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WORLD HERITAGE SITES OF NEPAL

There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) in Nepal of these four WHS, - twp are in cultural category and two WHS fall in the natural category.



In the cultural category, the seven monuments of the Kathmandu valley (together counted as one WHS) and Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha – are included whereas the other two WHS in the natural grouping are the Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. The Kathmandu Valley WHS comprises of three historical palaces of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Two Buddhist stupas- Swayambhu and Boudanath, and two Hindu temples Pashupati and Changu Narayan. The densest concentration of these heritages sites can be found here owing to the cultural and political importance of the Kathmandu valley. All these monuments were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in October 1979. Most of the places listed in the WHS were revered for thousands of years and there has been a series of contributions and renovations in the form of construction of temples, stupas and palaces over the centuries by different rulers and kings. The WHS of Nepal are an expression of the finest sensibility of the history and lifestyle of Nepal and are a legacy of the Nepalese people to human civilization.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Kathmandu Valley civilization is around 3000 years old. It has been claimed that the valley was a large pond in the early geological period and it was only when the pond was drained that the valley was ready for human settlement. There is also a legend which reinforces the story that a certain Bodhistav called Manjushree came to Kathmandu Valley and cut the gorge in Chobar with his flaming sword and drained the water out of the valley making it ready for human settlement.

The fertile land supported large settlements, and over the centuries different dynasties that ruled the valley patronized an urban civilization with its rich cultural heritage. Politically the present days Nepal was divided into petty principalities and the earliest ruling class of Nepal were the Gopalas, Mahispalas and Kiratas dynastries who were followed by Licchavi ( 185-750 A.D.) The Lichhavi period is known as the classical period of Nepalese history because it was during this period that art and architecture began to take shape. Trade and crafts flourished under them, and they built magnificent temples, palaces and monuments.

But it was only under the later Malla period and the early Shah period from 14th to the 18th centuries the valley’s fabulous cities with their exquistic pagoda, shikhara and stupa architecture, ornate palaces and artistic temples came to take shape in the form that we see it today.

However the present day neo-classical buildings were built only during the second half of the 19th century ( Rana Regime) with Nepal’s first contact with the western countries.

Sculptures, wood craft and stone works were the medium and means on which the expert hand and imagination of the artistis acted on with impressive originally and ingenuity.

This historical monuments of the world heritage sites of Kathmandu valley are marked by the presence of three prominent architectural style namely the Pagoda, Shikhara and the Stupa style. The pagodas are multi-tiered monuments tapering towards the struts. These ubiquitous wooden historical structures are supplement by bronze works and stone sculptures together forming the squares and palaces with profuse representation of images of gods, goddesses, demons, beasts, mythical figures, kings and the ordinary human beings engaged in their day-to-day activities.

KATHMANDU DUBAR SQUARE

Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of the Kathmandu city. The locals know this area by its old name Hanuman Dhoka- an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The Royal Palace during medival times were not merely for Royal activities but also used as the center of administration, cultural activities and festivals.

The historical buildings and temples in the area were erected from the time of King Ratna Malla ( 1484-1520 AD) to Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah ( 1875-1911 AD) covering the Malla, Shah and Rana period of Nepalese Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red next to the main entrance ( the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square.

Prominent Monuments:

Taleju Temple: The temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1562 A.D. was dedicated to the royal deity of the Malla kings. Resting on a 12 stage plinth, the temple is 36.6 meters high. The temple is opened to the public just once in a year during Dashain festival ( Sept-Oct).

Krishna Temple: This octagonal temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was built in 1649 A.D. by Pratap Malla in memory of his two dead queens. There is a mention in the epigraph that the temple contains the statue of the King and his queens representing as Lord Krishna and his consorts.

Jagannath Temple: The image of Jagannath was installed in 1563 A.D. during the reign of Mahendra Malla and the temple is famous for erotic carvings.

Stone Column: The Stone Column represents the statue of King Pratap Malla in praying gesture to Goddess Taleju- The Royal Family Deity.

Degutalle Temple: A Tantric goddess representing the family deity of the Malla kings is enriched in the temple and access is restricted to visitors. The temple lies opposite the Stone Column and was built in 1671 A.D. by King Shiva Singh and later renovated by King Pratap Malla.

Hanuman Statue: Kneeling Hanuman, the monkey god, seated on a stone pedestal and flanked by a pair of lions symbolizes strength and protection against all possible threats. The Hanuman pedestal was erected by King Pratap Malla in 1672 A.D.

Shiva-Parvati Temple: The divine couple Shiva and his consort Parvati look out from the central window of the first floor. The temple was built during the reign of King Bahadur Shah.

Big Bell: The bell erected in 1797 A.D. by King Rana Bahadur Shah is rung only when worship is being offered in Degutalle temple situated nearby.

Kal Bhairav: Shiva in his ferocious form is known as Bhairav. This is one of the largest image of Bhairav and was erected by King Pratap Malla.

Maju Dewal: This temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the late 17th century by Queen Mother Riddhi Laxmi and rests on a nine plinth base dominating the square and commanding a good view of the area.
Trilokya Mohan Narayan: This Vishnu temple of late 17th century near the Kumari Ghar, was built on a five stage plinth by King Prathibendra in memory of his deceased brother. There is a kneeling image of Garuda – the vehicle of Vishnu, near the temple. During Indrajatra ( Chariot festival) large crowd gather here to see the ten incarnations of Vishnu enacted on the pedestal.

Kumari Ghar: Kumari Ghar built in 1757 A.D. by King Prakash Malla is the house of the living goddess “Kumari” who is believed to be the incarnation of goddess Taleju, the protective deity. Kumari often provides her blessing from the window to the visitiors.

Basantapur Durbar: The Basantapur Durbar also known as Nau-talle durbar was built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1770 A.D. Alongside there are other high standing pagodas known as Kirtipur Tower, Bhaktapur Tower and Lalitpur Tower.

Gaddi Baithak: This neoclassical building was built by Chandra Shumsher in 1908 A.D. during the reign of King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah. Such kind of buildings were constructed because of Nepalese with the west in the second half of the 18th century.

Kasthamandap: This 12th century wooden building is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree hence Kathmandu obtains its name from this historical building, Kasthamandap. The building was used for public gathering during those days. The central image in the building consists of Gorakhanath and there are miniature temples of four Ganeshas.

Ashok Vinayak: This temple dedicated to the elephant god Ganesha is revered both by the Hindus and Buddhists alike and is one of the most important shrine in the valley.

Dhansa: This temple was built in 1673 A.D. by Pratap Mala to start a new masked dance of Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.