PICTURES
Here I would like to show all of you the pictures of ancient temples situated in and outside of Kathmandu Valley. This page also consists of few pictures of landscapes and other adventurous moments. I've collected these pictures from several magazines.
The Valley consists of three main
cities of great historic and cultural interest Kathmandu
Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur
(Bhadgaon).
Situated at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level,
the Kathmandu Valley
covers an area of 21 8 sq. miles. The major tourist attractions in Kathmandu
include:
Machchhendranath Temple: The
temple of Seto Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra
Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. Also called as
Janmadyo or Machchhendra the deity.
Akash Bhairav Temple: A three storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra - the God of Rain.
Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square): It is the historic seat of royalty. The durbar
square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural
life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their
coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built
by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A. D. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction,
Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chok, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King
Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and, the Jagannath Temple. On the
right-hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face
of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.
There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka
Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums
remain closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.
Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar):
The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the
vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden
blaconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings
from her balcony window. Photogra- phy is prohibited.
Kasthamandap: Located near the
temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla
in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the
wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
Ashok Vinayak: The small but a
very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap
-also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
Jaishi Dewal: 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. area. At the south -western end of Tundihkel is a 59.29m. tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D, known as Dharahara (or Bhimsen Stambha). Sundhara-fountains with golden waterspouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the same period.
Martyr’s Memorial (Sahid) Gate:
It is Located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch
contains the statue of the late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah and the busts of
four martyrs.
Bhadrakali Temple: 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.
Singha Durbar: A grand imposing
palace built on the neo- classical style. Singha Durbar was the private
residence of Rana prime Minister. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty’s
Government of Nepal.
Narayanhity Durbar: It is the
present Royal Palace. A famous historic waterspout called Narayanhity is
situated at the southern corner of the Palace.
Kaisar Library: Located inside
the premises of Ministry of Education, Kaisar library is a great center of rare
and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open for the public except Saturdays
and other government holidays.
Budhanilkantha: About eight
kilometers north of Kathmandu, at the base of Sivapuri hill is a remarkable
colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snake. This is one of
the masterpieces of stone sculptures of 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 five kilometers North-west of
Kathmandu, Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile-headed water
spout dating from the mid eighteenth century. There is also a swimming pool
inside the park.
Swayambhunath: This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist
Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old. Painted on the four-sides of the
spire bases are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometers west
of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m. above the level of
the Kathmandu Valley.
National Museum: Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is open everyday except Tuesday and government holidays.
Natural History Museum:
Situated three kilometers west of Kathmandu city behind the famous
Swayambhunath 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 five kilometers east of Kathmandu, the
temple of lord Shiva- Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver
doors is famous for its superb architecture. Visitors can clearly seen the
temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern
bank of the Bagmati river.
Guheswari Temple: Near
Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only
Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.
Chabahil: The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, in the third century B.C. 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 houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the
elephant-headed god.
Bouddhnath: The Stupa of
Bouddhnath lies eight kilometers east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient
Stupa is one of the biggest in the world.
Gokarna: This lovely Royal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park,
lies about ten kilometers north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as
spotted deer can be viewed in the sanctuary from an elephant back. On the
northern side of Gokarna, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.
Sankhu: It is a typical Newari town,
with many fine old buildings and temples. Beyond the village, up a long flight
of stone stairs, is Bajra Jogini, a historical temple with a beautiful view of
the local area.
Sundarijal: It is famous for
its scenic beauty. There are magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock
formations. It is an ideal place for picnic requiring a short walk after the
motorable road.
Kirtipur: It is a small town,
eight kilometers southwest of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Tribhuvan
University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many
things to offer like old shrines and temples, old houses, the people typically
dressed in old traditional costumes, people working on ancient loom etc.
Chobhar: Situated nine
kilometers Southwest of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the
water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but picturesque temple
of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of
snow capped mount peaks.
Shekha Narayan: Situated between
Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four
Narayans of the Kathmandu VaIley. The other three Narayans are Changu Narayan
of Bhaktapur, Visankhu Narayan of Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali: The temple of
Daskhinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan.
Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims
visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess.
Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.
This ancient city of Patan also known as Lalitpur of the city of fine arts is
about five kilometers south-east of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu
temples and Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attractions of Patan are
Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, situated
in the heart of the city consitutes the focus of visitor’s attraction. The square
is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, notedfor
their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar square consists of three main chowks
or courtyards, the central Mul Cowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk.
The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone architecture, the
Royal bath called Tushahity.
Krishna Mandir: Built in the seventeenth century, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone. Others A B
Mahaboudha:
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist Temple made
of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The
terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural
masterpieces.
Hiranya Verna Mahavihar: Located inside, Kwabadehal, this three story
golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by
King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper story of the pagoda, are the golden image
of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
Kumbheshwor: This fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August.
Jagatnarayan Temple: Situated at Sankhmul, this tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu. The temple has many fine images of stone and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.
Achheswor
Mahavihar: It was established towards the beginning of the
seventeenth century by one Achheshwor by building a temple to house and idol of
Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situate behind the
Ashokan Stupa at Pulchowk, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the
Kathmandu Valley.
Temple
of Machhendranath and Minnath: The pagoda of Red Machhendranath built in 1408
AD is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is taken to its other
shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to
Tabahal.
Bajra
Barahi: Situated in a small woodland park, it is about ten kilometers south
of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from
here is worthwhile.
Godavari:
Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, Royal Botanical Garden has a splendid
natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the south- east,
passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It is
the only in Nepal, is open daily including Saturdays and government holidays.
Phulchowki:
Located around ten kilometers south-east of Patan, this mountain, 2758 m. high,
is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill
which can be reached through a jeepable road.
Situated at an altitude of 1,401m. Bhaktapur covers an area of 4 square miles.
Shaped like a conch-shell. Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Pottery
and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 kilometers
East of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transport and by trolley buses.
The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur include.
Durbar Square: The main square
of the city contains innumerable
temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the Statue of
King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate. the Palace of 55
windows. the Batsala temple and the Bell of barking dogs, etc. The statue of
the King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing
the palace of the many statues available in Nepal this is considered to be the
most magnificent. The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main countyard of the
Palace of 55 Windows. Built King Ranjit Malla, the Gate is one of the most
beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This
gate is embellished with deities and monsters of marvellous intricacy. The
Palace of 55 Windows was built in the. seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra
Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design,
is ai balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving. The
Stone Temple of Batsala Devi which is also located in the Durbar square is full
of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara
style of architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the
temple which is also known as the "bell of barking dogs". This
colossal bell, placed in 1737 A.D.
was used to sound curfew during that time.
Nyatapola Temple: This five-storey pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King
Bhupatindra Malla. It stands in a five- terraced plafform. On each of the
terraces squat a pair of figures; two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two
lions, two griffins and Baghini and Singhini the tiger and the lion goddesses.
This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and
subtle workmanship.
Bhairavnath Temple: This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda but later
chaned into a three-storey temple in 1718 A.D by king Bhupatindra Malla. The
temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav- the
god of Terror.
Dattatraya Temple:
Builtin1427A.D. this
temple is said to have been built from trunk of a single tree. Near this temple
is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows.
Surya Vinayak: Situated in a beautiful surrounding of Bhadgaon, the temple of
Ganesh is placed in a Sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun.
It is a good picnic spot flanked by many attractive landscapes.
Changu Narayan: Situated at the end of a long ridge
which runs well into the Valley, it is said to have been built by King Hari
Dutta in 323 A.D. and said to be the oldest temple in the Valley.
Nagarkot: Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated 32
kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175m above the sealevel. The
panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be seen from here.
