a) Pashupatinath Temple ( A world heritage site)
Lord Shiva is known by many different names and Pashupatinath is one of them. Breaking
down the words; Pashu means animal or leaving being, and Pati means master. In other words
Pashupatinath means the master of all living beings of the universe. The Pashupati linga or Jyotirlinga
has four faces and a fifth invisible one, which is said to be on top of the others. Pashupatinath Temple
is considered one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The richly-ornamented pagoda
structure lies 5 km east of the city center and is situated amidst many other temples on the right bank
of the holy river Bagmati. It is a double-roofed golden temple with four triple silver doorways. This
holiest temple covers an area of 281 hectares, which is one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal.
The date of construction of this temple is unknown. However, it is believed to be built by the Licchavi
King Supuspadeva in the 6th Century. It was renovated by King Jyoti Malla in 1416 A.D. King
Bhupatindra Malla reconstructed it in 1697. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple.
They can have a good view of the temple complex from the other side of the holy river Bagmati.
There are lots of cremation places (ghats) along the right bank of the river. Hindus still believe that
to die and get cremated here will release one from the cycle of repeated birth and death. All the
visitors are requested not to go near to the cremation areas, since it can disturb the ritual
activities, and are advised to take the photos from far.
b) Boudhanath Stupa ( A world heritage site)
Bouddhanath Stupa lies about 6 km to the east of the city center and is one of the largest stupa
in South Asia. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens
of stupa design, which was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth century. The stupa is also
known as Khasti and the mandala design on it's base is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet.
There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area, which has become one of the major
tourist attractions of Nepal. This hemi-spherical dome that symbolizes emptiness is one
of the ten UNESCO world heritage sites in Nepal. There are many legends about the
establishment of the stupa. According to one legend, during the ruling of king Vrishadev,
there was a severe drought in the land. The King was very conscious of this problem and
consulted his astrologers for the solution. They advised him to find a man with 32 auspicious
marks and sacrifice him to propitiate the gods of the rain. The king then summoned his son,
Mandev, to wake up early before dawn and sever the head of the person, whom he would find
sleeping at a certain place. Mandev did exactly as his father asked and as soon as it was done
the rain-fall started. So he got excited to tell this good news to his father, but he was horrified to
discover that he had slain his own father. In his misery, the prince started praying infront of the
goddess "Bajrayogini". The goddess appeared and released a bird, commanding Mandev to
build a stupa at the spot where the bird landed. This is how this great stupa was established.
c) Swyambhunath Stupa (A world heritage site)
Swyambhunath lies about 3 km west of the city center, and is one of the major tourist attractions
inside the Kathmandu valley. Located on the top of a small hill, the stupa commands a magnificent view
of Kathmandu valley as well as the breathtaking panorama of the north-eastern Himalayan range.
The stupa, believed to be built back in 250 B.C., is one of the holiest Buddhist shrines in Nepal,
and is another remarkable UNESCO world heritage site.
The holy structure with a thirteen tiered golden spire in conical shape surmounted over the big white
dome, which represents the spotless pure jewel of Nirvana, stands over a typically stylized lotus
mandala base. This is believed to be originated from a primordial lake whose establishment is
linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley. The stupa has four faces with a pair of seeing eyes
of Buddha painted on each. There are hundreds of shrines and other historical monuments built in
and around this stupa. There are two different ways to reach this site. One is from the west side
which is a relatively short cut and another is from the east side where it leads to the main entrance
with 360 steps leading all the way to the top.
2. Kirtipur (A world heritage site)
Kirtipur is situated on a ridge 10 Km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient Newar Township is a natural
fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairab
are major sights here. Kirtipur offer quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple squares. The people
are known for their skill in building and weaving.
3. DakshinKali
The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is one of the most popular places
of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 Km from the city center on the southern rim of the Valley, the shrine
is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity
4. Chobhar
Situated nine-kilometer southwest of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks. On the way back, stop at Chobhar gorge. The narrow gash in the hills was made by Lord Manjushree to drain out the lake, which once covered the Kathmandu valley.
Kathmandu CIty Tour
