Day 02 |
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. This ancient palace lies in the heart of the city. It consists of huge Palace with different temples, inside as well as outside the temple, dating from the 15th to the 18th century. This palace is named after Hanuman, the monkey god, as a stone statue of Hanuman is placed right next to the main entrance protecting the whole palace. The key attractions of this place are Taleju temple; built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD. Jagannath temple, Kala Bhairab; the god of destruction, Kumari Temple (living goddess temple) Nautalle Durbar (nine storied palace), the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratrap Malla, the huge Drum etc. Just on the right corner, a large wooden pattern screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Vairav. This screen is removed only during the Indra (the god of rain) Jatra festival. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments in 1979.
Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple is the largest Hindu temple and is considered to be the holiest of all Hindu Temples in world. This is a two-tiered golden temple with four silver doorways, hundreds of Shiva linga's, shrines and holy symbols. It is located on the holy river-Bagmati, 6km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva. Non-Hindus are not allowed into this temple. But the visitors can see the temple and the other activities performed in the temple from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River clearly.
It is believed that this temple was built long before the Christian era begins. Its original beauty still remains with the beautifully sculpted stone sculptures found here. Thousands of Hindus come here each year on Shivaratri. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments in 1979.
Swayambhunath Stupa
This is the largest stupa in Nepal and it displays typical Buddhist architecture was built in 250 B.C. This white dome is regarded as a spotless and pure jewel or Nirvana. It has thirteen tiers representing the elevator to Nirvana and a pair of painted eyes on all four sides of this stupa symbolizing the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. The key attractions are Dewa Dharma Monastery noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings. The huge gold plated Vajra set in the east side of the stupa etc. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments in 1979.
Boudhanath Stupa
This is a huge Buddhist stupa located about 7 km east of Kathmandu. This ancient huge stupa stands on a massive mandala style platform and has features similar to the Swayambhunath though its final is bigger. This stupa is one of the biggest in the world. It is said that this stupa was built during the 5th century A.D. Every year in winter; thousands of pilgrims from neighboring countries come to visit this place. Visitors also use to come here on the occasion of Lord Buddha's birthday.
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