Sunday, June 19th, 2016
Kathmandu valley is recognized in the world as the ‘City of Temples’. There are numerous temples within the valley depicted as the homes of various gods and goddesses. All these temples and deities have their own unique history and architecture that fascinates visitors to these places, specially foreigners. But have you, as the residents of these places, noticed these monuments properly? Probably not.
How many of you were aware that there are three separate 5 storey temples in each district of Kathmandu valley i.e. Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu? We are pretty sure only few people have noticed that. So, lets explore about these temples and their historical significance.
Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Built by King Pratap Malla during the 17th century
Originally 9 storey counting the base floors, located at Nasal Chowk, Basantapur Durbar Square; Pancha Mukhi Hanuman Temple gives a great view of the palace, the city and even the Himalaya Mountains on a clear day. The struts on the facade of the tower, especially those facing Basantapur Tower have erotic carvings on them. Basantapur means “Place of Spring,” and refers to Kathmandu. Source: Nepalsutra
Location: Nasal Chowk, Basantapur
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/6Jhm59q9Avx
Image Source: iprefertoenjoyit.wordpress.com
Nepali King Bhupatindra Malla during a 5-month period from late 1701 into 1702.
Nyatapola Temple is a 5-storey pagoda located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is the temple of Siddha Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity. This five-storey temple with a five-tier roof that stands just over thirty meters high can be reached by walking up a flight of steps that leads to the top of the platform. As you walk up these storeys, you will notice that there are statues on either side of you, on every step. Source: Wikipedia
Location: Bhaktapur
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GjNcMf2Bhhv
Image Source: Google
Built by King Jayasthiti Malla during 14th century (around 1392)
This is the 5 storey temple of Lalitpur which is aside Bangalamukhi. It is called Kumbheswor / Kwanti/ Kunti. This temple is dedicated to Shivalinga . Huge celebration takes places in month of Shrawan-Bhadra as the festival is celebrated by taking out the Shivalinga of temple outside in the middle of pond. Kwanti/Kunti mela is observed by many devotees, however, this temple couldn’t get as much popularity as Nyatapau- a five storey temple of Bhaktapur. This temple is believed to be built during 13th-14th century. Source: Wikipedia
Location: Bangalamukhi, Mangal Bazar, Lalitpur
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/PAGVgrm81q32