Kathmandu Durbar Square: Narrative of Licchavis

Kathmandu Durbar Square, sprawling in the center of Kathmandu city is famous for its historical royal palace known as Hanuman Dhoka. It was recognized as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1979.

The construction of Durbar Square dates back to the Lichhavi period of the third century, although most of the major development of this palace with an embellishment of Newari craftsmanship was completed during the reign of Pratap Malla.

Hanuman Dhoka Square gets its name because of the statue of Hanuman built by King Pratap Malla in 167 and a storeyed palace building built-in 1770, by late King Prithvi Narayan Shah known as Basantapur Durbar.

Several parts of the old royal palace built-in the Lichavi period had collapsed during the disastrous earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015.

Pagoda style roofs of these palace buildings can give an exotic view of ancient Nepal. The statue of late Pratap Malla can be seen here.

Later, when Malla rulers were dethroned by late King Prithvi Narayan Shah, this royal palace was used until the new Shah royal palace known as Narayanhity was ready.

All royal crowing ceremonies were conducted here from the beginning. So, it is well known for its Newari artistic archeological significance that dates back to 15 to the 18^th century.

The main attractions are various temples, statues and monasteries found here which include the temple of Taleju Goddess and living Goddess Kumari, Shiva-Parvati temple, Jagannath temple, Krishna octangular temple, Saraswati temple, Big drums, Kal Bharav, etc.

It is said that Kal Bharaiv signifies one of the Kirant eras in the annals of Nepal. These historical and religious sites are enlivened when festivals like Indra-Jatra, Dasain, Gai Jatra and Machhindranath Jatra observes in Kathmandu during which thousands of native Newari people take part to sustain the age-old festival handed down from the ancestors.

The Hanuman Dhoka Square has a museum which can be visited by buying tickets. Any way this square area is represented by a swarm of historical temples and remains.

It is said that Kathmandu once upon was a land where even Gods from heaven envied human life and descended down on earth to stay among the people of Kathmandu to drink the nectar of human life.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is the amalgamation of ancient history, culture, architecture, art and playground of local deities, that is overwhelmingly carved in the wooden works and pagoda roofs of Durbar square.

One of the significant things to watch here is the “Kumari Gar ( the house of the living Goddess), “Kastha Mandap” Mahadev Temple, Maru Ganesh, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old Palace, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big drums, Jagannath Temple, Kal Bhairav and Taleju Temple.