at an altitude of
1,336 m above sea level and covers an area 218 sq. miles;
The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized
in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of the ancient and sophisticated
Newari Culture. The newars are the indigenous inhabitants
of the Valley and the creators of the splendid civilization
of its three cities – Kathmandu, patan and Bhaktapur.
The skillfully – built temples and palaces, delicately
– engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns
and pillars, and the history laden shrines and chaitya of
these three historical cities stand testimony to the newar’s
artistic achievements.
Temples of Kathmandu
Machhendranath Temple
The temple of Sweta machhhendranth is situated at
machchendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan, It is a pogada
of considerable artistic beauty. The deity is also called
Janmadyo or Machhendra.
Akash Bhairav Temple:
A three – storey temple in the main market
avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is
displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival
of Indra, the God of Rain.
Hanumandhoka
(Kathamdnu Durbar Square):
 It
is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its
old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural
life of 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 1954
AD, the temple of Kal Bhairab , the god of destruction, Nautale
durbar, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the big drum and
the Jaganath temple. It was listed in the UNESCO world heritage
monument list in 1979.
On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides
an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairab. The screen is removed
only during the Indra Jatra festival.. there are also the
Numismatic museum and Tribhuban museum inside the Hanuman
Dhoka palace building . Photography is prohibited inside the
museums. Both the mseums remain closed on Tuesday and government
holidays.
Temple of living Goddess (
Kumari Ghar)
Kumari ( Vestal virgin) ., or living goddess,
who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally
known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The Temple of Kumari
is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The Bulding
has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens,
the kumari acknowledges greetings from bacony window. Once
a year, During Indra jatra festival, the king of Nepal seeks
the Kumari’s blessing.
Kasthnmandap
Located near the temple of Kumari,
it is said to have been build by King Laxmi Narsingha Mall
in he 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 form this Temple.
Ashok Vinayak:
The small but very important temple
of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap. It is
also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or maru Ganesh
Jaishi
Dewal:
A five-minute walk from Kasthmandap is
the shiva Temple of jaishi dewal which is famous for its erotic
carvings. It is still one of the main routs of the chariot
festival of Indra Jatra and other festivals.
Bhandrakali Temple:
At the eastern edge of the Tundhikhel,
near Shahid Gate, stands the temple of goddess Bhadrakali.
This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and is one of
the main Shakti Temples of Kathmandu city.
Budhanilkantha:
About 8km north of Kathmandu at
the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable huge statue of
Lord Visnhu. Reclining on a bed of snakes.This is one of the
masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period.
This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond
and seems to float in water.
Swayambhuanth
This is one of the world‘s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas.
It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides
of the spire’s base are the all seeing eyes of Lord
Budhha. It is 3Km west of Kathmandu city and it situated on
a hillock about 77 m commands an excellent view of the Valley.
This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was listed
in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Situated 5km east of kathamandu, the temple of Lord
Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tired golden roof and silver
door is considered one of the holiest for Hindus. Although
only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly
see the temple and the activites performed in the Temple premises
from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The Temple was
listed in the UNESCO world heritage Monument List in 1979
Guheswari Temple:
Near Pahupatinath Temple is another historic and holy temple
of Guheswari. Only hindus are allowed to enter the temple
courtyard.
Chandra
Vinayak
The
temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200m north of
Chabahil
stupa. This double tiered brass- roofed temple house is with
a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant head god.
 Baudhanath
The stupa of Baudhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This
ancient colossal Stupa is one of the beggest in the world.
It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List in
1979.
Shekha Narayan
Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Sheka
Narayan represensts one of the famous lord Narayan's Shirne.
The other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur,
Visankhu Narayan of patan and Ichangu naryana of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about twenty
K.M south of Kathmandu . Dakshinklai is regarded as one of
most important Hindu goddes. Pilgrims visit this Temple to
offer their prayers and animals sacrifices are made to the
goddes. This place is also a popular picnic spot.
|
Nepal
a tiny Himalayan Kingdom situated between two large countries
China and India, is the birthplace of Lord Buddha "The
light of Asia" & land of famed Gorkha warriors. Nepal
is also known as the land of Himalayas as it consists eight
of the highest ten mountains over 8000 meters, including the
highest mountain Mt. Everest, the top of the world. 