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Kathmandu Durbar Square 
Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Durbar Square can trace it origins to the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries), but it flourished during the Malla dynasty (12th to 18th centuries), which is often considered a golden age for Nepalese art and architecture. The Malla kings constructed many of the temples and palaces that still stand today, showcasing intricate Newar craftsmanship. The square served as the royal palace complex and a centre for political, cultural, and religious activities. It was also the site of coronations for Nepalese kings. During the Shah period, after the unification of Nepal in 1769, the square continued to hold significance, with additional structures being constructed. Today Durbar Square is not only a hub of cultural and historical note, but also a place of markets and traders, so is a vibrant location where locals and tourists gather. It is also a treasure trove of architectural and cultural buildings, reflecting the brilliance of Newar craftsmanship and Nepalese heritage, making it an open-air museum. The square contains many temples, some of which are built in the unique multi-tiered pagoda style that originated in Nepal and influenced architecture across Asia. The Shree Krishna Temple, also known as the Krishna Mandir, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism, and is renowned for its exquisite architecture and historical importance. The temple stands out due to its unique construction, which is primarily made of stone, unlike many other temples in Nepal that are built from wood and brick. The temple was built in 1637 during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla and is a prime example of Newar architecture, characterized by intricate carvings and detailed stonework.  Another prominent Hindu temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the Maju Deval Temple, also known as Maju Dega. This was built in 1692 by Riddhi Lakshmi, the Queen Mother of Bhupetendra Malla. The temple is known for its unique architecture, featuring a large, triple-roofed structure with intricate carvings. It stands on a nine-stage ochre platform, which adds to its impressive height and aesthetic appeal. The temple also housed a Shiva lingam (a phallic symbol representing Lord Shiva) and has erotic carvings on its roof struts.  One of the palaces is the Hanuman Dhoka. The name "Hanuman Dhoka" comes from the stone image of Hanuman, the Hindu deity, that stands near the main entrance. "Dhoka" means door or gate in Nepali. This palace complex served as the royal residence for the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace includes several courtyards, temples, and museums. The oldest part of the palace dates back to the mid-16th century, and it was expanded by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. The square in front of the palace is used as a market.  Within the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex is the Basantapur Temple. This is a grand structure that exemplifies traditional Newar architecture, characterized by intricate wood carvings and tiered pagoda-style roofs. It contains elaborate carvings depicting various deities, mythical creatures, and intricate patterns, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of Newar artisans.  The Kumari Ghar, also known as the Kumari Bahal, is a significant cultural and religious site within the square. This three-story brick building is the residence of the Kumari, Nepal's Living Goddess, who is believed to be the human incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju. The selection process for the girl who will become the Kumari involves Elders examining hundreds of girls to find one who displays 32 auspicious signs of divinity. Once selected, the Kumari is deeply revered and participates in various religious ceremonies and festivals. Her reign ends upon her first menstruation or if she suffers a significant injury. Her palace, The Kumari Ghar, was built in 1757 by King Jaya Prakash Malla and is renowned for its exquisite Newar architecture, featuring intricately carved wooden windows and a beautifully decorated façade. The building has two stone lions at the entrance, adding to its majestic appearance. Although, the Kumari Ghar is not only a place of residence for the Living Goddess but also a symbol of Nepal's deep-rooted spirituality and age-old traditions.  The Kala Bhairava Shrine is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Kala Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The shrine is an open-air area within the Hanuman Dhoka complex and features a gigantic 12-foot-tall idol of the deity Kala Bhairava in a violent form. The idol was sculpted in the 6th century and depicts him standing over a dead body and holding a decapitated head in one hand. This fearsome representation symbolizes his power to cut off the ego and liberate the soul from the cycle of birth and death. In the past, it played a crucial role in the legal system of Nepal, where people would take oaths of allegiance and witnesses in criminal cases had to testify in front of the deity.  The Shiva-Parvati Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. It was built by Bahadur Shah, the son of Nepal's first king, Prithvi Narayan Shah, in the late 18th century. The temple is a two-story structure with a rectangular shape and a single roof, which is somewhat unique compared to other temples in the area that often have multiple roofs. The temple's architecture is a beautiful example of traditional Nepali craftsmanship, with intricate wood carvings and a harmonious blend with the surrounding Malla-period architecture. The upper level of the temple features mannequins of Shiva and Parvati, seemingly gazing out over the square.  A significant cultural and religious symbol is the Garuda, a mythical bird-like creature. The statue is often depicted in a kneeling position with hands folded in prayer, symbolizing devotion and service.  Durbar Square was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 in recognition of its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. It should be noted that this article does not cover all the significant buildings in the square. |
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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