It is the historic
seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and
places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the
people. It is here that Kings of Nepal are crowned and their
coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are;
Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A. D., Kal
Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation
Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla,
the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. On the
right-hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides and
enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed
only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also Numismatic
Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace
building. Photography is prohibited inside the Museums. Both the
Museums remain closed on Tuesdays and Government holidays.
Temple of Kumari
(Kumari Ghar):
The temple or the
residence of living Goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity
of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved
wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living
Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window.
Photography is prohibited.
Kasthamandap:
Located near the
temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi
Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is
said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city
of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
Ashok vinayak:
The small but a
very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the
Kasthamandap -also know as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
Jaishi Dewal:
Five minutes from
Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its
erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the
chariot festivals of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.
Note: Monumental Area Entrance fees at present
Rs. 200 p.p.
