Monday, May 30, 2011
Lumbini
Lumbinī (Sanskrit: लुम्बिनी, "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal which is situated in South-west of the Terai region of our country. It is the place where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition. The Buddha lived between roughly 563 and 483 BCE. Lumbini is one of four magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha, the others being at Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.
Lumbini is in the foothills of the Himalaya, 25 km east of the municipality of Kapilavastu, where the Buddha is said to have lived till the age of 29. Kapilvastu is the name of the place in question as well as of the neighbouring district. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi temple, and others under construction. Also here is the Puskarini or Holy Pond - where the Buddha's mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he, too, had his first bath - as well as the remains of Kapilvastu palace. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, achieved ultimate awakening and finally relinquished earthly form.This place is the respectable religious centre for millionns of Buddhists.Therefore, this place is a famous religious place in the world.Buddhists come to this place for offring prayers from different countries.
Temple of Shree changunarayan
Changu Narayan is the name of the deity enshrined in the Changu Narayan Temple, located near the Changunarayan village in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples of the valley, and is believed to have been constructed in the 4th century. Changu Narayan is the name of Vishnu, and the Temple is dedicated to him. A stone slab discovered in the vicinity of the temple dates to the 5th century, and is the oldest such stone inscription discovered in Nepal. The Changu Narayan Temple is one of seven structures cited by UNESCO as demonstrating the historic and artistic achievements that make the Kathmandu Valley a World Heritage Site.
Known as the biggest among the Narayans, Changu Narayan has greater importance than the others. It is situated at the top of the hill. One can view the beautiful white Himalayas and hills in the north and the whole panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley. The steep green hill of pines adds to its beauty.The temple is about four kilometers far from Bhaktapur Durbar.A special festival of Changunarayan is celebrated every year in the month of Magh called the Changunarayan Jatra.It is a custom to wash the idol of Changnarayan in Shali river of Shakhu. The idol is carried to the Hanuman Dhoka of Kathmandu after offering the worship to idol in the name of Madhav Narayan.
Lalitpur Durbar Chowk
Patan (Sanskrit: पाटन Pātan, Nepal Bhasa: यल Yala), officially Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City, is one of the major cities of Nepal. It is one of the sub-metropolitan cities of Nepal located in the south-western part of Kathmandu valley. Patan is also known as Manigal. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts. It is also called as city of festival and feast, fine ancient art, making of metallic and stone carving statue.
Patan is situated on the elevated tract of land in Kathmandu Valley on the south side of the Bagmati River, which separates it from the City of Kathmandu on the northern side. It was developed on relatively thin layers of deposited clay and gravel in the central part of a dried ancient lake known as the Nagdaha.
Lalitpur is believed to have been founded in the third century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty and later expanded by Licchavis in the sixth century. It was further expanded by the Mallas during the medieval period. There are many legends after its name. The most popular one is the legend of the God Rato Machhindranath, who was brought to the valley from Kamaru Kamachhya, located in Assam, India, by a group of three people representing three kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. One of them was called Lalit, a farmer who carried God Rato Machhindranath to the valley all the way from Assam, India. The purpose of bringing the God Rato Machhindranath to the valley was to overcome the worst drought in the valley. There was a strong belief that the God Rato Machhindranath will make rain in the valley. It was due to Lalit's effort that the God Rato Machhindranath was settled in Lalitpur. Many believe that the name of the town is kept after his name Lalit and pur meaning township.
Lalitpur said to have been founded by King Veer Deva in 299 A.D. but, there is unanimity among scholars that Patan was a well established and developed town since ancient times. Several historical records including many other legends also indicate that Patan is the oldest of all the cities of Kathmandu Valley. According to a very old Kirat chronicle, Patan was founded by Kirat rulers long before the Licchavi rulers came into the political scene in Kathmandu Valley. According to that chronicle, the earliest known capital of Kirat rulers was Thankot. Kathmandu, the present capital was most possibly removed from Thankot to Patan after the Kirati King Yalamber came into power sometimes around second century A.D.
One of the most used and typical Newar names of Patan is Yala. It is said that King Yalamber or Yellung Hang named this city after himself and ever since this ancient city was known as Yala..
Lalitpur Durbar Chowk are Krishna Mandir built of stone containing twenty on Gajur, windows of elephant bone (Hastihad Jhyal),statue of Yog Narendra Malla,Temple of Taleju, Stone tap, Pond,etc.
These three Durbars have been divided into different chowks. Mul Chowk, Malati Chowk and Nasal Chowk are very famous among the chowks. Mul Chowk consists of the temple of Taleju.Mul chowk of Bhaktapur is more attractive than the Mul chowk of Kathmandu and Lalitpur.Nasal Chowk consists of the temple of Narsingha .Mohan chowk consists of the temple Nawadurga.
Patan is situated on the elevated tract of land in Kathmandu Valley on the south side of the Bagmati River, which separates it from the City of Kathmandu on the northern side. It was developed on relatively thin layers of deposited clay and gravel in the central part of a dried ancient lake known as the Nagdaha.Lalitpur is believed to have been founded in the third century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty and later expanded by Licchavis in the sixth century. It was further expanded by the Mallas during the medieval period. There are many legends after its name. The most popular one is the legend of the God Rato Machhindranath, who was brought to the valley from Kamaru Kamachhya, located in Assam, India, by a group of three people representing three kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. One of them was called Lalit, a farmer who carried God Rato Machhindranath to the valley all the way from Assam, India. The purpose of bringing the God Rato Machhindranath to the valley was to overcome the worst drought in the valley. There was a strong belief that the God Rato Machhindranath will make rain in the valley. It was due to Lalit's effort that the God Rato Machhindranath was settled in Lalitpur. Many believe that the name of the town is kept after his name Lalit and pur meaning township.
Lalitpur said to have been founded by King Veer Deva in 299 A.D. but, there is unanimity among scholars that Patan was a well established and developed town since ancient times. Several historical records including many other legends also indicate that Patan is the oldest of all the cities of Kathmandu Valley. According to a very old Kirat chronicle, Patan was founded by Kirat rulers long before the Licchavi rulers came into the political scene in Kathmandu Valley. According to that chronicle, the earliest known capital of Kirat rulers was Thankot. Kathmandu, the present capital was most possibly removed from Thankot to Patan after the Kirati King Yalamber came into power sometimes around second century A.D.
One of the most used and typical Newar names of Patan is Yala. It is said that King Yalamber or Yellung Hang named this city after himself and ever since this ancient city was known as Yala..Lalitpur Durbar Chowk are Krishna Mandir built of stone containing twenty on Gajur, windows of elephant bone (Hastihad Jhyal),statue of Yog Narendra Malla,Temple of Taleju, Stone tap, Pond,etc.
These three Durbars have been divided into different chowks. Mul Chowk, Malati Chowk and Nasal Chowk are very famous among the chowks. Mul Chowk consists of the temple of Taleju.Mul chowk of Bhaktapur is more attractive than the Mul chowk of Kathmandu and Lalitpur.Nasal Chowk consists of the temple of Narsingha .Mohan chowk consists of the temple Nawadurga.
The Swayambhunath
The monument of God Swayambhu is also a very famous religious place.This is about four kilometres far from Kathmandu. Previously, God Swayambhu was accepted as a form of light .God Swayambhu is accepted as the creator and destroyer of the world.
People belonging to various religious come to the Swayambhunath to offer prayers.
Swayambhu, also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the north-west, is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal.
Although the site is considered Buddhist, the place is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Numerous kings, Hindu followers, are known to have paid their homage to the temple, including Pratap Malla, the powerful king of Kathmandu, who is responsible for the construction of the eastern
stairway in the 17th century.According to the Gopalarajava?savali Swayambhu was founded by the great-grandfather of King Manadeva (464–505 AD), King V?sadeva, about the beginning of the 5th century AD. This seems to be confirmed by a damaged stone inscription found at the site, which indicates that King Manadeva ordered work done in 640 AD. However, Emperor Ashoka
is said to have visited the site in the 3rd century BC and built a temple on the hill, which was later destroyed. Legend has it that the Buddha himself visited Swayambhu and gave teachings there two hundred years earlier.
Temple of Pashupatinath
But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda,the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of the Animals.The temple was first established in the 17th century.
The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Bhat-Brahmins from South India.Karnataka origin since last 350 years.
The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal
and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis.
This tradition is supposed to have started by the request of Adi Shankaracharya
who sought to unify the different states of Bharatam (Unified India) by encouraging
cultural exchange. The unique feature of this temple is that only 4 priests can touch
the deity. This tradition is supposed to have started by Sage Shankaracharya in 8th century,
ostensibly to stop human sacrifice which was prevalent in that temple. This procedure is also
followed in other temples around India which were sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya.
Malla kings honoured the request of Adi shankarachaya as latter being one of the greatest ever Hindu acharyas.
However,this tradition was recently changed after the historic revolution in Nepal which demolished the monarchy and established democracy where Nepalese priests supported by the anti-Indian Maoists
government.
There was widespread protests by most Nepalese as they saw this as an intereference in their religion
The temple is of pagoda style of architecture. All the features of pagoda style is founded here like cubic constructions,beautifully carved wooden rafters on which they rest tundal.
The two level roofs are of copper with gold covering.It has 4 main doors,all covered with silver sheets.This temple has a gold pinnacle,(Gajur), which is a symbol of religious thought.The western door has a statue of large bull or Nandi, again covered in gold.The deity is of black stone, about 6 feet in height and the same in circumference.Vasukinath lies to the east of Pashupatinath.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur ), also Bhadgaon or Khwopa (Nepal Bhasa: ख्वप Khwopa) is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It is located in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. It is the third largest city in Kathmandu valley and was once the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom until the second half of the 15th century.
Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork
"Khwopinggram" is the ancient name of Bhaktapur. The term "Bhaktapur" (Sanskrit/Nepali: भक्तपुर) refers to "The Town Of Devotees". This Bhaktapur City is also known as "Khwopa" (Nepal Bhasa: ख्वप) or "Bhadgaon" (Nepali:भादगाँउ) or "Ancient Newari Town" through out the Kathmandu valley.
It is the home of traditional art and architecture, historical monuments and craft works, magnificent windows, pottery and weaving industries, excellent temples, beautiful ponds, rich local customs, culture, religion, festivals, musical mystic and so on. Bhaktapur is still an untouched as well as preserved ancient city, which in fact, is itself a world to explore for tourist.
From time immemorial it lay on the trade route between Tibet/China and India. This position on the main caravan route made the town rich and prosperous.
Bhaktapur is around 13 km east of Kathmandu and lies on the old trade route to Tibet. It occupies an area of around 119 km² at an altitude of 1,401 meters above sea-level. Bhaktapur district, in which the Bhaktapur city lies is the smallest district of nepal.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard
Ranjit Malla and is one of the most beautiful and richly
carved specimens of its kind showing the Goddess Kali
and Garuda, the winged carrier of Lord Vishnu. This gate
is embellished with monsters of marvelous intricacy.
The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the Seventeenth
century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls,
with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony
is a masterpiece of wood carvinig.
century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls,
with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony
is a masterpiece of wood carvinig.
The stone temple of Batsala Devi, which is also located in the Durbar Square, is full of intricate carvings. This temple is also shows a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the “bell of barking dogs.” When it peals, the local dogs start barking. This bell, placed in 1737 A.D. by King Ranjit Malla, was used to sound curfew during his reign. The bell is rung every morning while worshipping the Goddess Taleju.
Surya Vinayaka
Located on the eastern side of a wooded hill, the Surya Vinayaka has a shikhara-style of architecture and is the first of the temples in the region to receive the first rays of the sun. It is here that Lord Ganesh first renews his acquaintance with the sun god Surya. The Surya Vinayaka in Bhaktapur stands as a column having the rat of Ganesh in unusually large and realistic form.
The Surya Vinayaka temple is visited by large numbers of tourists and local people. On Tuesdays in particular, pilgrims offer various offerings such as, ladoos, his favorite food, to seek his favor. On the hill, there is a little shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the mother of Ganesh. From this beautiful Surya Vinayaka in Bhaktapur, you can have stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley.
According to a legend, an ancient king of Nepal, who did not have a son, built the temple of Lord Ganesh, also known as "Vinayaka" the elephant headed son of Lord Shiva, as a homage to Ganesh. The astrologers advised him to do so. Hence, from that time onwards the name of the temple became "Surya-Vinayaka".
As a result of continues worshiping and tireless devotion to god, the king finally had a son. Even today couples who do not have a children come here for worshipping. Lord Ganesh is very popular as the god of wisdom and good luck, among the Hindus. Hence many devotees congregate here every Tuesdays and Saturdays to get good luck and happiness.
Bhairavnath Temple
This temple was first built as o one-storey pagoda during the reign of King Jagat Jyoti Malla, and later changed into a three storeyed temple in 1718 A.D. by king Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is decided to Lord Bhairav, the god of Terror.
Nyatapola Temple
This five storeyed pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King
Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five storey terraced platform.On each of the terraces there is squat pairs of figures; two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and Baghini and Singhini, the tiger and the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones immediately below,
while the lowest pair, the two strong men, Jaya Malla and Fatteh Malla,were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and suble workmanship. The temple was built for Goddess Laxmi.
while the lowest pair, the two strong men, Jaya Malla and Fatteh Malla,were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and suble workmanship. The temple was built for Goddess Laxmi.
Taumadhi Temple
World Tallest Statue of Lord Shiva
The tallest Shiva statue in the world, constructed on the financial support of Kamal Jain, is complete and is open for worshiping. The statue is constructed at Chhitpol-5, Kailaskut hill in Bhaktapur.
During the unveiling, a helicopter of Fishtail Air was throwing flowers on the statue from above.
The construction took 6 years and involved 100 Nepali and skilled labors from India. The construction of foundation alone took two years. To protect the statue from natural factors like sun, wind, and rain, it is coated with zinc. It is further coated with copper on top of zinc coating. According to Kamal Jain, the outer cover of the statue contain 6000 kgs of zinc and copper.
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Peacock Window is a signature sight of Nepal. If one has to see the exquisiteness of Nepal's traditional art, a visit to Peacock Window is a must.
The Peacock Window is a very mesmerizing piece of craftsmanship. So it is also called the "Mona Lisa of Nepal'. The work piece is indeed a rare masterpiece in wood. The unique latticed window dates back to the early 15th Century. It has an intricately carved peacock in its center.
The window adorns the Pujari Math. The rows of exquisitely carved windows and doors of the math are equally appealing. The building presently houses the Woodcarving Museum. The museum has a fantastic collection of unique pieces in wood.
Most of the carved windows in Bhaktapur's Durbar Square are exquisitely crafted. But the Peacock Window walks away with the cake. It is definitely the most elaborate. It is a second-floor window to an ordinary building, tucked away down a narrow alley off Durbar Square.
Right across the alley from the Window is a master woodcarver's shop. The wood carver specializes in replicas and variations on the window. The woodcarver has a second floor window opposite the Peacock Window. One can take clear pictures of the Peacock Window from there.
Once in Bhaktapur, one can walk ones way to the dusty lane which houses the Peacock window. The window is not far from the famous Durbar Square of Bhaktapur.
The Peacock Window is a very mesmerizing piece of craftsmanship. So it is also called the "Mona Lisa of Nepal'. The work piece is indeed a rare masterpiece in wood. The unique latticed window dates back to the early 15th Century. It has an intricately carved peacock in its center.
The window adorns the Pujari Math. The rows of exquisitely carved windows and doors of the math are equally appealing. The building presently houses the Woodcarving Museum. The museum has a fantastic collection of unique pieces in wood.
Most of the carved windows in Bhaktapur's Durbar Square are exquisitely crafted. But the Peacock Window walks away with the cake. It is definitely the most elaborate. It is a second-floor window to an ordinary building, tucked away down a narrow alley off Durbar Square.
Right across the alley from the Window is a master woodcarver's shop. The wood carver specializes in replicas and variations on the window. The woodcarver has a second floor window opposite the Peacock Window. One can take clear pictures of the Peacock Window from there.
Once in Bhaktapur, one can walk ones way to the dusty lane which houses the Peacock window. The window is not far from the famous Durbar Square of Bhaktapur.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The Durbar chowk of Kathmandu has been beautifully decorated by cultural and ancient handicraft ,grapharts,architecture,etc.The Marusatal
(Kasthamandap)of Kathmandu is very famous and was built of wood of a single tree.It is known as the Kasthamandap.It has been said that Kasthamandap is the source of the name 'Kathmandu'.Beautiful curios of the Durbar Chowk are the block of Hanuman dhoka containing the temple of Taleju Bhawani, Temple of Panchmukhi Hanuman, temple of Kumari,temple of Shiva-parvati,Ganesthan, places for the coronation ,throne ,etc.They are adding the aesthetic beauty of the chowk
This temple is one of the major tourist attractions too. There are no restrictions on entry to the temple. However, photography is prohibited inside the temple. The temple is open after midday until midnight
(Kasthamandap)of Kathmandu is very famous and was built of wood of a single tree.It is known as the Kasthamandap.It has been said that Kasthamandap is the source of the name 'Kathmandu'.Beautiful curios of the Durbar Chowk are the block of Hanuman dhoka containing the temple of Taleju Bhawani, Temple of Panchmukhi Hanuman, temple of Kumari,temple of Shiva-parvati,Ganesthan, places for the coronation ,throne ,etc.They are adding the aesthetic beauty of the chowk
Stupa of Lord Boudhanath
Among the temples of Gods and monuments, an importance has given to the Budha monument (Chaitya) of Lord Buddha .This is situated in the north-east of Kathmandu. It is about seven kilometres far from Kathmandu.According to the mythical literature of Buddhist, the stupa(chaitya) of Buddha was establishedin the form of light.People come to this stupa for offering prayers.It is one of the most popular tourist sites of the kathmandu area.Boudhanath
The Boudhanath was founded by the Nepalese Licchavi king Śivadeva (c. 590–604 AD); though other Nepalese chronicles date it to the reign of King Mānadeva (464–505 AD).
The Boudhanath was founded by the Nepalese Licchavi king Śivadeva (c. 590–604 AD); though other Nepalese chronicles date it to the reign of King Mānadeva (464–505 AD). Religious Places and Monuments
In Nepal, there are approximately12,000 religious places including both small and large temples.Only in kathmandu valley,there are more than 1,000 religious places which include temples, monastries,gumbas,vihars,durbars,tombs,etc.Among these,there are about 888 important monuments of national level.
In Kathmandu valley, approximately 80% of monuments are of national and international levels.The following important religious places have been listed under the World Heritage.
In Kathmandu valley, approximately 80% of monuments are of national and international levels.The following important religious places have been listed under the World Heritage.
- Temple of Shree Pashupatinath
- Stupa of Lord Bouddhanath
- Stupa of Swayambhunath
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Lumbini
- Patan Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Temple of Changunarayan
Cultural Heritage
Nepal is well known all over the world for its religious and cultural sites.Various religious along with accompanying cultures such as Shaivism,Buddhism,Vaishnavism,etc have been co-existing here for centuries.Stones temple and modern sculptures of great artistic value flourished during the medieval period.Vihars with numerous temples, gods and goddess are constructed in the cities.
Our temples were usually constructed in the pagodas style and raised over terraces of storeys with 2,3 or even more layers of roofs finally crowned with a pinnacle(gajur). Jaisi Dewal of kathmandu and Nyatapole temple of Bhaktapur are notable examples of such styles.There are hundreds of Buddhist vihars in kathmandu ,Lalitpur,Bhaktapur and other old cities with artistic Buddha images and Mahayana dieties.
Our temples were usually constructed in the pagodas style and raised over terraces of storeys with 2,3 or even more layers of roofs finally crowned with a pinnacle(gajur). Jaisi Dewal of kathmandu and Nyatapole temple of Bhaktapur are notable examples of such styles.There are hundreds of Buddhist vihars in kathmandu ,Lalitpur,Bhaktapur and other old cities with artistic Buddha images and Mahayana dieties.
Concept and Introduction to Religious and Cultural Heritage
Concept:
We have different kinds of cultures in our country.We are rich in cultural and religious heritage.Our life is closely associated with different aspects of culture. Culture is the combination of art,literature and tradition.Our country abound in old temples,monastries,idols,dharmashalas,inns,ancient palaces.We have old stone-water taps,ponds,wells.Our country celebrates many festivals and we have our own type of musical instruments,music,arts and architecture.
Introduction:
The cultures of our country are of various kinds.Our life is attached to various cultural aspects.Cultural heritage means the things of ancient civilization and social activities Old tombs,temples,vihars,gumbas,statues,etc.are the items of our cultural heritage.Religious places, wells,tanks ,ponds,stonetapes,inns,houses,etc.are also parts of our cultural heritage.Weighing measures, festivals, dresses,customs,dances,and musical instruments depict our cultural activities.Religion, literature,art,language,music,etc are different aspects of our culture.They give support to the identification of our culture.We have also our own kind of ornaments and folk culture.Besides, our country also in abounds in religious dwelling places(dharmashalas),ponds and stone water fountains with good drinking water.
The cultural heritage has accumulated old traditions, religious activities,various aspects of public life, festivals, folk,songs,dances classical dances of different gods and goddessess,religiou processions,fare and festivals,fooding and customs, clothing,means of entertainment, and cultural activities.
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