The Mystical Booklet

Kathmandu, the Capital City of Nepal

Kathmandu used to be known as khaldo ”valley”, during the medieval period before Prithvi Narayan Shah, the creator of Nepal, unified the country. This landmark place, considered rich for its cultural and ancient artifacts, is the cultural and political heart of Nepal. The Kathmandu valley is bounded by Sangha Bhanjyang in the east, Bad-bhanjyang in the west, Panchmane Bhanjyang in the north and Pharping in the south. The bowl-shaped valley, surrounded by four mountains, contains three districts- Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. It has one metropolitican city, one sub-metropolitan city and three municipalities.

Cultural heritage is the principal identity of the Kathmandu valley which boasts of ancient temples, religious sites and cultural artifacts. The landscape of the green mountains and the vista of theHimalayas in its surroundings add to the attractions of this valley. The valley is home to many temples, shrines, monasteries, stupas, squares, wooden arts, and other sorts of artifacts. TheKathmandu valley has also been a centre of faith for people from different religious backgrounds. The Pashupatinath Temple, Krishna Temple and Changunarayan Temple are considered the important holy places for Hindu devotees while, for the Buddhists, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Boudha Stupa are very important. On the other hand, there is a famous Jame Masque for the Muslims while the city has got many churches built by the Christian community. On top of that, the Hanumandhoka palace, the ancient seat of Nepalese royalty, and various ancient palaces represent the main attractions of the city popular among tourists. Likewise, cultural festivals and traditions and other rituals reflecting the uniqueness of Nepali culture has made the Kathmanducity more attractive and alluring.

Being the capital of the country, Kathmandu is a centre for education, health, industrial, commercial, transportation, government offices and social organizations. So, Kathmandu is regarded as a place for dreams and a better future for aspirants from across the country. Consequently, it has become more crowded with the soaring population, increasing number of vehicles and busy lifestyle. The city has an international airport. The city is the melting point for people of all the religions, races and ethnic backgrounds, and it is well reflected in its distinct civilization and cultural patterns. The city has been the main preferred destination for tourists visiting Nepal.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is revered as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindu devotees all around the world. The temple lies in Gaushala of Kathmandu. According to the Hindu religion, Pashupatinath is considered as the protector of the universe and the patron deity of Nepalese people. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees from across the world come toNepal to visit the temple. While Nepalese and Hindu devotees desire to visit the temple for religious purposes, foreign tourists get attracted toward small temples and the scriptures of various gods and goddesses portrayed within the shrine.

Wooden scriptures, statues, and different carvings dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva, as well as other deities in the complex represent the temple’s richness in artistic monuments. The temple lies on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River while aryaghat, a special place built for cremating the bodies of Hindus, also lies near.

A carnival like scene can be seen here during the Shivaratri festival. It is one of the important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees from different parts of Nepal as well as India come to visit the temple on the occasion of Shivaratri. Apart from this, the temple witnesses a heavy turnout of devotees during Haribodhani Ekadashi, Balachaturdashi and Teej, which is the great festival observed by Nepalese women. Likewise, devotees of Lord Shiva throng the temple on every Saturday and Monday.

It is said that the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva known as Shivalinga was set up by Suryavanshi Lichhavi King Sapushpadev in ancient time. The sacred temple has been listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. Non-hindus are strictly prohibited from entering the temple which lies at a distance of just two kilometers from the international airport.

Ranipokhari (The Queen’s Pond)

Ranipokhari was built by the then Malla King, Pratap Malla, in 1670 AD to console his grief stricken queen who was shocked after the passing away of her son, Chakrawatendra Malla. That is why, the rectangular beautiful pond situated at the heart of the city is known as Ranipokhari or the queen’s pond. It is believed that the artificial pond was built by putting water (jal) taken from different Hindu religious sites like Baranasi, Muktichhetra, Barah Chhetra, Trishuli and Gosainkunda of Rasuwa in it.

There is a temple of Lord Shiva in middle of the pond, and at the south end of the pond, there is a huge stone scripture of an elephant with the King and his son on its back. The pond is opened for the visitors only twice in a year. On the day of Bhaitika during the Tihar festival, people who have lost their sisters and brothers throng the temple located there. Likewise, Hindu devotees visit the temple on the Chhard festival as well.

Historical City, Bhaktapur

Popular for its religious, cultural and historical heritage, Bhaktapur is also known as Bhadgaun. This city, rich of ancient arts, religious values, fabulous cultural traditions, architectural masterpieces, and ancient sculptures, is also known as an open museum. Moreover, the city is also famous a city of gods. Bhaktapur is a cluster of temples, pagodas, monuments, courtyards, squares, traditional houses, artistic stone taps and Buddhist shrines and monasteries built in different times of the history. The existing civilization characterized with Newari life style, and their fabulous traditions and rituals reflected in the day to day activities is the main point of attraction for foreigners visiting this city. Tourists generally notice a marked uniqueness in the festivals, cultural events and Newari traditions observed by the people of Bhaktapur. This beautiful and clean city teemed with architectural masterpieces, artistic temples and shrines and ancient paintings, has been able to preserve its historical identity and civilization is famous as a main destination for domestic as well as international tourists. Though Bhaktapur is the smallest district in Nepal, it is rich in terms of its varied tourist attraction.

Listed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO, Bhaktapur offers its visitors the opportunity to closely study ancient architecture, arts, and culture of Lichhavi and Malla reigns. Five-storied temple, Bhaktapur Durbar square, Chagunarayan Temple, Pachpannajhyale durbar (55 window palace), Dattatraya area, and Siddhapokhari are the main destinations of Bhaktapur. As most of the inhabitants of Bhaktapur are Newars, a visitor can easily come to notice Newari language, arts, culture and costumes.

Renowned for Juju Dhau (sweet curd), clay pots and wood carving artistry, Bhaktapur has earned a worldwide reputation as a unique city. Foreign tourists have to pay entry fee to visit this historical city which lies at a distance of 10 kilometers from Kathmandu.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

The most important of all the tourist destinations in Bhaktapur, Bhaktapur durbar square is renowned as one of the most attractive destination for Nepali as well as international tourists. The area is called “Layaku” in Newari language. Ancient temples and shrines, scriptures, and historical heritage sites constructed in different eras carry the identity of this city.

Highlights of the ancient Nepali art like golden gate, 55 Window Palace, Big Well, Dog Barking Well, Sidhalaxmi Temple, Taleju Bhagwati Temple, Statue of Bhuptindra Malla, Museum, Krishna Temple etc can be observed in one place here. This durbar square is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The durbar square is also a hub for local residents to get some refreshment after fatigue and to stroll around to have some fun time. This place can easily be reached through different ways of Bhaktapur. Foreigners have to pay an entry fee to visit this tourist destination.