Culture

World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square

A World Heritage Site, Kathamndu Durbar Square is abundant with old palaces, temples, images of deities and old buildings, a majority of them built in between 15th to 18th century during the reign of Malla dynasty. Hanuman dhoka – the main gateway to the palace, Taleju temple, abode of the Living Goddess, the fierce image of Kal Bhairab (The God of Truth), the ferocius mask of Akash Bhairab, the stone column of King Pratap Malla, the temples adorned with wood carvings and specially people who come to worship the deities are the attractions of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

2. Patan Durbar Square

The city of Patan is also known as ‘Lalitpur’ – the town of beauty. The name is justified by ancient art and architectural designs found in profuse tem-ples and palaces in Patan Durbar Square, the palatial area of Patan. Similar to Kathmandu Durbar Square the monuments here date back to Malla dynasty. The infamous Krishna temple, the museum inside Keshab Narayan chowk, Sundari chowk, Bhimsen temple, Taleju temple, the nearby Mahaboudha and golden temples are the major features of this area.

3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The city of Bhaktapur was founded in the 12th century by the King Ananada Dev Malla. From the 12th till 15th century it remained as the capital of the Malla dynasty. The multitude of temples beautifying the city suits the name ‘Bhaktapur’ which literrally means ‘city of devotees.’ Today the entire city has been maintained to preserve its medieval characteristics. Interestingly, people do live in the city and ancient culture and traditions play major part in their lives.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site is a collection of artistic monuments, exquisite in their making. The major attractions are 55 windows royal palace, the Golden gate, Pashupatinath temple, the idols of - Lord Bhairab, Goddess Ugrachandi, Narshimha, Unmuktahanuman, King Bhupatindra Malla, Taleju temple, Batsal Devi temple, Char Dham and the national museum. Dattatreya temple, Nyatapola – the five storied temple and pottery square are other attractions of this ancient city.

4. Changu Narayan temple

The sacred site of Changu Narayan temple, dating back further than the 4th century is yet another monument listed in the World heritage site. The two storied pagoda styled temple is dedicated to Lord Visnu, the protector. Believed to be originally built in the 3rd century the temple exhibits mastercraftmanship in its woodcarvings, stone carvings and metal carvings. Strewn in its courtyard there are stone inscription of King Mandev from the year 467 AD, statue of Garuda from the same time, and numerous idols dipicting different incarnations of Lord Visnu.

5. Pashupatinath temple

Considered as one of the four holiest Hindu temples the shrine of Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is regarded highly secred by all the Hindus. Built in the 17th century by the King Bhupatindra Malla the temple glitters in gold and silver. The two storied, pagoda styled temple features roofs made of gold plates and four entrances at four directions of silver, portraying artistic works of highly skilled craftsmen.

6. Swoyambhunath stupa

Aloft a hillock in the valley, the World heritage site of Swoyambhunath provides all around view of Kathmandu valley, with the hills and the snowy mountains in the backdrop. Although the shrine is adherent to Budhism it is visited by the Hindus too, signifying a strong harmony between the Hindus and the Budhists of Kathmandu valley. The present stupa of Swoyambhunath –‘the self existing one’ was built in the 17th century by the then King Pratap Malla. A relic of Lord Budha is believed to be placed inside the stupa,thus, making it sacred. Swoyambhunath stupa symbolizes ‘Nirvana’- the stage where there is no suffering.

7. Boudhanath stupa

Boudhanath stupa,a World Heritage Site remains another major Budhist shrine in Kathmandu valley. The stupa, largest of its kind in the country, is among the biggest throughout the world. Believed to be built in the 5th century, during the reign of the King, the stupa is a structural embodiment of Nirvana. Monasteries dedicated to four different sects of Tibetan Budhism - Nyingmapa, Kagyupa, Gelugpa and Sakyapa - occupy the surrounding vicinity of Boudhanath stupa marking the area as the center of Tibetans who have settled in Nepal.