Durbar means palace. Aesthetically, among the three Palace areas in Kathmandu, this is rated as the most enthralling. The palaces was meant for accommodation and temples are juxtaposed in parallel line on the either side of open square. The palace is embellished with magnificent Digu Taleju ( A temple dedicated to th Royal Clan Goddess Taleju) Krishna temple, Bhimsen Temple, Mahadev and Bishnu temple etc. They stand as a testimony of ancient civilization, their expertise in wood carving, stone carving, Newari architecture and an art of expressing their philosophy in symbol (symbolism).

Usually, you will spot this area with full of visitors (both local and International) for admiring the art and in some corner feeding pegions or for leisurely chitchat.

 

 

A couple of minutes’ walk to south of Durbar squar is located the Mahabaudha Temple. Built in 14th century, this is a Buddhist Temple made ofBTerracotta. This Shikhar style temple has the face of Buddha on each brick. So, it is also known as Thousand Buddha Temple. In terms of its architecture, the temple is a replica of Saranath Temple in India.

 

Close by Mahabaudah is Rudra Barna Mahabihar. The Bihar or Monastry is a museum in itself with score of Buddhist sculpter, animal figures and a Statue of Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher.

                                                                                                                 

Now we walk back to the Palace through bustling market place. After walking a couple of minutes to the other side of the palace is another legendry monument to stun the visitor. Commonly it is called by Golden Temple because the temples inside this Buddhist monastery is cladded with gold plated copper.

 

The spiritual ambience in the interior of the monastery is so immense that you will hesitate before you click on your camera. But no Worry! Photography is allowed here.

 

The ritual of the monastery is of 12th century and is still carried out in full swing. As such, only kumar (meaning bachelor, not fully ordained man) is eligible to be appointed as a priest. The place remains busy with Hindu and Buddhist ceremonial rituals. Most importantly, this is still the center for Theravada Buddhist practice. As a regular activities, the monastery organizes Prajyan Paramita Lesson ( one of the thirteen stages to be passed through before getting Buddhahood).

 

Walk further down, and we reach another busy temple called Banglamukhi. It is mostly crowded with women in red attire offering holy light and worshipping for good health and prosperous life of their family. The young couples often visit this place in belief that the God will make their love eternal!

 

Now we are back along narrow alleys leading to core part of settlement. The streets leads to open squares after squares occupied by the local people. They are all built in Monastry design with Stupa in the center.

 

 

Without guide you will easily miss this beautiful temple dating back to 15th century. The temple is protected by iron grill. The temple is also beautifully painted with natural colour.    

 

--Hari Sharan Bhuju