Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is the one of the religious site of Nepal. This place is also known as Basantapur Durbar and Hanuman Dhoka. It is an old durbar square in Kathmandu's city center. Basantapur never fails to impress first time travelers with its beautiful wood carvings and rich history locates in the heart of old Kathmandu city. 

Moreover, Hanuman Dhoka was built during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD), and King Pratap Malla extended the property significantly in the 17th century. The square is home to several palaces, courtyards, and temples. It is also known as "the Museum of Temples" because there are over 50 temples in the square. You can see a variety of attractive purchasable handicrafts and handicraft shops may be found in the courtyards around Gaddi Baithak.

Similarly, The Durbar is divided into two courtyards like outer Kasthamandap called Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and inner section called Hanuman Dhoka which is the main palace. Some floors have been converted to museums dedicated to three generations of Shah kings of Nepal. 

Here are some main attractions of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

TALEJU TEMPLE: The Taleju Temple is built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD. It is the tallest of all structures. However, during the Dashain festival this temple is open to the public for one day each year.

KUMARI TEMPLE: Kumari Temple is a 17th century Temple. It is also known as the temple of Living Goddess is an example of highly developed Nepali craftsmanship. However, it is the official residence of Living Goddess Kumari of Kathmandu. Visitors can get a peek of the living goddess and seek blessings during special hours.

JAGANNATH TEMPLE: This temple is built in the 16th century. Jagannath Temple is known for the fascinating erotic figures carved on the wooden struts.

NASAL CHOWK:  This is square inside the main entrance of the historic royal residence. Although many of the structures in the area were built during the Rana period  Nasal Chowk was built during the Malla dynasty. Nasal Chowk was utilized for coronations throughout the Rana regime, and the practice persisted until 2001.

NARSINGHA STATUE: Narsingha is supposed to be Lord Vishnu in his man-lion avatar, disemboweling a demon. According to the inscription on the monument Pratap Malla erected the stone image in 1673, he did so out of fear of upsetting Vishnu by dancing in a Narsingha outfit.

SWET BHAIRAV: Swet Bhairav is avatar of Shiva a statue of Bhairav. once in year during the festival of Indra Jatra during August-September  This Bhairav temple is open to the public.

SHISHA BAITHAK: Shisha Baithak is an open patio with the Malla throne on display, and pictures of the Shah kings.

TRIBHUWAN MUSEUM: The Tribhuwan Museum memorializes King Tribhuvan Along with memorials to Kings Mahendra and Birendra, and his successful insurrection against their regime. However, the museum shows the king’s bedroom and study, complete with real personal belongings that provide a surreal look into his existence. The king's boxing gloves, the walking staff with a spring-loaded sword hidden inside, and his dusty, empty aquarium provide some mysterious moments. There are several spectacular thrones, numerous hunting photographs, and the typical coin collection on display.

KAL BHAIRAB: The Kal Bhairav represent the terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the largest 17th century stone statues in Kathmandu.