The Kathmandu Durbar Square

The Kathmandu Durbar Square

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a royal area of ​​the ancient Kathmandu state now located in the Basantpur area of ​​Kathmandu. It has been included in UNESCO World Heritage. The place has inherited Newari culture and ancient architecture for centuries. Durbar class is basically a general name given to plazas or areas at a certain place of old palaces. In the Kathmandu Valley, there are three Darbar Chowk, ie. Kathmandu Dur0bar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

History

This Durbar Square is believed to have been built around the 3rd century. The palaces of this region became royal palaces for the Malla kings who ruled the Kathmandu Valley. After the invasion of Prithvi Narayan Shah in Kathmandu, he also used the place as his royal palace. The Kathmandu Durbar square was a royal area before the Narayanhiti court. The major development of the region is believed to have been extended under the rule of King Pratap Malla. He further enhanced the taste of Newari. Later, Jayaprakash Malla added a house for Kumari, also known as Kumari Bahl. Kumari is considered a living goddess in Newari culture. After the Shah dynasty assumed power, the principal Nautle court was built. It is a nine-storeyed Basantpur palace. Also, the Shiva Parvati temple was built after Prithvi Narayan Shah. In 1908, a new palace called the Gaddi Durbar was built using the European style. This was done during Rana rule. Although most of the major structures were destroyed in the earthquake, the place still gives a sense of Nepal's ancient cultural civilization.

Temple:

The major temples of Durbar Square include:

Trilokya Mohan Narayan Temple:

It is a small five-roofed temple of the region. It was dedicated to Lord Vishnu and contained ancient images of Vishnu.

Kalbhairav:

Kalabhairava is considered to be the destructive form of Lord Shiva. The Kalabhairava temple stands at the Durbar Chowk in fearful form.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Taleju Temple:

This temple is considered to be the most magnificent work of art in Durbar Square. It is not generally open to the public, but only opens during Dashain. Taleju Bhavani is considered the royal goddess.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple:

It is a stone temple of Lord Shiva which was built by Mahendra Malla. It topped the Gumbaj style.

Courtyards:

The major courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square include:

Kernel choke

Original choke

Mohan Chok

Nose choke

Beautiful choke

Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex:

One of the main places here is Hanuman Dhoka Mahal which has been converted into a museum. The place was used as a royal palace until the 19th century. This place provides a great insight into the culture and architecture that ruled ancient Nepal. This place is called Hanuman Dhoka because there is a statue of Hanuman for the protection of the palace. This museum contains ancient things of the Malla kings. Also, the history of the unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah is preserved here because Prithvi Narayan Shah also used this place as a royal palace.