Nepal is a country that is unique historically, culturally, and geographically. It is a country with a rich heritage and colorful culture. A country that has never been colonized. Nepal is also the country that is home to the tallest mountain peak in the world, Mount Everest. The heady cocktail of culture, nature, heritage, and adventure that Nepal serves up draws millions of tourists from all over the world. Some come to test their endurance skills in the midst of the mighty Himalayas while others come to immerse themselves in the rich heritage that of the country that can be experienced in places like the Kathmandu Valley among others, some come to bask in the lap of nature at places like Chitwan National Park, still many come to lose themselves in the sway of spirituality at places like Lumbini. Nepal is a country that can not be just seen but needs to be experienced with all the senses. We invite you to experience a part of the Nepal experience by joining us as we take you on a pictorial journey of the rich heritage of Nepal through our photoblog – Postcard From Nepal.
Table of Contents
Postcard From Nepal – Capturing Nepal’s Heritage
Postcard From Nepal – Kathmandu Durbar Square
The Durbar Squares of the Kathmandu valley are treasure troves that have kept alive the rich heritage of Nepal. The grandeur and aesthetics of a bygone era still cast their aura in these squares that seem to have been paused in history. We start our pictorial journey in our postcard from Nepal with the Kathmandu Durbar Square which is right in the heart of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage site.
People pass by the 12 feet high stone image of Kala Bhairava, a fearful form of Lord Shiva near the Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. The statue is said to date back to either the 5th or 6th century. It is believed that in ancient times this statue was used as some sort of a court. Suspected criminals were tried here, if they lied in front of the image of Kala Bhairava, they would perish in the wake of his wrath.
This beautiful door is one of the four of the temple of Goddess Taleju Bhawani. The doors of the temple open only during the festival of Dashain. The temple was built by the King Mahendra Malla and inside the temple are golden statues of the Goddess Taleju Bhawani and that of the living Goddess of Nepal, Kumari.
A fascinating example of the exquisite artistry that one comes across in Kathmandu Valley.
A typical day with people sauntering around the heritage area of the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Postcard From Nepal – Patan Durbar Square
The Patan Durbar Square is another of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Along with the other Durbar Squares, this too is a treasure trove that silently whispers the aesthetic grandeur of a bygone era.
The Chyasing Dewal is a unique octagonal structure which is said to have also served the purpose of a viewing platform for festival processions. The structure stands out with its different architectural styles. It is not in the usual Pagoda style but is built along the lines of a Shikhara. The temple is a Krishna temple. The Chyasing is a corrupted version of Chyasal which alludes to the number 8 in the Newari language. Interestingly in Lalitpur there exists the ancient town of Chyasal which is said to have been the last battleground of the Lichhavis and the Kiratas. It is said that 800 of the Kiratas who were guarding the town were killed and the town came to be known as Chyasa referring to the 800 dead soldiers. Chyasa, in turn, became Chyasal.
The gilded entrance to the Patan Museum, a doorway to a fascinating past.
Within the precincts of the Patan Museum stands the Keshav Narayan Temple in the middle of a courtyard known as Keshav Narayan Chowk. This is an amazing tapestry of beautifully laid exquisite doors and windows.
Most of the beautiful monuments that grace the Royal Palace of Patan were constructed in the early part of the 17th century during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. These include the Taleju temple and the Krishna temple. His legacy was carried forward by his son Shreenivas Malla.
One of the fascinating aspects of the Patan Durbar Square is that it seamlessly integrates the heritage from its history with the present. The past and the present literally rub shoulders in a fascinating medley of colours.
When In Patan one must visit the Golden Temple or more specifically the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar.
It is a 12th century, three-storeyed Pagoda built in dedication to Shakyamuni Buddha.
Postcard From Nepal – Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Bhaktapur Durbar Square completes the trinity of the UNESCO World heritage sites along with the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Patan Durbar Square. Located in the town of Bhaktapur, this fascinating place is actually made up of three distinct zones which are called Durbar Square, Dattatreya Square, Pottery Square, and Taumadhi Square.
One of the highlights of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the 55 Windows Palace or Nge Nyapa Jhya Laykoo.
This is the Lun Dhwakha, The Golden Gate, is considered to be one of the most beautiful doorways in the world. This leads to the courtyard of the 55 window palace and is engraved with intricate figures representing characters from Hindu mythology. A Garuda and 10 Handed Goddess Kali occupy the centre stage at the top of the door frame
The Siddhi Lakshmi temple reaches to the skies at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, it is also known as Stone Temple. The stairs that lead to the top of the temple are flanked by stone statues like these with different animals being held by men and women.
The Nyatapola Temple is a 5-storeyed temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, it opens once a year during the festival of Dashain.
Exquisite carving outside the Nyatapola temple. It is interesting to note that temple doors have the image of the deity inside carved above them in the ancient temples in the Kathmandu Valley.
Pashupatinath
The Pashupatinath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to God Shiva and finds mention even in the Shiva Puran. It is another of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
Swayambunath
This is another of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. It is a towering Stupa on the top of a hill and one of the top attractions of Kathmandu. This is a very important religious Buddhist site.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath is another UNESCO World Heritage site which is an important Buddhist religious site. This is one of the largest Stupas in the world.
Budha Nilakantha
Budhanilkantha temple is a unique temple in Kathmandu. The beautiful and unique temple has a statue of Lord Vishnu floating in water.
Lumbini
One of the most historic places in Nepal is the Mayadevi Temple which is the birthplace of Buddha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most important of the pilgrim centres for Buddhists.
An Ashoka Pillar near the Mayadevi Temple marks the visit of Emperor Ashoka to the temple.
Tansen
Tansen is a picturesque town and the headquarters of the Palpa district which has a rich heritage. The semi-circular structure called Shital Pati dates back to the late 19th century.
A corridor inside the Tansen Durbar which today houses a museum that documents the history of the place.
We hope these images of the heritage of Nepal spur you to plan your own trip and send out your own postcard from Nepal. Do let us know your thoughts about this Nepal photoblog. We are sure that these images of Nepal shall linger in your minds for long. Looking forward to your inputs through our comments section.
We were hosted by Nepal Tourism. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.
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