| NEPAL
WORLD HERITAGE PLACESES
Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu valley, the political, commercial cultural
hub of Nepal is famed for its natural beauty and historic,
holistic place. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it
contains three fabled cities, Kathmandu, Patan &
Bhaktapur. Each is an artistic exposition of graceful
temples, elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and
quaint streets. As a whole, the valley is surrounded
by tier upon tier of green mountain walls above which
tower mighty snow capped peaks. The valley is rich in
places of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Both of their deities well side by side by both tantric
symbolism and ancient animistic beliefs.
A very old Hindu text
has described Kathmandu as the land of gods surrounded
by beautiful mountain around. It is said that there
were as many temples as there were house and many idols
as there were people. In fact Kathmandu boasts one of
the largest congregations of magnificent historical
monuments and shrines ever built.
Kathmandu Durbar
Square
Duly recognized as a world Heritage site by UNESCO this
particular area best known as Kathmandu Durbar Square
lies in the heart of this city. The locals know this
area by its old name "Hanuman Dhoka" Palace
Square an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty.
Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex
consists of a huge Royal Square exposing a tremendous
variety of temples dedicated to different Hindus gods
and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date
from 15th to 18th century.
Swayambhunath
Stupa
Three kilometer west of Kathmandu city complex locates
the one of the worlds most glorious Buddhist Stupa,
it is said to be 2000 years old. Visitors often call
it "Monkey Temple". The main structure brick
and clay which supports a lofty conical spire capped
by a pinnacle of copper gilt. There are the all-seeing
eyes of Lord Buddha on the four sides of spire. Being
situated seventy meter above the level of valley, the
hill of Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small stupa and
pagoda temples. Aside, in front of the temple, one of
the famous goddess with the shrine of Ajima called "Harati
Mata" is there. This temple of goddess believes
to be famous in the way of tantric. Both the stupa of
Lord Buddha and temple of a goddess are surrounded by
other temples and Tibetan monasteries. Being located
in the top level of valley, this place is famous for
visitors for sightseeing.
Pasupatinath Temple
Pasupatinath temple being the temple of Lord Shiva possessed
its two-storied golden roof and silver doors and is
famous for its superb architecture. The temple is situated
5 kilometer east of Kathmandu heart, on the banks of
sacred Bagmati River. Being one of the most important
Hindu temples, this is a center of annual pilgrimage.
From time immortal, the Pasupatinath area has contained
numerous temples, stupa, monasteries, images and inscriptions.
Not only is the Pasupatinath area a pilgrimage site
for the Hindus and it is also an important cultural
treasury for the whole world. Only Hindus are permitted
to enter from the main gate.
Bouddhanath Stupa
One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments
ever built in Nepal, Bouddhanath is an imposing structure
standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive
three level Mandala style platform surrounded by colorful
private family houses. The basic feature of this great
stupa is very much like those of Swayambhunath stupa
except its finial displaying. It is much bigger than
Swayambhunath Stupa and lies on the valley floor where
s former one stands on the hilltop. This stupa is said
to have been built in 5th century AD.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan located on lovely little plateau across the Bagmati
is only 7-k.m southeast of Kathmandu. This city roughly
inhabited by some 125000 people in considered oldest
of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. This city founded
in 3rd century AD. By King Veera Dev has a finest Newar
crafts since time immemorial. Meaning the city of fine
arts has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist
monuments scattered in and around. The most important
monument area of course is Patan Durbar Square. Recognized
by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The Square has been
described as one of the most picturesque collection
of buildings that have been set up so small a place
by the piety of oriental man. Most of the monuments
in this square date back to the medieval Malla period
15th to 17th century as the golden period of Nepalese
art and architecture. The important things to be seen
in this area include the Golden Gate and the Golden
Window of the old Palace, the beautiful piece of traditional
metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden
pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari chowk, a perfect
piece of the classic work in stone. Royal Taleju temple,
Viswa Nath Temple and Char Narayan temple are the finest
examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the temple
of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking
the square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures
scattered in and around the square.
Bhaktapur Durbar
Square
Situated at an altitude of 1401 meter above sea level
Bhaktapur only is a very unique old town. This city
divided into 24 traditional locality covers an area
of 5 square kilometers. Founded by King Anand Dev in
889 AD Bhakatapur is said to have been built in the
shape of conch shell a sacred symbol of Lord Vishnu.
The word Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Before
the unification of Nepal, Bhaktapur was an independent
principality ruled by the Malla Kings, who were very
much devoted to religion, culture and art. During the
period many magnificent temples and mansions were built.
This period is remembered as golden period in the Nepalese
art and remains a unique example.
Changu Narayan
Temple
The temple of Changu Narayan situated on the hillock
of Dolagiri to the north of Bhaktapur is one of the
oldest temples in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of
5000ft. This temple has its distinct historical and
architectural significance. The most authentic and oldest
ever inscription is located in the precinct of Changu
Narayan. The oldest inscription dated 464 AD is a credited
to have been set up by Lichchshavi King Manadeva. The
erection of Garuda Piller by Manadeva is expression
of his devotion and reverence to Chang Narayan as learnt
from the inscription, points that the temple of Changu
Narayan was built sometime before 464 AD
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