Kathmandu is the capital of the kingdom of Nepal, situated in a valley which is an open air museum of famous sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas and are inspiring deities, is a city of inexhaustible historic artistic and cultural interest. Several beautiful and interesting villages and towns surrounding the valley offer ideal destinations for mini treks. The dazzling Himalayan peaks are visible from several points on the mountains around the valley. Kathmandu is famous and unique in the world in the field of arts, crafts and architecture. The splendid temples, monasteries and historical monuments of Kathmandu are highly appreciated by visitors to Kathmandu. Kathmandu is regarded as "a Living Cultural Museum" of Nepal.
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RELIGIOUS SITES IN KATHMANDU
(1) Kathmandu Durbar Square (Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza/Religious site)
The best place to begin your sightseeing of Kathmandu valley is the Kathmandu Durbar. An entrance fee of Rs. 200 for foreign nationals and Rs. 25 for the SAARC countries is to be paid to get into Durbar Square. A very old Hindu text has described Kathmandu as the land of gods surrounded by beautiful mountains around. Some two hundred years ago a western Visitor wrote that there were as many temples as there were houses and many idols as there were people. In fact Kathmandu boasts one of the largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built. 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 Newars are regarded as the original inhabitants of this majestic valley, but their origins are shrouded in mystery. They speak Newari language and their physical features range from distinctively Mongoloid. Kathmandu Valley has long been a cultural and racial melting pot with people coming from both east and west. This fusion has resulted in the unique Newari culture that is responsible for the valley's superb art and architecture. Locally also called as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square-an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. Some of the important monuments to be seen here are:
Hanuman Dhoka (Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza/Architectural building) – Palace Complex consists of a huge Royal Square imposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century. The entire Palace Complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red right next to the main entrance ( the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square. Kneeling in his usual posture on a pedestal, Hanuman is a hero from the Hindu epic Ramayana, who endows military success to his devotees - the reason why he has been placed there. The gate is guarded by two stone lions that are mounted by the god Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Immediately inside is the biggest of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace's chowks (courtyards), Nasal Chowk. This is where the king's coronation takes place and where various other festivities are held. Here we also find the entrance to the Tribhuvan Museum largely dedicated to the memory of the late king Tribhuvan. The Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, with its five circular roofs, whose entrance is limited only to priests, lies at the north-eastern corner of the Nasal chowk.
Basantapur Tower (Attraction type: Lookout) – There are four towers in the palace. Of these, Basantapur Tower, built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah around the Lohan Chowk, is the tallest. Mook Chowk is the courtyard dedicated to the goddess, Taleju Bhawani, and is used only for religious functions of the palace. Taleju temple, tallest of all structures built by king Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.
Kumari Ghar (Attraction type: Religious site) – 17th century Kumari temple, an example of the highly developed Nepalese temple craft. It the house of the Royal Kumari acknowledged to be a Living Goddess. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. Two painted stone lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see Kumari, but are forbidden to take photographs.
Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – The Trailokya Mohan Temple was built in 1680 by Prithvibendra Malla. It is on the immediate left as one walks out of the Kumari Bahal. It is built on a panoply of five plinths that narrow down at each upper level and above the shrine is a three-tiered roof. On the back you see a beautiful Garuda.
Maju Deval (Attraction type: Religious site) – This Temple is dedicated to Shiva and inside you will find a famous Lingam. The temple is set atop nine levels of plinth. The steps of this temple is a favourite place to sit and watch the daily life.. Both locals and tourists can be found reposing against the many levels of platforms watching the bustle of the crowd below or even enjoying a siesta.
Gadhi Baithak – stands out very conspicuously, or rather, incongruously in the same square with its neoclassical European architecture. Built in the early years of the 20th century during the Rana period, its balcony overlooking the square is from where the king witness the pageantry of the Indra Jatra festival.
Bhagwati Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – is the three-storied building next to the Gaddi Baithak. Built by King Jagat Jaya Malla in 1670 and originally dedicated to Lord Narayan.
Shiva Parvati Temple House (Attraction type: Religious site) – lies on the left as one walks into the Durbar Square from Kumari Bahal. The celestial couple carved in wood look down into the street from the central window on the upper floor. They are overlooking the place, have a look where Shiva is holding his left hand! Again this Temple has fantastic carved windows and two lions guarding the entrance.
The Big Bell (Attraction type: Lookout) – was erected by the son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Rana Bahadur in 1797. The ringing of bell is said to drive away evil spirits, and is rung on occasion when ceremonies are held at Degu Taleju Temple.
Vishnu Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – lies next to the Big Bell and after it comes the Saraswati Temple. Both were severely damaged in the Great Earthquare of 1934. Krishna Mandir is the next monument and was built in 1648 by King Pratap Malla in imitation of its more famous namesake in Patan. It has an octagonal-shaped construction with a three-tiered roof.
Pratap Dhvaja – King Pratap Malla's statue called Prataf Dhvaja lies mounted on the high pillar on the outer courtyard. He sits with hands folded and surrounded by is two wives and five children facing the entrance of Hanuman Dhoka.
Seto Bhairab's huge glided face lies hidden behind a latticed wooden screen. The screen is only opened for ten days once every year during the festival of Indra Jatra when devotees flock around the shower this image with rice and confetti of flower petals.
Jagannath temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – in the central part of the Durbar Square, exhibits a variety of erotic carvings on the struts supporting its canopies. Built in the 16th century, known for fascinating erotic figures carving the wooden struts eaves. Next to it lies Gopinath Mandir, a temple honoring Lord Krishna.
Kal Bhairav (Attraction type: Religious site) – is one of the largest stone idol in Kathmandu representing the terrifying aspects of Shiva. Kal Bhairav is a massive relief in stone of a fierce-looking deity, painted in black and garlanded with skulls around neck, and bright red and yellow ornaments. Indrapur Temple lies immediately east of the Kal Bhairav and adjoining it is the Vishnu Temple. North of it is the Kakeshwar Temple built in 1681. Stone inscriptins in 15 languages, including English and French, can been seen outside the wall of the Hanuman Dhoka opposite the Vishnu Temple.
Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – is a Shiva Temple built in the 1500s in the era of King Mahendra Malla. Set atop three levels of plinth, it is a square structure with a domed roof. Mahavishnu Temple stands on a set of four levels of plinth and has a two-tiered roof. Mahendrashwar Temple is another temple dedicated to Shiva. It has two levels of plinth and it topped by a golden umbrella.
The Ganesh shrine Ashok Binayak (Attraction type: Religious site) – One of my favourites places on Durbar Square is the little Ganesh temple on the corner of the Kasthamandap. From the early morning an, devotees are coming to give some offerings to Ganesh, asking luck for a travel or a business. After giving a little offering to the god, they receive a little spot of red colour on their head, the Hindu Thikka. This magic place is absolutely worth to be visited very early in the morning.
Kasthamandap (Attraction type: Religious site) – The name means house of wood. The Kathmandu City derives its name from Kasthamandap. This Temple is supposed to be on of the oldest remaining houses of Kathmandu. This unique wooden temple is also known as Maru Satal. It was built in 1596 A.D. by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. They say the timber used for its relevant construction was sawed out f a single tree.
Taleju Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – The grandest among all the temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square is Taleju Temple. Standing on a level of twelve plinth at a height exceeding 35 meters, this temple dominates the landscapes around Durbar Square. Built in 1564 by King Mahendra Malla. It is only opened to the public during the festival of Dashain.
Nautale Durbar – Besides this other fascinating part of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar overlooking the beautiful cityscape and the vast Basantapur square where Prithivi Narayan Shah built mansion to commemorate his victory in 1768 A.D. This building complex is known for the most intricately carved wooden doorways roof struts and massive lattice windows full of mythical figures.
(2) Swoyambhu Nath Stupa (Attraction type: Religious site)
Svayambhunath is a hilltop temple complex situated on the northwestern boundary of Kathmandu, with panoramic views of the valley and city. Its main feature is a Buddhist stupa, the Maha Chaitya, reputed to be more than 2,000 years old. Located in a lovely little hill rock Swoyambhu Nath Stupa is one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of the world. This great Stoup is said to have been built around 250 B.C. It is indeed listed a World Heritage for Site to prove that it serves as the nerve center of faithful worship for all the devout philosophy of Bajrayan in particular and honors Lord Adi Buddha. Generally a holy memorial site Stoup represents a typical Buddhist architecture. Its main feature the white dome is identified with a spotless pure jewel of Nirvana and a thirteen tiered golden spire in conical shape surmounted on the dome. Underneath this towering structure are a pair of all seeing eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides of the Stupa. The Stupa of Swoyambhunath stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base-a long time ago believed to have originated from a legendary lake of Kathmandu Valley. As the ancient legend goes Kathmandu Valley was a lake a long time ago. Right in the centre of this lake was a full blown lotus with the divine light a top. When Maha Manjushri a saint from China heard about this he came rushing all the way from China to the Valley. He cut through the southern wall hill of the valley with his divine sword. The cleft made by the sword immediately drained the entire lake water making the valley floor open for a close up view of the divine lotus light. This holy site in fact is the massive stupa complex ever built in Nepal. Hundreds of votive shrines and other historical monuments built in and around this stupa speak a lot about the significance and antiquity of this famed stupa. It lies about 3k.m. west of down town Kathmandu. There are two different ways to reach for this site. One is from the west side which is relatively a short cut and another is from the east side where it leads to the main entrance with 360 steps leading all the way to the top, where the most venerated Swayambhu Stupa stands-commanding a magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and the breathtaking panorama of the north eastern Himalayan range. Other important things to be seen here include a magnificent two tiered golden temple dedicated to Harati. She is the grand mother deity of children and small pox who was said to be the Ogress until Lord Buddha converted her to be the great caretaker of the children. Not to far from this temple is Dewa Dharma monastery-noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings . The huge gold plated vajra ' tha priestly symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism set on the Dharmadhatu mandala at the side of the stupa is worth a close look. Important days to visit this holy site: Buddha Purnima, Gunla, Kojagrath Purni and Samyak day. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.
(3) Pasupatinath Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Pasupatinath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, this two tiered magnificent golden temple with four triple silver doorways is unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complex in South Asia with hundreds of Shiva lingams, shrines icons of various Hindu god and goddess insides. This temple site occupies an area of 281 hectares in total. The main entrance of this temple is in the western side facing a small street of Deopatan market. As non Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple courtyard. They are advised to go on the other side of the river in the East to have a glimpse of the temple complex. In the middle of the spring (Feb.-March) every year there occurs a festival called Shivaratri. The world Shivaratri means the holy night of Lord Shiva. On this day many devotees visit the Pashupati Nath temple and make the ceremonial fire. Most of the devotees spend the night offering prayers to Shiva. This festival attracts tens of thousand of pilgrims from India besides the locals. Historically pre-Christian era this temple seems to have its origin away back to the early Kirat period. Stone sculptures found in the vicinity support the antiquity of this place. This holy site is 6 km. east oil down town Kathmandu. Regular bus and taxi services are easily available from a city points. Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the festival of Shivaratri and Teej. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.
(4) Guheshwori Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Guheshwori Temple lies 500 meters east of Pashupatinath across the Bagmati River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva's wife., Parbati. On a forested knoll, further behind Pashupati Temple to the eastern direction and also by the side of the bending or winding Bagmati River appears the gracious temple of Guheshwori sometimes known as Nairatma Yogini or Aksah Yogini. It is another famous spot of Hindu pilgrimage. In this case, also, only Hindus are authorized to enter the premises.
(5) Boudhanath Stupa (Attraction type: Religious site)
Boudhanath is a colossal stupa north east of Pashupatinath and lies a further 2 km by road. One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. This is declared to stand as the largest Buddhist shrine of South Asia. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style Platforms surrounded by colourful private family houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is very much like that of Swoyambhunath stupa except its finial displaying. It is much bigger than Swoyambhu stupa and lies on the valley floor whereas the former one stands on the hill top. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century A. D. The site is considered very much like Mecca for the Tibetan Buddhists and every year tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region visit the stupa. Some of the gompas surrounding Boudha are Sakyapa Gompa, Chinya-Lama Gompa, Nyingmapa Gompa, Kargyupa Gompa, Gelugpa Gompa etc. According to a very popular legend long time ago the kingdom of Kathmandu was under terrifying draught. King Dharma Deva was very worried. An astrologer advised him that only the sacrifice of an ideal man with 32 virtues in front of the dry royal water spout could make the rain fall in the country. And in the following night he commanded his son to go to the dry water spout inside the royal palace compound at mid night and behead the person shrouded in white robe without looking at him. The Prince obeyed his father but to his great horror only to find it was none other than his own father. In order to atone the big sin and in removal the prince said to have built this great stupa. As an entry point of ancient Nepal-Tibet trade rout, the site is popularly frequented by Tibetan visitors. During Lhosar festival the pilgrims worship the Buddhist deities, light the increase and butter lamp day and night. Every twelve year a special ceremony is observed with great gusto and fervor . During that time they dance, play musical instruments, chant and hymns. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.
(6) Changu Narayan (Attraction type: Religious site)
Changu Narayan, with an ancient Hindu temple complex inside an enclosed courtyard, located approximately 13 kms east-north-east from Kathmandu, the temple is also on a hilltop, at an altitude of 1550 metres above sea level. Narayan, or Vishnu, is the preserver of creation to Hindus. Situated on the beautiful hil, the square two storeyed temple stands in the centre of a brickpaved courtyard, with the main structure raised on a three tier diminishing plinth, with doors on all four sides. The doors have pairs of carvings of animals such as lions, horses, griffins, and elephants with the main western door richly carved in brass, with a brass tympanum above the door. The roof is supported by 24 struts or brackets, which serve as decoration and to support the temple roof. His temple is often described as the most ancient temple in Kathmandu, based on a fifth century inscription on a stone pillar discovered inside the temple grounds. The Changu Narayan complex and associated statues, carvings and artifacts cover sixteen hundred years of Newari art and in effect chart the cultural development of the indigenous Newari people. The courtyard has many other temples such as that of Kileshwar Shiva, , Chinnamasta Devi, and other figures like that of Garuda. The temple and surrounding buildings exhibit some of the finest stone, wood, and metal craft in the Valley. It is therefore sacred to adherents of both religions and attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year as one of the three most venerated power places in the Kathmandu Valley. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 60 per person.
(7) Dachhinkali (Attraction type: Religious site)
Kali is a bloodthirsty Hindu Goddess. This particular temple lies in the southernmost suburbs of the Valley, beyond Furping downward in a solitary ravine. So she is termed 'Dachhinkali' meaning South Kali. The important days for religious pilgrimage include Tuesdays and Saturdays. A ritual worship attached by animal sacrifice would not be an uncommon scene here the practice of which is totally against Buddhism in the birth land of Lord Buddha. The poor victims include the fowls, birds and sheep in general.
(8) Buddhanilkantha (Attraction type: Religious site)
Situated in the northern suburbs of the Valley just at the foot of Mt. Shibapur, this is an enchanting Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu Narayan. So the locality is also known as Narayanthan. He lies in a bed of serpents amidst the pious pool and seems to float on water. The surrounding pond actually represents the sea. The reclining statue was built in the 5th century A.D.The season of religious celebration here takes place right after the festival of Tihar. Although it is a renowned spot of worship, the reigning king of Nepal (may it be contemporary or any Hindu monarch) may not visit this place for reasons particularly unknown. Thus to please the king a replica of it has been built elsewhere if he wishes to visit it much.
(9) Bhadrakali Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi Temple and is one of the main "Shakta" temples of Kathmandu city.
(10) Karunamaya Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
It is a Buddhist pagoda of considerable artistic beauty located in a holy courtyard called Jan Bahal, which is full of stupas and statues nearby Indra-Chowk. It consists of a two tiered bronze roof built by King Yakshta Malla in 1502 A.D. This authentic temple is surrounded by residential houses and busy shops. The chariot festival of White Karunamaya-the "God of Mercy" is annually celebrated in Kathmandu Valley.
(11) Akash Bhairab Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Also referred to as the Blue Bhairab sometimes, it is a three-storeyed temple in the principal market called Indra Chowk. The divine image of the Akash Bhairab is displayed outside for a week -long period during the great festival of Indra Jatra. The celebration of Indra Jatra honors Indra- the King of Heaven and the God of Rain.
(12) Jaishi Dewal (Attraction type: Religious site)
Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.
(13) Kimdol Monastery (Attraction type: Religious site)
Situated within Ward No. 15 of Kathmandu City adjacent to Swayamvu Hill is another famous Buddhist monastery called Kimdol. It is a small town itself full of Buddhist citizens. Kimdol resumes a hillock atop which sits a Buddhist embracing the two major aspects of Buddhism including Mahayan (Lamaism) and Hinyan (Therbad). Apart form that we find numerous stupas, chaityas and chhortens scattered around. Prayer-flags with printed Tibetan characters and holy diagrams flutter many terraces and rooftops. Kimdol bahal is believed to be the location whence the Hinyan (Therbad) from of Buddhism highly developed. Today only nunnery of the saffron robe is practiced here; monk hood has eventually shifted elsewhere. The bahal restricts the consumption of liquors of any kind (strong or mild), tobacco, meat, fish, egg and even garlic for all visiting the monastery. The spectacular view of old Kathmandu, i.e. Kantipur, can be clearly fetched form Kimdol height.
(14) Kopan Monastery (Attraction type: Religious site)
Hundreds of monks and nuns live at this monastery, which offers meditation courses year round.
RELIGIOUS SITES IN KATHMANDU
(1) Kathmandu Durbar Square (Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza/Religious site)
The best place to begin your sightseeing of Kathmandu valley is the Kathmandu Durbar. An entrance fee of Rs. 200 for foreign nationals and Rs. 25 for the SAARC countries is to be paid to get into Durbar Square. A very old Hindu text has described Kathmandu as the land of gods surrounded by beautiful mountains around. Some two hundred years ago a western Visitor wrote that there were as many temples as there were houses and many idols as there were people. In fact Kathmandu boasts one of the largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built. 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 Newars are regarded as the original inhabitants of this majestic valley, but their origins are shrouded in mystery. They speak Newari language and their physical features range from distinctively Mongoloid. Kathmandu Valley has long been a cultural and racial melting pot with people coming from both east and west. This fusion has resulted in the unique Newari culture that is responsible for the valley's superb art and architecture. Locally also called as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square-an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. Some of the important monuments to be seen here are:
Hanuman Dhoka (Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza/Architectural building) – Palace Complex consists of a huge Royal Square imposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century. The entire Palace Complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red right next to the main entrance ( the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square. Kneeling in his usual posture on a pedestal, Hanuman is a hero from the Hindu epic Ramayana, who endows military success to his devotees - the reason why he has been placed there. The gate is guarded by two stone lions that are mounted by the god Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Immediately inside is the biggest of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace's chowks (courtyards), Nasal Chowk. This is where the king's coronation takes place and where various other festivities are held. Here we also find the entrance to the Tribhuvan Museum largely dedicated to the memory of the late king Tribhuvan. The Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, with its five circular roofs, whose entrance is limited only to priests, lies at the north-eastern corner of the Nasal chowk.
Basantapur Tower (Attraction type: Lookout) – There are four towers in the palace. Of these, Basantapur Tower, built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah around the Lohan Chowk, is the tallest. Mook Chowk is the courtyard dedicated to the goddess, Taleju Bhawani, and is used only for religious functions of the palace. Taleju temple, tallest of all structures built by king Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.
Kumari Ghar (Attraction type: Religious site) – 17th century Kumari temple, an example of the highly developed Nepalese temple craft. It the house of the Royal Kumari acknowledged to be a Living Goddess. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. Two painted stone lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see Kumari, but are forbidden to take photographs.
Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – The Trailokya Mohan Temple was built in 1680 by Prithvibendra Malla. It is on the immediate left as one walks out of the Kumari Bahal. It is built on a panoply of five plinths that narrow down at each upper level and above the shrine is a three-tiered roof. On the back you see a beautiful Garuda.
Maju Deval (Attraction type: Religious site) – This Temple is dedicated to Shiva and inside you will find a famous Lingam. The temple is set atop nine levels of plinth. The steps of this temple is a favourite place to sit and watch the daily life.. Both locals and tourists can be found reposing against the many levels of platforms watching the bustle of the crowd below or even enjoying a siesta.
Gadhi Baithak – stands out very conspicuously, or rather, incongruously in the same square with its neoclassical European architecture. Built in the early years of the 20th century during the Rana period, its balcony overlooking the square is from where the king witness the pageantry of the Indra Jatra festival.
Bhagwati Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – is the three-storied building next to the Gaddi Baithak. Built by King Jagat Jaya Malla in 1670 and originally dedicated to Lord Narayan.
Shiva Parvati Temple House (Attraction type: Religious site) – lies on the left as one walks into the Durbar Square from Kumari Bahal. The celestial couple carved in wood look down into the street from the central window on the upper floor. They are overlooking the place, have a look where Shiva is holding his left hand! Again this Temple has fantastic carved windows and two lions guarding the entrance.
The Big Bell (Attraction type: Lookout) – was erected by the son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Rana Bahadur in 1797. The ringing of bell is said to drive away evil spirits, and is rung on occasion when ceremonies are held at Degu Taleju Temple.
Vishnu Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – lies next to the Big Bell and after it comes the Saraswati Temple. Both were severely damaged in the Great Earthquare of 1934. Krishna Mandir is the next monument and was built in 1648 by King Pratap Malla in imitation of its more famous namesake in Patan. It has an octagonal-shaped construction with a three-tiered roof.
Pratap Dhvaja – King Pratap Malla's statue called Prataf Dhvaja lies mounted on the high pillar on the outer courtyard. He sits with hands folded and surrounded by is two wives and five children facing the entrance of Hanuman Dhoka.
Seto Bhairab's huge glided face lies hidden behind a latticed wooden screen. The screen is only opened for ten days once every year during the festival of Indra Jatra when devotees flock around the shower this image with rice and confetti of flower petals.
Jagannath temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – in the central part of the Durbar Square, exhibits a variety of erotic carvings on the struts supporting its canopies. Built in the 16th century, known for fascinating erotic figures carving the wooden struts eaves. Next to it lies Gopinath Mandir, a temple honoring Lord Krishna.
Kal Bhairav (Attraction type: Religious site) – is one of the largest stone idol in Kathmandu representing the terrifying aspects of Shiva. Kal Bhairav is a massive relief in stone of a fierce-looking deity, painted in black and garlanded with skulls around neck, and bright red and yellow ornaments. Indrapur Temple lies immediately east of the Kal Bhairav and adjoining it is the Vishnu Temple. North of it is the Kakeshwar Temple built in 1681. Stone inscriptins in 15 languages, including English and French, can been seen outside the wall of the Hanuman Dhoka opposite the Vishnu Temple.
Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – is a Shiva Temple built in the 1500s in the era of King Mahendra Malla. Set atop three levels of plinth, it is a square structure with a domed roof. Mahavishnu Temple stands on a set of four levels of plinth and has a two-tiered roof. Mahendrashwar Temple is another temple dedicated to Shiva. It has two levels of plinth and it topped by a golden umbrella.
The Ganesh shrine Ashok Binayak (Attraction type: Religious site) – One of my favourites places on Durbar Square is the little Ganesh temple on the corner of the Kasthamandap. From the early morning an, devotees are coming to give some offerings to Ganesh, asking luck for a travel or a business. After giving a little offering to the god, they receive a little spot of red colour on their head, the Hindu Thikka. This magic place is absolutely worth to be visited very early in the morning.
Kasthamandap (Attraction type: Religious site) – The name means house of wood. The Kathmandu City derives its name from Kasthamandap. This Temple is supposed to be on of the oldest remaining houses of Kathmandu. This unique wooden temple is also known as Maru Satal. It was built in 1596 A.D. by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. They say the timber used for its relevant construction was sawed out f a single tree.
Taleju Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – The grandest among all the temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square is Taleju Temple. Standing on a level of twelve plinth at a height exceeding 35 meters, this temple dominates the landscapes around Durbar Square. Built in 1564 by King Mahendra Malla. It is only opened to the public during the festival of Dashain.
Nautale Durbar – Besides this other fascinating part of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar overlooking the beautiful cityscape and the vast Basantapur square where Prithivi Narayan Shah built mansion to commemorate his victory in 1768 A.D. This building complex is known for the most intricately carved wooden doorways roof struts and massive lattice windows full of mythical figures.
(2) Swoyambhu Nath Stupa (Attraction type: Religious site)
Svayambhunath is a hilltop temple complex situated on the northwestern boundary of Kathmandu, with panoramic views of the valley and city. Its main feature is a Buddhist stupa, the Maha Chaitya, reputed to be more than 2,000 years old. Located in a lovely little hill rock Swoyambhu Nath Stupa is one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of the world. This great Stoup is said to have been built around 250 B.C. It is indeed listed a World Heritage for Site to prove that it serves as the nerve center of faithful worship for all the devout philosophy of Bajrayan in particular and honors Lord Adi Buddha. Generally a holy memorial site Stoup represents a typical Buddhist architecture. Its main feature the white dome is identified with a spotless pure jewel of Nirvana and a thirteen tiered golden spire in conical shape surmounted on the dome. Underneath this towering structure are a pair of all seeing eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides of the Stupa. The Stupa of Swoyambhunath stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base-a long time ago believed to have originated from a legendary lake of Kathmandu Valley. As the ancient legend goes Kathmandu Valley was a lake a long time ago. Right in the centre of this lake was a full blown lotus with the divine light a top. When Maha Manjushri a saint from China heard about this he came rushing all the way from China to the Valley. He cut through the southern wall hill of the valley with his divine sword. The cleft made by the sword immediately drained the entire lake water making the valley floor open for a close up view of the divine lotus light. This holy site in fact is the massive stupa complex ever built in Nepal. Hundreds of votive shrines and other historical monuments built in and around this stupa speak a lot about the significance and antiquity of this famed stupa. It lies about 3k.m. west of down town Kathmandu. There are two different ways to reach for this site. One is from the west side which is relatively a short cut and another is from the east side where it leads to the main entrance with 360 steps leading all the way to the top, where the most venerated Swayambhu Stupa stands-commanding a magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and the breathtaking panorama of the north eastern Himalayan range. Other important things to be seen here include a magnificent two tiered golden temple dedicated to Harati. She is the grand mother deity of children and small pox who was said to be the Ogress until Lord Buddha converted her to be the great caretaker of the children. Not to far from this temple is Dewa Dharma monastery-noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings . The huge gold plated vajra ' tha priestly symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism set on the Dharmadhatu mandala at the side of the stupa is worth a close look. Important days to visit this holy site: Buddha Purnima, Gunla, Kojagrath Purni and Samyak day. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.
(3) Pasupatinath Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Pasupatinath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, this two tiered magnificent golden temple with four triple silver doorways is unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complex in South Asia with hundreds of Shiva lingams, shrines icons of various Hindu god and goddess insides. This temple site occupies an area of 281 hectares in total. The main entrance of this temple is in the western side facing a small street of Deopatan market. As non Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple courtyard. They are advised to go on the other side of the river in the East to have a glimpse of the temple complex. In the middle of the spring (Feb.-March) every year there occurs a festival called Shivaratri. The world Shivaratri means the holy night of Lord Shiva. On this day many devotees visit the Pashupati Nath temple and make the ceremonial fire. Most of the devotees spend the night offering prayers to Shiva. This festival attracts tens of thousand of pilgrims from India besides the locals. Historically pre-Christian era this temple seems to have its origin away back to the early Kirat period. Stone sculptures found in the vicinity support the antiquity of this place. This holy site is 6 km. east oil down town Kathmandu. Regular bus and taxi services are easily available from a city points. Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the festival of Shivaratri and Teej. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.
(4) Guheshwori Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Guheshwori Temple lies 500 meters east of Pashupatinath across the Bagmati River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva's wife., Parbati. On a forested knoll, further behind Pashupati Temple to the eastern direction and also by the side of the bending or winding Bagmati River appears the gracious temple of Guheshwori sometimes known as Nairatma Yogini or Aksah Yogini. It is another famous spot of Hindu pilgrimage. In this case, also, only Hindus are authorized to enter the premises.
(5) Boudhanath Stupa (Attraction type: Religious site)
Boudhanath is a colossal stupa north east of Pashupatinath and lies a further 2 km by road. One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. This is declared to stand as the largest Buddhist shrine of South Asia. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style Platforms surrounded by colourful private family houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is very much like that of Swoyambhunath stupa except its finial displaying. It is much bigger than Swoyambhu stupa and lies on the valley floor whereas the former one stands on the hill top. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century A. D. The site is considered very much like Mecca for the Tibetan Buddhists and every year tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region visit the stupa. Some of the gompas surrounding Boudha are Sakyapa Gompa, Chinya-Lama Gompa, Nyingmapa Gompa, Kargyupa Gompa, Gelugpa Gompa etc. According to a very popular legend long time ago the kingdom of Kathmandu was under terrifying draught. King Dharma Deva was very worried. An astrologer advised him that only the sacrifice of an ideal man with 32 virtues in front of the dry royal water spout could make the rain fall in the country. And in the following night he commanded his son to go to the dry water spout inside the royal palace compound at mid night and behead the person shrouded in white robe without looking at him. The Prince obeyed his father but to his great horror only to find it was none other than his own father. In order to atone the big sin and in removal the prince said to have built this great stupa. As an entry point of ancient Nepal-Tibet trade rout, the site is popularly frequented by Tibetan visitors. During Lhosar festival the pilgrims worship the Buddhist deities, light the increase and butter lamp day and night. Every twelve year a special ceremony is observed with great gusto and fervor . During that time they dance, play musical instruments, chant and hymns. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.
(6) Changu Narayan (Attraction type: Religious site)
Changu Narayan, with an ancient Hindu temple complex inside an enclosed courtyard, located approximately 13 kms east-north-east from Kathmandu, the temple is also on a hilltop, at an altitude of 1550 metres above sea level. Narayan, or Vishnu, is the preserver of creation to Hindus. Situated on the beautiful hil, the square two storeyed temple stands in the centre of a brickpaved courtyard, with the main structure raised on a three tier diminishing plinth, with doors on all four sides. The doors have pairs of carvings of animals such as lions, horses, griffins, and elephants with the main western door richly carved in brass, with a brass tympanum above the door. The roof is supported by 24 struts or brackets, which serve as decoration and to support the temple roof. His temple is often described as the most ancient temple in Kathmandu, based on a fifth century inscription on a stone pillar discovered inside the temple grounds. The Changu Narayan complex and associated statues, carvings and artifacts cover sixteen hundred years of Newari art and in effect chart the cultural development of the indigenous Newari people. The courtyard has many other temples such as that of Kileshwar Shiva, , Chinnamasta Devi, and other figures like that of Garuda. The temple and surrounding buildings exhibit some of the finest stone, wood, and metal craft in the Valley. It is therefore sacred to adherents of both religions and attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year as one of the three most venerated power places in the Kathmandu Valley. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 60 per person.
(7) Dachhinkali (Attraction type: Religious site)
Kali is a bloodthirsty Hindu Goddess. This particular temple lies in the southernmost suburbs of the Valley, beyond Furping downward in a solitary ravine. So she is termed 'Dachhinkali' meaning South Kali. The important days for religious pilgrimage include Tuesdays and Saturdays. A ritual worship attached by animal sacrifice would not be an uncommon scene here the practice of which is totally against Buddhism in the birth land of Lord Buddha. The poor victims include the fowls, birds and sheep in general.
(8) Buddhanilkantha (Attraction type: Religious site)
Situated in the northern suburbs of the Valley just at the foot of Mt. Shibapur, this is an enchanting Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu Narayan. So the locality is also known as Narayanthan. He lies in a bed of serpents amidst the pious pool and seems to float on water. The surrounding pond actually represents the sea. The reclining statue was built in the 5th century A.D.The season of religious celebration here takes place right after the festival of Tihar. Although it is a renowned spot of worship, the reigning king of Nepal (may it be contemporary or any Hindu monarch) may not visit this place for reasons particularly unknown. Thus to please the king a replica of it has been built elsewhere if he wishes to visit it much.
(9) Bhadrakali Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi Temple and is one of the main "Shakta" temples of Kathmandu city.
(10) Karunamaya Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
It is a Buddhist pagoda of considerable artistic beauty located in a holy courtyard called Jan Bahal, which is full of stupas and statues nearby Indra-Chowk. It consists of a two tiered bronze roof built by King Yakshta Malla in 1502 A.D. This authentic temple is surrounded by residential houses and busy shops. The chariot festival of White Karunamaya-the "God of Mercy" is annually celebrated in Kathmandu Valley.
(11) Akash Bhairab Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Also referred to as the Blue Bhairab sometimes, it is a three-storeyed temple in the principal market called Indra Chowk. The divine image of the Akash Bhairab is displayed outside for a week -long period during the great festival of Indra Jatra. The celebration of Indra Jatra honors Indra- the King of Heaven and the God of Rain.
(12) Jaishi Dewal (Attraction type: Religious site)
Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.
(13) Kimdol Monastery (Attraction type: Religious site)
Situated within Ward No. 15 of Kathmandu City adjacent to Swayamvu Hill is another famous Buddhist monastery called Kimdol. It is a small town itself full of Buddhist citizens. Kimdol resumes a hillock atop which sits a Buddhist embracing the two major aspects of Buddhism including Mahayan (Lamaism) and Hinyan (Therbad). Apart form that we find numerous stupas, chaityas and chhortens scattered around. Prayer-flags with printed Tibetan characters and holy diagrams flutter many terraces and rooftops. Kimdol bahal is believed to be the location whence the Hinyan (Therbad) from of Buddhism highly developed. Today only nunnery of the saffron robe is practiced here; monk hood has eventually shifted elsewhere. The bahal restricts the consumption of liquors of any kind (strong or mild), tobacco, meat, fish, egg and even garlic for all visiting the monastery. The spectacular view of old Kathmandu, i.e. Kantipur, can be clearly fetched form Kimdol height.
(14) Kopan Monastery (Attraction type: Religious site)
Hundreds of monks and nuns live at this monastery, which offers meditation courses year round.
