Kathmandu Durbar Square

History of Kathmandu Durbar Square

The Malla Dynasty ruled Kathmandu Valley from the 13th century to the middle 18th century. In 1768, Shah Dynasty - the last monarchy dynasty in Nepal occupied Kathmandu Valley and built four more observatories in the southeast of Kathmandu Durbar Square. All the following kings of the Shah Dynasty lived here until they relocated to the new palace, Narayanhiti Palace in 1886. Kathmandu Durbar Square underwent a series of modifications and additions as per the different rulers at different periods which resembles the variation in design and style of the monuments and temples located inside the area. For instance, King Jayaprakash Malla built Kumari Bahal, King Mahendra Malla (1560-1574) built-in the Newari architectural style, his contributions included Jagannath temple, Kotilingeshwara Mahadev, Mahendreswara Temple, and the magnificent Taleju Temple.

Attractions, Architecture, and Structure of Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is actually comprised of 3 distinct scattered squares. To the south of the Durbar Square is the Basantapur Square facing north Basantapur Durbar. Western of the Durbar Square, where many temples and famous sites assembled, is the primary area of the square. In the northeastern, it is the subzone of Durbar Square with an entrance to former palace sites. Makhan Street - an open ground extending to the northeast was a major traffic thoroughfare in Kathmandu and now is a very famous local market. Some of the highlighted architecture and monuments of Kathmandu Durbar Square is briefly described:

Kumari Bahal

Kumari Bahal, one of the must-sees in Kathmandu Durbar Square, is the residence of Kumari -the Living Goddess of Nepal. The red brick building of three stories preserved many gorgeous and exquisite woodcarvings like Buddha, peacocks, and another pictorial on the balcony and windows in the courtyard. On the basis of religious and cultural criteria practiced since eras, a small girl is chosen as Kumari, the only living goddess of Nepal. She is said to be the human incarnation of the Hindu goddess.

Hanuman Dhoka Durbar

Also called the Old Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka in eastern Durbar Square is another existing historical site, which contains the most abundant art collection. Hanuman Dhoka represents (Hanuman is the most loyal devotee of Lord Ram also one of the Hindu God and Dhoka means door) a legend of brave Hanuman punishing the evil and praising the good commended by people. Statues of hanuman stand on the stone pier of the left palace gate, covered with a red brocade canopy. Hanuman Dhoka Durbar was built in the 13th century initially and consummated mostly in the 17th century; this grand palace has nearly 10 Chowks (palaces) for different purposes. Hanuman Dhoka has the wall with 17th century stone inscriptions written in 15 different languages which have not been decided yet and believed as an impossible task.

Taleju Temple

Built-in 1549, Taleju Temple, a three-storied gold-plating temple with a height of about 35m. One of the most magnificent architecture in northern Durbar Square and is constructed on a 12-storied square base, having several little temples, stone carvings of lions, and mythical characters. There are entrances on four sides of Taleju Temple, and Taleju Goddess is enshrined in the middle of the lintel of the front door (golden gate) facing south.

Kala Bhairav

Kala Bhairav is a 4-5 meters stone statue of Kala Bhairav’s grim-look, holding a sword, an enemy’s head, and dharma-vessels in six arms. Kala Bhairav is regarded to be one of the reincarnations of Shiva. Kala Bharav is a. It is the most colorful, fascinating, and adventuring spot in Durbar Square for lots of people due to the features and expression of the statue along with the locals praying and worshiping.

Further, Kathmandu Durbar Square surrounding includes Hanuman Dhoka, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Hanuman Statue (17th century), Nine Storey (Nautalle Durbar) Basantapur tower, Basantapur Dabali, Kumari Ghar (Palace of living Goddess Kumari), Gaddi Baithak, Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple Degutaleju Temple, Kasthamandap, Mahadev Parbati Temple, Vishnu Temple, Shwet Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, Gopinath Temple, Kaal Bhairav, Maju Deval, Kotilingeshwor Mahadev Temple, Bhuvenshwar Mahadev Temple, Kageshwor Temple, Mahendreswor Temple, Taleju Temple (35meters height and has 12 temples inside it surrounded by four doors), and Tarani Bhawani Temple. The large white building is named as Gaddi Baithak with the function of the meeting/ conference hall of Royal families since ancient time. Some of the temples are accessible only on a fixed occasion.

Each temple and monument holds its own religious values, stories, and beliefs. Routinely, the local devotees do offers and prayers at the temples and statues whereas, on the occasions, there is a huge flow of mass for prayers, offerings, and observing. Additionally, each monument displays the fine architecture and craftsmanship from eras to eras and different regimes. These cultural artifacts and elements make Kathamndu Durbar Square a pricelessly valuable site of Kathmandu valley. Make sure to observe these temples and elements in detail while visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square. There are many souvenir shops as well as street vendors in the courtyard of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Considering the enthusiasm of travelers, Nepal Adventure Team arranges the Kathmandu Valley Tour 2 Days: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The experienced guide of Nepal Adventure Team leaves no stone unturned to please travelers with the information, importance, and mythology related to those World Heritage Sites. If travelers are in short of time, you can visit a few of the Heritage sites of Kathmandu with the support of the Nepal Adventure Team. You can customize your tour as per your flexibility and comfort. If you are physically active and interested in adventure, you can also enjoy “Kathmandu Valley Cycling Tour 1 Day: Riding to UNESCO World Heritage Site”. Here, you explore Kathmandu Valley on a bicycle with the support of an experienced guide of the Nepal Adventure Team. Other tours and trek services are also provided by Nepal Adventure Team.

Entrance Fees:

• SAARC Nationals: NPR 150
• Chinese Nationality: NPR 1000
• Foreign Nationals: NPR 1000
• Nepalese Nationality: Free

Personal Tips

1. Carry personal ID certificates (passports).
2. It is better to carry a few cash while touring in Nepal.
3. “Namaste” is widely practiced in Nepal so you can use Namaste instead of hello/hi to begin any conversation. Nepalese adore the foreigners using Namaste.
4. If you lose your group/ tour guide, you can communicate with tourist police residing in every touristic area.
5. Most of the Nepalese know the English language, so you can easily communicate with locals.

Do’s and Don’ts at Kathmandu Durbar Square

1. According to local custom, you can get into temples and holy places after taking off your shoes.
2. Don’t bring anything with furs, leather products inside the temples.
3. Watch the notice for photography and do not take photos of temples/statue without permission. At some of the places you may not take your cameras and the authority will return your camera after your visit to the concerned area/temples/monument.
4. Do not wear a hat/ cap inside holy places as a temple or while praying to gods in Nepal.
5. Nepalese lit fire and incense which they regard as holy and religious so value it while visiting and do not litter at those areas. If you face allergy or difficulty due to the aroma of incense, you can use a mask to cover your nose and mouth.
6. Do not touch any elements/assets with feet or stretch your feet towards them.