Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Nepal Bhasa: येँ लायकु/𑐥𑐾𑑄 𑐮𑐵𑐫𑐎𑐹, Nepali: हनुमानढोका दरबार; Basantapur Durbar Kshetra) is a historically and culturally significant site in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Kathmandu Valley on list of World Heritage in Danger, UNESCO World Heritage Convention, retrieved 20 November 2024

Although the construction of the square began in the 3rd century, the major structures within it were added in later periods. The outer complex consists of a number of 16th-century temples built during the reign of the Malla kings. These buildings are adorned with meticulously carved facades characteristic of Newar architecture. The central square is surrounded by palace complexes built during the Malla and Shah periods. The most well known among them is the Nautalle Durbar, a nine-story palace built by Prithvi Narayan Shah to commemorate the Unification of Nepal.Nepal Handbook by Tom Woodhatch

Important Buildings Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex developed over several centuries and was expanded and renovated by successive rulers. The present complex incorporates contributions from the Licchavis, Shah and Rana , with particularly significant additions associated with Mahendra Malla, Pratap Malla and Prithvi Narayan Shah. The palace served as both a royal residence and an administrative centre, while its courtyards and buildings were also used for cultural and ceremonial activities. The complex is named after the stone image of Hanuman near its main entrance.

Kumari Bahal/ Ghar

The Kumari Ghar was built by King Jaya Prakash Malla in 1757. The three-storey building is noted for its intricate wood carvings depicting gods and other traditional symbols. It serves as the official residence of the Kumari of Kathmandu, who is regarded as a living manifestation of the goddess Taleju and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. During the annual Indra Jatra festival, the Kumari is carried through the historic areas of Kathmandu in a ceremonial chariot procession.

Taleju Temple

The Taleju Temple is dedicated to Taleju Bhawani, the royal deity of the Malla kings. King Mahendra Malla constructed the temple in the 16th century. It stands on a twelve-stage plinth and rises approximately 36.6 metres above the square. The temple is normally closed to the public and is opened once a year during the Dashain festival.

Jagannath Temple The Jagannath Temple is an example of Malla-period tiered temple architecture and was consecrated in 1562. Dedicated to Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu, the temple is notable for its large stone inscription and carved wooden struts. It has suffered repeated earthquake damage. After sustaining substantial damage in the 1934 Nepal–India earthquake, the temple was dismantled and rebuilt in 1936 using original materials. Later deterioration of its timber structure led to further conservation work, including repairs to its roofs, timber elements, plinth and surrounding shrines.

Kasthamandap

Kasthamandap, also known as Maru Sattal, was a large wooden pavilion and public shelter in the centre of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Its name refers to a wooden pavilion, while the Newar name Maru Sattal reflects its traditional function as a shelter for travellers. Archaeological investigations following the 2015 Nepal earthquake have suggested that the earliest form of the structure dates to the Licchavis period, with evidence indicating several phases of construction and modification. The building's traditional three-tiered form and timber construction are characteristic of the architectural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.

Kal Bhairav Statue

The Kal Bhairav statue is one of the largest stone images in Kathmandu Durbar Square and represents the fierce aspect of the Hindu god Shiva. The 17th-century image is traditionally regarded as an important religious landmark in the square and remains a place of worship for devotees.

Earthquake damage

On 25 April 2015, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 (Mw) hit the region and severely damaged the Square, reducing several buildings to rubble, the most prominent of which was the centuries-old wooden structure, Kasthamandap.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

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