Trip to Kathmandu Durbar Square

Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City.The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels an. It houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the heart of old city Kathmandu in Basantapur. The Royal complex was residence to Nepal's Royal family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Royal Palace.

So, for the umpteenth time, on 05.05.2009 & also on 09.05.2009, we decided to have a fresh "dekho" of the "Durbar Square" of Kathmandu, located at Basantpur.

(Dad, Mom, Shristi & Sumona at the Square)

The Durbar square is same to Nepal as Tianmen Square is to Beijing. Durbar Square is the focal point of religious and social activities in Kathmandu Old City. The elaborately carved architectural features and curving roofs are night stays for beggars and tourists. Priests and monks who jostle along the crowd to attract a possible client accompany them.

(The crowd at the square)

Kathmandu Durbar square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. The palace became a public attraction when the monarchs shifted to the newly build Narayanhity Palace. The Hanuman Dhoka Durbar lies in the heart of the city. It consists of huge Royal Palace with different temples dating from the 15th to the 18th century. This palace is named after Hanuman, a Hindu deity and a stone statue of Hanuman is placed right next to the main entrance.

(The "Hanuman-ji")

The elaborately carved architectural features and curving roofs are there for everybody to see.

Now, this place has become an idle place to idle one's time. People from all walks of life, locals as well as foreigners, come here, because of it's historical significance.

On the southern border of the square lies the Kumari Chowk (House), home to Nepal's "Kumari" – a prepubescent girl chosen as the living incarnation of the Hindu goddess, Taleju. Once the Kumari reaches puberty, another 3-5 year old girl is chosen in her place. In the meantime, the Kumari is worshiped as a living goddess, but leads a cloistered life and emerges only several times a year for religious festivals. Her feet are never allowed to touch the ground.

("Shreya Bajracharya"- the current Kumari)

(A curious face, as seen through the window-pane of kumari temple)

(Inside carvings in the Kumari House)

(The Three Sadhus)

(Dad & Mom in front of Durbar Square)

(Kala Bhairab, a manifestation of Shiva, satisfied only by a blood sacrifice)

(Public giving a demo- "How to kill your Time")

(You even find Rickshaw pullers here)

(And they are a lot here)

(And the taxis add to the confusion and pollution)

The Road leading to the Durbar Square is also called the New Road. Of course, there are numerous other lanes and by lanes to reach the Square. The 9th Of May'2009 being the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, we found a huge Buddhist procession in one of those by lanes leading to the Square.

Below, are some of the images of the Buddhist procession.

(The Market area near the square)

(A hawker selling goodies for children)

You also find a wide variety of snacks, mostly non-vegetarian-stuff, on display in the Square. They are freshly prepared and are quite cheap. Mostly, these snacks contain Buffalo which is a hot favorite here.

The Durbar Square, on a whole, has a captivating and charismatic effect on any person visiting the place. Just by sitting on the stairs of the pagoda-style temples, you do not know when the dusk has engulfed you and your surroundings. The Durbar has now become more Regal, Royal and Majestic. Below are some of such images.

For my experience of "Trip to Manokamna Temple", kindly click on the "Older posts" below.