Kathmandu Durbar Square: The Major Attractions

Kathmandu Durbar Square, popularly known as Basantapur Durbar Kshetra, is one of the world heritage sites of Nepal. It was listed in 1979 by UNESCO.

Out of three durbar squares situated in Kathmandu valley; Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the durbars located in mid of the Kathmandu valley. The word durbar represents the royal palace having temples, statues, courtyards, and many palaces.

History of Kathmandu Durbar Square

It is believed that the Kathmandu Durbar Square construction started in the early ruling of Lichhavis. The durbar was named after the Lichhavi King, Gunakamadev in the 10th century as Gunapo and Gupo. The name of the palace can be found in sculptures.

Later, during the regime of Malla King Ratna Malla, the durbar was home to royals. Several constructions such as fountains, statues, temples (Taleju temple) took place from (1484–1520). In 1769, Privithi Naryan Shah, the great King, conquered the Kathmandu valley and started living in the royal palace.

The durbar square host important royal functions such as the coronation of Kings. There was a major change in durbar square during the regime of the Shah and Malla dynasties. Enlargement of durbar including its courtyard, temples, and chok and much more construction was made.

Restoration and Refurbishing

In 2000 the restoration process took place which was funded by World Monuments Fund. During the restoration, the focus was on the three main temples of durbar in pagoda style.

The main damage was in roofs that were rebuilt, and masonry repairs (wall art or wall preservation) were done. In addition, WMF preserved the architectural sculptures and the fabrics of the plinth and pavement were restored.

On top of it, WMF provided training to Nepalese professionals and artisans in international standards of architectural documentation, research, and conservation of durbar. Hence, the restoration of the Indrapur temple was completed in 2002, and the Narayan Temple in 2003, and accordingly the Jagannath Temple in 2004.

On 25 April 2015, Nepal faced an earthquake of 7.9 magnitudes which reversely affect the durbar square. This resulted in making the buildings and temple weak also the Kasthamandap, one of the oldest remains of the durbar.

Present Condition — Kathmandu Durbar Square

Currently, the durbar is open to the public but only the specific part can be visited. Nepalese people visit the temples with faith and pride.

Major Attractions

• The Golden Door
• Taleju temple
• Living Goddess Kumari
• Trailokya Mohan Temple
• Kasthamandap
• The great bell & two large drums
• The Image of Kal Bhairav
• Shiva Parvati Temple
• Gaddi Baithak Palace

FAQs

Who built Kathmandu Durbar Square?

Originally published at https://www.nepaltravelvibes.com on August 31, 2021.