Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square Introduction

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. It is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, as the sacred statue of lord Hanuman is on the side of an entrance of the palace as a protector.

The Royal Palace Square (Complex) was established in the 13th century. After the sons of King Yakshya Malla started fighting for the throne. It was an independent kingdom of Kathmandu valley until the Shah dynasty took over Kathmandu from the Gorkha Kingdom in 1768 AD.

History of Kathmandu Durbar Square

These almost 400 years have been the most productive in Nepali history for the art & architecture.  Mallas were one of the most active & people-loving royals who used to build beautiful temples, water fountains, measurement units for the public, etc. The Malla era, also known as the Golden era of Development in Nepali History.

These palaces were used until 1963 AD, as the Shahs decided to make this the capital of Nepal. However, even after the unification in 1768 AD. When Shah kings built another royal palace, Narayan Hiti, Near Kings Way & they moved there. 1963AD.

The tour of whole 3-4 hours will let you explore Nepali culture, art, architecture, history, myths & unique experience of Kumari Culture in Nepal!

Kathmandu Valley is the cultural and spiritual heart of Nepal. For more than 2,000 years, Kathmandu Valley has been the center of politics, culture, and religion has only grown with time. Smitten by the majestic Himalayas, it has turned into a melting pot of Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous practices. Located in the center of Nepal, the spectacular Kathmandu Valley is. It takes tourists through a cultural past through temples and the royalty’s palaces.

Key Attraction

1. Hanuman Dhoka Palace

Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the palace at the center of Kathmandu Durbar Square, was once a Malla and Shah dynasty royal palace. It is defended by a red-clad monkey god, Hanuman, grasping a mace, a 17th-century palace sentry. Within the complex, reaches courtyards, temples, and public reception halls. Nasal Chowk, the main court, goes right up to the center with its beautiful woodwork and old-world grace.

2. Kumari Ghar – House of the Living Goddess

Inside resides a girl child declared to be the incarnation of the living goddess Taleju. The building itself is typical of the Newari tradition of building dating from the 18th century and is adorn with highly sophisticate door and window wood carvings. The building sits on the south edge of Durbar Square and is distinguish by reddish-brick facing and latticework-paned windows. Nepalese religiousness was built in Nepalese of Nepal and continues alive in religious and cultural practice throughout the Kathmandu Valley.

3. Taleju Temple

Taleju Temple is the most holy and tallest building of Kathmandu Durbar Square. It was constructed by King Mahendra Malla in 1564. It is the Taleju Bhawani, a royal goddess Malla dynasty family temple. A three-storied pagoda-type temple complex, plain but huge, emerges on a 12-step platform. The temple is cut off from the world and can be seen only once a year at the Dashin festival. It also maintains the mystic and mystique of the temple in that era.

5. Basantapur Tower and the Nine-Storey Palace

The Nine-Storey Palace or Basantapur Tower was the highest building at that time in Kathmandu.

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex tower provided a bird’s-eye view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. It was both a watch tower and an indication of a king’s status and power. This is a union of the two schools of architecture under its outward brick outer face, chiselled-out ornamentations for windows, open verandas, and all of Nepal’s heaven-kingly heritage. It got a lot damaged in the 2015 earthquake and lost half its life.

6. Mahendreshwar Temple

Mahendreshwar Temple occupies the most advanced position on the front face of Hanuman Dhoka Palace, but you’d likely just walk by it unaware if you didn’t know it existed; it is so easy to overlook. It is, however, one of the more frequented temples in the square: a morning and evening puja ceremony, and a steady trickle of pilgrims. Another Shiva temple of the same white-stone high-standard architecture, not pagoda-shaped temples like others. Burnt butter candles, flower shower, and temple bell ringing for good luck are daily local practices here.

Final Thoughts

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a region allowing the young generation to meet the old one. This is as evident from its temples, palaces and the women of Thailand, whose cultures remain almost unchanged to this present day. Being the richest source of Nepali history, culture and spiritualism the valley proved to be a storehouse for deeper understanding.