Posted by yagmurs on Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 , Posted in ADMIN, TRAVEL , No Comments »
little research for NEPAL
KATHMANDU
The city of Kathmandu is a melting pot for the nations population not only today but also in the yester years. Perhaps that is the reason behind the rich cultural heritage of the city. Kathmandu with its unique architectural heritage, palaces, temples and courtyards has inspired many writers, artists, and poets both foreign and Nepalese.
It boasts a unique symbiosis of Hinduism, Buddhism as well as Tantrism in its culture which is still alive today as it was hundreds of years ago. The religious influence can be openly seen in the city.
durbar square
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The heart of Kathmandu this ancient square crowded with palaces and temples, including the current incarnation of the Kasthamandap or “Wooden house” that gives the city its name. The square has been in active use since the construction of a palace around 1000 AD. This site is the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal.
Durbar Square, Kathmandu
Magical in the very early morning and evening, Durbar Square can be an exhausting experience due to the overwhelming number of young men offering to be “guides.” Be firm with saying “no” if you are not interested, but realize that looking at a map, or even standing still for a moment will be an invitation to a dozen other would-be “helpers”. Ask at the Tourist Information Office at the entrance if you do want a guide. A place not to be missed is a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square Museum.
Hanuman Dhoka
The square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that are built between the 12th and the 18th centuries by the ancient Malla Kings of Nepal. It is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab (God of Destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagnnath Temple are some of the interesting things to see in this Square.
An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription that is set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. It is believed that if anybody deciphers this entire inscription, the milk would flow from the spout, which lies just below the inscripted stone wall. Some people say that the inscription contains coded directions to a treasure King Pratap Malla has buried beneath Mohan chowk of Durbar Square.
There are several museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs. 250 for all the foreign visitors to visit all the museums of the palace building.
durbar square
There are more than a dozen buildings and statues of note in Durbar Square. They include:
* Taleju Temple One of the oldest temples in the square, this three-roofed temple with its pyramid shaped bases, is an example of the typical Newari architectural style.
* Ashok Binayak
* Shiva Temple
* Maju Deval
* Narayan Temple
* Shiva-Parvati Temple
* Kumari Palace- home of “the Kumari”, or living goddess, a young girl. South side of Durbar square,
* Bhagwati Temple
* Saraswati Temple The Goddess of Knowledge and Learning
* Krishna Temple
* Sweta Bhairab Statue shown only during the Indra Jatra festival.
* Kal Bhairab
* Indrapur Temple
* Vishnu temple
* Mahendreswar Temple
It is possible to climb the steps of many of the temples for a better look, or to join the people sat at the top watching the bustle below.
YAGMUR SATICI
Architect / Photographer
