Durbar Square is a royal square in Kathmandu

The center of Nepal's economic, cultural, political movements and hopes is securely clutched in the iron hand of its main industrial center Kathmandu. A city that was founded in the 12th century A.D. and 6 centuries later has become the unchanging capital of Nepal. Every city in the world has its own special visiting features, nuances, places that make it unique, unlike others. And this, in turn, works as a bait and pulls to it those who want to see the exclusive in person, to feel the whole palette of their senses its charm and charm. In describing the grandeur of Kathmandu, it would be unforgivable negligence not to focus the reader's attention on its historic heart, the central square of Durbar Square. The emotional appearance of this place simply phoned with a secret mythicism, a deep sacredness and even a powerful esotericism! So what is Durbar Square all about?

Kathmandu's Durbar Square: History, Description, Little Tricks

The word "durbar" literally translates from Nepali to mean "the area close to the palace (court, palace)". This name of the square is absolutely logical, because it was originally spread out near the old royal palace of the Malla dynasty, which the "crowned heads" had built in Kantipur (the predecessor parent of Kathmandu). Despite the fact that some researchers believe that the construction of Durbar Square should be dated to the period XVII-XVIII centuries, it would be correct to say that the process was with gradual and variable progress, from the XII century, when the main palace complexes, temples and chouks (decorative courtyards) were erected, and ending in 1979, the date of complete restoration after the earthquake in 1934 and inclusion in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Today the beauties of the square include about fifty sights in a complex of architectural, sculptural and even artistic elements in the wondrous, unique spirit of Hinduism. You need to see all of them at least once, but pay special attention:

1. Kasthamandapu Temple - this holy place is the acting amulet of the valley, the receptacle of the footprint of Gorakhnatha (the holy hermit). The temple is said to have been built from the planks of the trunk of a single shala (sala) tree, in the shadow of which the Buddha was born.
2. The temple of Kabindrapur (Dhansa Dege), which is a must-see for those who have something to do with music, for it is the home of the god of melody.
3. The Hanuman Dhoka palace complex itself is the main axis around which all the other structures were built. You can easily find it if you know the landmark - a sculptural complex near the entrance to the palace, which includes: a half-god monkey under the umbrella of Hanuman, framed by 2 flags of Nepal and sitting next to each other on stone lions Shiva and Parvati.
4. To the temple devoted to love and lust Kam Deva - a little romance and spice will not hurt couples, and singles have a good chance to make an acquaintance for a clear purpose (for true love - the language barrier - no obstacle :D). By the way, the god Kama has a wife, Rati, who is the patron saint of passion.
5. Visit the temple of Shiva Maju Deval - here pay attention to the famous Shivalingam and break your head over its symbolism and purpose.
6. Gaining mental clarity and increasing wealth through the power of Ganeshu Ashok Binayak temple.
7. A visit to the house of the guardian of the universe Vishna Trilokya Mohan Narayan.
8. A visit to Shiva and Parvati, the supreme spouses of the demiurges, at their temple.
9. To see, from a distance, the palace of the living goddess Kumari. In the shrine are allowed only those who practice Hinduism.
10. Invasion of the former Gaddhi Baitak state building, which was a spectacular place for important ceremonies and receptions.
11. A tour of the temple of Bhagavati, goddess of disease and destruction. For information, her worship rituals included the killing of roosters (avt. "chickens are not worthy") and orgies.
12. To the temple of Krishna's champion of the establishment of religious principles, where there are statues of him and his 2 wives. The image of the statues modestly defined as their own, the king and his 2 wives, who ruled in the seventeenth century.
13. Jagannath Temple, where you can contemplate with a thoughtful and reverent expression on your face the erotic paintings depicted by the carvings on the roof supports. Behind the temple is a sculpture of the Black Bhairav - it is said that if you lie in front of it, you will immediately bleed to death. Probably best not to try...
14. Trying to solve the mystery of the temple of Indrapur, because no one knows: when and who built it. The deities inside are one, the dedication in the name is another... It is a wrong temple.
15. The most amazing structure of the square is the temple of Goddess Taleju Bhavani, who gave blessings to rulers and commanded the essence of sacrifice. The building has a height of 35 meters!
16. Many other attractions of Durbar Square, about each of which you could write a small book. Any visitor of the square is sure to find something to his liking.

You must clearly understand that Durbar Square is not only a historical, cultural value, a concentration of religious shrines, but also a source of income from tourists who want to see, touch, and capture. Here you will be persistently sold everything you can imagine: food, a variety of souvenirs, postcards and icons. You will be pressed into paying guides and tour guides. If all of this is optional, you have to pay 1,000 rupees ($10) to get into the square. And here's a tip: walk around a bit and you're bound to find a free loophole among the buildings! With the money for the entrance fee, you'd better buy yourself a souvenir. You may not be allowed to visit certain parts of Durbar Square because they are only available during certain holidays. In any case, experienced Couloir guides will tell you what you can or can't do.

Gods can retire, it turns out.

The only living deity in the world that inhabits Durbar Square deserves special attention. It is the Royal Kumari (there are a couple of other Kumaris in Nepal, but they are not as influential), whose cult has been revered in the country for 3 centuries. In fact, Kumari is an avatar of the beloved and respected Taleju Bhavani of the people.

Taleju is instilled only into a girl (3-5 years old) with all the right parameters: belonging to the Nevari Shakai class, with a perfect body, health, voice, appearance, teeth and the right astrological summary (the stars should say that she is in harmony with the aura of kings). An important nuance: the girl must not be defiled with blood (cuts, secretions, etc.). But that's not all, this selection is still followed by a series of difficult checks and tests.

Kumari preserves the destiny of kings and blesses them for a dignified and happy reign. The goddess leaves the palace only once a year for a ceremonial procession. 2 times a day appears in a window of the palace at random times - to see the goddess is a good sign. She is kept by the state, contact with family and friends is allowed, training too. When blood appears on the girl (for one reason or another), she becomes a mere mortal, receives a severance payment and a monthly pension of $80.

Author: Andrey Litvinchuk

UPD: Durbar Square after the earthquake in Nepal

Unfortunately, after the great earthquake in April 2015, some of the ancient temples in Durbar Square were destroyed. They are to be rebuilt with funds from UNESCO. This gives hope that soon we will be able to enjoy the former grandeur of the royal square of Kathmandu. In the meantime, a photo of the current state (24.10.2015)