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| Durbar Square |
The first thought conjuring in your mind for the word
“Nepal”?
For most people, it would include nice weather, simple people,
temples, temples and more temples. For the not-so-religious, happy-go-lucky,
there are always the casinos and bars!!!!
On a serious note, this is one place which has more temples
than most places put together. Given below is a brief of some of these. You
must remember that Nepal too was an important contributor to Buddhism. This is
brought out by the fact that some of the most important religious places here
are Buddhist.
Durbar Square
This is the heart of Kathmandu around which are the Royal
Palace, pagodas, courtyards, and temples including the one dedicated to Kumari,
the Living Goddess. Seeing it today, it would be difficult to imagine the scale
of destruction caused by the earthquake of 1934 when the entire area was turned
into piles of rubble and had to be built afresh.
Durban Square further consists of 3 squares, namely the
Kasthamandap, a shrine entirely in wood and that too from a single saal tree!
It is dedicated to Gorakhnath. The other two are the Ashok Binayak temple, also
known as the Maru Ganesh and Maru Tole.
The Kumari Temple
A temple dedicated to the living Goddess, a supposed living
reincarnation of Parvati. The lineage of most girls can be traced to the Newar
Sakya clan of gold and silversmiths and are initiated into the role at the age
of 4 or 5.
Seen only during religious festivities, she is carried
through the streets in a palanquin and walks on the cloth, as her feet must not
touch the ground. The 18th century temple is built in the style of Buddhist
monasteries which feature stucco facade with a number of intricately carved
windows. The lintels are carved with laughing skulls while deities, doves and
peacocks decorate the balcony windows.
Swayambhunath
Built 2000 years ago, it became an important centre for
Buddhist and was closely associated with Lhasa before being ransacked by the
troops of the Bengal Sultan in the 14 century AD. Rebuilt by Pratap Malla in
the 17th century at the same spot, it has remained ever since. It measures 20 m
in diameter and 10 m in height and is on a hillock which can be reached by
climbing 400 steps. The all-pervasive “Eyes of the Buddha” adorn it with a
third eye representing wisdom. The stupa is surrounded by prayer wheels turned
by the faithful while walking clockwise.
Bodhnath
Built by the Lichchavi King, Mana Dev in the fifth century
AD, it is situated 8 kms north-east of Kathmandu and is Nepal’s largest stupa
rising to 36 meters from its base.
Once the ancient trade route between Kathmandu and Lhasa, it
is believed that this stupa contains the bones of Kashyapa Buddha who preceded Gautama Buddha. The
hemispherical dome is painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Lord. The base of
the stupa consists of hundreds of prayer which apparently transit messages to
the heavens every time they are turned. Near the Stupa is a Buddhist monastery
where one can see Tibetan monks hard at study.
Budhanilkantha Temple
Situated 10 kms north of Kathmandu, the main attraction of
the temple is the world’s largest statue of the Vishnu reclining on a bed of
snakes in a pond. The creator’s identity is not known though it is said to
belong to the 8 century AD.
According to legends, it was accidentally unearthed by a
farmer and that the Lord apparently sleeps for four months of the year and the
festival of Budhanilkantha is celebrated in the month of November when he wakes
up.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated very near the Kathmandu Intl Airport, it is one of
Nepal’s most famous shrines. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his mild form literally
meaning the Lord of the beings, the temple is situated on the banks of the
Bhagmati River. Build in the classical pagoda style of the 17th century it has
brass and gilt plated gateways with ornate carvings all over. A black,
four-headed image of Pashupatinath is inside the temple. Foreigners and
non-Hindus are not allowed inside the shrine.
Dakshinkali Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the temple is about half an
hour’s drive from Kathmandu. Locals whose wishes come true traditionally
sacrifice a goat to appease the deity.
Changu Narayan Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the finest and oldest
specimens of pagoda architecture with the form of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s
mythical mount standing at the entrance with his palms folded.
If you had enough of spirituality, do visit these places to
unwind.
Nagarkot
Situated to the north-east of Kathmandu, it offers a
spectacular view which stretches from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchanjunga in
the east. Dawn brings with it some spectacular sights. So stay the night and enjoy
the view next morning.
Daman
Quite similar to Nagarkot, the 8,000 feet pass of
Simbhanjyang or Daman is situated along the road leading to the Indian border
at 120 km from Kathmandu. Though at a lower altitude, some believe this is the
best place to view the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Everest peaks on a clear day.
There is also a viewing tower fitted with long-range binoculars.
Dhulikhel
Yet another place to view the mountains, situated just
outside Kathmandu Valley, it is at an altitude of 1500 metres and offers a
breathtaking view of the Cho Oyu to in the east to the Himalchuli in the west.
Being the district headquarters, it can be reached very easily from Kathmandu.
Tour operators in Pune are always at arms length to take you
to these places in Kathmandu. Not all though may be as capable as the real ones
like Raghukul Holidays who seem to have made it their life’s mission to take
you to the hills. Go to them and see your dream holiday come alive!
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Please feel free to post your comments below.
About Author :- Amit Kulkarni is the founder of Raghukul Holidays.
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