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Machchhendranath Temple:
The temple of sweta Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal
between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of
considerable arctic beauty. The deity is also called
Janmadyo or Machchhendra.
Akas Bhairav Temple: A three story temple in the main
market avenue, called Indra chowk, the image of Akash
Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra
Jatra, the God of rain.
Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square): It is the
historical seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its
old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and
cultural life of the people. it is here that kings of
Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnizes.
Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built
by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal
Bhairav, the God of distruction, Nautalle Durbar,
coronations Nasal Chowk, the gaddi Baithak, the statue
of King Pratap Malla, the |
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big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. It
was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in
1979. On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice
screen hides an enormous giled face of Sweta Bhairav.
The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra
festival. There is also the Numismatic Museum inside the
Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited
inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on
Saturdays, Mondays and government holiday.
Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar): Kumari (vestal Virgin).
or the living goddess, who represents a very ancient
Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is
Buddhist by birth, the temple of Kumari is situated in
the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has
intricately craved wooden balconies and window screens.
The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony
window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the
king of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing.
Kasthamandap: Located near the temple if Kumari, it is
said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in
the beginning of 16th century. it is said to be
constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of
Kathmandu derives its name from the temple.
Ashok Binayak: The small but very important temple of
Askok Binayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap. It is
also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
Jaishi dewal: A five minutes walk from Kasthamandap is
the Shiva temple of Jaishi Dewal which is famous for its
erotic carvings. It is one of the main routes of the
chariot festival of Indra Jatra and other festivals.
Tundikhel: A huge green field known as Tundikhel flanks
one entire side of the old city. Some of the important
landmarks of the Kathmandu valley are lacoated in the
periphery of this area. At the south-western end of
Tundikhel is a 59.29m.tower built by Prime Minister
Bhimsen Thapa in 1832A.D. known as Dharahara or Bhimsen
Stambha. The sundhara fountain worth golden water
spouts, situated at the foot of this great tower, also
belongs to the same period.
Marty's memorial (Sahid Gate): It is located between
Bhimsen Stambha and and Bhadrakali Temple. The memorial
arch contains the statue of ate King Tribhuban Bir
Bikram Shah Dev and the busts of four martyrs.
Bhadrakali Temple: At the eastern edge of the tundikhel,
near Shahid gate, stands the temple of goddess
Bhadrakali. This temple also known as Lumarchi temple
and is one of the main "Shakti" temples of Kathmandu
city.
Singha Durbar: A grand imposing palace built in the
neo-classical style, Singha durbar is the private
residence of a Rana Prime Minister. Now it is the
secretariat of government of Nepal.
Kaisar Library: Located inside the premises of the
Ministry of Education, Kaisar Library is a great center
of rare and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open
for the public except on Saturdays and other government
holidays. The library is open from 9.00hours to
17.00hours (summer) and from 9.00hours to 16.00hours
9(winter).
Budhanilakantha: About 8Km north from Kathmandu, at the
best of Shivapuri hill is the remarkable colossal statue
of Lord Bishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is
one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the
Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the
middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.
Balaju Water Garden: Situated about 5km north-west of
Kathmandu, Balaju garden fetures fountains with
22crocodile-headed water spouts dating from the
eighteenth century. There is also a large swimming pool
inside the park.
Swayambhunath: this is one of the most glorious
Bhuddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old.
Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are the
all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Ot is 3km west of
Kathmandu city and situated on the hillock about 77m
above the level of the Kathmandu Valley and hence
commands an excellent view of the valley. The stupa is
the oldest of its kind in Nepal. I t was listed in the
UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
The National Museum: Located about 2km west of Kathmandu,
the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons
and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal.
Its archeological and historical displays are worth
seeing. The museum is closed on Sunday/MMonday and
Government holidays.
Natural History Museum: Situated 3km west of Kathmandu
city behind the famous Swyambhunath hillock. This museum
has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles,
birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils
collected within the country. Photography inside the
museum is prohibited.
Pashupatinath Temple: Situated 5km east of Kathmandu,
the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tiered
golden roof and silver door is considered one of the
holiest shrines of Hindus. Although only Hindus are
allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the
temple activities performed in the temple premises
eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The temple was listed
in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1970.
Guheswari Temple: Near Pashupatinath Temple is another
historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are
allowed to enter the temple courtyard.
Chabahil: The lively Stupa of Chabahil is believed to
have been built by Charumati the daughter of the Indian
Emperor Ashok, in the third century BC. There are
ancient statues around the Stupa.
Chandra Vinayak: The temple of Chandra Vinayak is
situated about 200m north of Chabahil Stupa. This double
tiered brass-roofed temple house a tiny image of Lord
Ganesh, the elephant headed god. |
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Outskirts Of Kathmandu |
Bouddhanath: This Stupa of of
Bouddhanath lies 8km east of Kathmandu. This ancient
colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and
the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was
listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List in
1979.
Gokarna: This lovely Royal Games Sanctuary, also known
as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about 10km north-east of
Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted deer can be
viewed in the sanctuary. On the northern side of Gokarna,
is a pagoda of Gokarneswor Mahadev.
Sankhu: It is a typical Newari town, with many fine old
buildings and temples. Beyond the villege, upon a long
flight of stone stairs, is Bajra Jogini, a historical
temple, which offers beautiful view of the local area.
Sundarijal: It is famouse for its scenic beauty. There
are magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock
formations. It is an ideal picnic spot, just a short hike
away from the motorable road.
Kritipur: It is a small town, 8km southwest of Kathmandu
and situated atop a hill. Tribhuwan University, Nepal's
Premier seat of education is located at the foothills of
Kritipur. This historic town has many things to offer
link old shrines and temples and old houses. Some of the
folks are typically dressed in traditional costumes, and
can be spotted working on looms.
Chobhar: Situated 9Km. southwest Of Kathmandu, this
place is famous for its Gorge. All the water of the
valley drains through it. There is a small but
picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill from
wher one can take a panoramic view of snow-capped
mountain peaks.
Shekha Narayan: Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali
the temple of shekh Narayan represents one of the four
Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley. The other three
Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Bishnu Narayan
of Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali: The temple of DakshinKali is situated about
two Km South of Shekh Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded
as one of the most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims
visit this temple to offer their prayers and animal
sacrifices are made to the goddess. This place is also a
picnic spot. |
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