Kathmandu A city where every alley has hidden stories, where ancient temples and modern life coexist, and where the confluence of Hinduism and Buddhism is visible in every aspect of life. Kathmandu is not just the capital of Nepal, but a living museum where culture, religion, and history are still vibrant. Heart of the Himalayas, Kathmandu city.
History Kathmandu:-
Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal and it is believed that during his time itself, Buddhism reached the Kathmandu Valley. Some historians also believe the Emperor Ashoka visited Kathmandu in the 3rd century BCE although no archaeological evidence has been found to support this.
The Licchavis, who came from the Magadha region of India, were Hindus, and during their time, many Hindu temples were built. In the seventh century, the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang also came to Nepal and wrote about the Licchavi King. Mallas means wrestler, and the Malla King came from India’s Mithila region during the invasions of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Interestingly, the Lichhavis and Mallas who came from India followed Hinduism. At that time, Buddhism was an established religion here, and during their reign, both Hinduism and Buddhism flourished. Today, Nepal is predominantly a Hindu country, and according to the 2021 cencus about eight percent of the population in Nepal are still Buddhists. In Nepal, however, they share many common gods and religious practices, making it somewhat difficult for Western tourists to distinguish between the two on the surface. There is a practical reason for these common practices. The rulers, both Lichhavis and Mallas, followed Hinduism, and Nepali Buddhists adopted the dominant religion practices without losing their original faith.
Kathmandu became rich because of far main the land was very fertile. Second, it was on the route between Tibet and India, and Kathmandu was in the middle. So that how we made money. From the seventeenth century, the Gorkha king from West Nepal ruled. The thirteenth king was King Birendra, who passed away in a palace massacre in 2001.
Wather:-
In winters, Kathmandu gets quite cold but in summers, the temperature is perfect for exploring.
The Kathmandu Valley once had three separate kingdoms: Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Today, these are three distinct cities, but tourists often consider them all as Kathmandu. WE will explore these three kingdoms today.
The Kathmandu Valley is part of the Newar civilization, and the people here are called Newari who are both Hindu and Buddhis. Kathmandu is a valley and is also located on a major trade route. Geographically, Nepal and India have always had a deep connection, and because of this, the history of Nepal and India has evolved together.
Swoyambhu Mahachaitya:-
This stupa is very interesting and is considered one of the oldest in the entire Kathmandu Valley. If you look at historical records, it might have been built in the 4th century. Some people believe that Emperor Ashoka also built a temple here when he spread Buddism around the world. The place is of course, very beautiful with a large stupa in the middle and many smaller stupas and temples around it. Morning time is a great time to visit here.
Boudhanath Stupa:-
This stupa is very interesting for many different reasons. It is believed that relics of Buddha are kept inside the stupa, not of Goutam Buddha but of the Buddha before him, known as Kashyapa Buddha. Historians belive that it was built in the 4th, 5th or 6th century and has been of great importance since then throughout the Kathmandu valley.
Rani Pokhari:-
It opens only for one day, three days after Diwali. This story we need to go back to 1845 CE. This is when the Prince of Prussia, named Prince Waldemar, visited here.
Durbar Squares:-
In all the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley there are Durbar Squares refers to the area the royal palace where the palace, temple, and high offcials houses are located. Today, all theses Durbar squres are public spaces and quite popular among tourist. There are cafes, street shops, and plenty of photo opportunities here.
Durbar Squares Bhaktapur:-
The thaird main city of the Kathmandu Valley is Bhaktapur. During the Malla kings ere, Bhaktapur was also the capital of Nepal.
Kaal Bhairav temple:-
Kaal Bhairav temple:-
Lets talk about a very unique and interesting tradition next. It called the Kumari tradition.
In Nepal, Kumari is considered a living goddess and it is believed that the goddess Taleju resides in her. Both Hindu and Buddhists believe in the Kumari tradition, and the Kumari always comes from a Newari Buddhist family. The current Kuman’s name is Trishna Shakya, and she became Kumari in 2017 at the age of the age of five.
Once a Kumari enters her Kumari house, she never leaves it except during processions, know as the Kumari Jatra, which takes place in September. Other then that, she always stays at home and follows many protocal. She always wears red and gold clothes, and her forehead is always painted with the all seeing eye. When the Kumari reaches puberty, she is no longer consider a Kuamri, and the search for the next Kumari begins.
Even after she is no longer a Kumari she is highly respected in society. This tradition, which started during the Malla dynasty in the 13th century, is now an integral part of Newari traditions. It is quite difficult to meet the Kumari of Kathmandu personally, but this is not the case in Patan.
Patan Museum:-
The museum is located at the Patan Durbar Square, and is a great stating point for exploring Lalitpur if you’re interested in history like me. This museum used to be the palace of the Maharaja of Lalitpur and is now a must visit spot for all tourists.
Hiranya varna Museum:-
This my fevorite place in Patan is the Golden Temple. It’s a Buddhst temple where people of the reigions can come to worship. This is the biggest out of the fifteen Newar Monastries in Katmandu, not in terms of physical size but in trems of membership.
Pashupatinath Temple:-
It the oldest and most important Hindu temple in Nepal. Located on the bamks of the Bagmati River, The Pashupatinath Temple was during the Licchavi dynasty around 400 CE.
