17th of September 2024 (Kwaneyā)
109-458: 18th of September 2024 (Thaneyā) Indra Jātrā , also known as Yenyā Punhi is the biggest religious street festival in Kathmandu , Nepal . " Ye" means the old Newari name for "Kathmandu", "Ya" means “Celebration”, and "Puhni" means full moon so together means the birthday of the old city of Kathmandu. The celebrations consist of two events, Indra Jātrā and Kumāri Jātrā . Indra Jātrā
218-642: A World Heritage Site (WHS). The seven monuments zones cover an area of 189 hectares (470 acres), with the buffer zone extending to 2,394 hectares (5,920 acres). The Seven Monument Zones inscribed originally in 1979 and with a minor modification in 2006 are the Durbar squares of Hanuman Dhoka , Patan and Bhaktapur , the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan , the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath . The literal meaning of Durbar Square
327-559: A dog ( shvana ) as his divine vahana (vehicle). Bhairavi is a fierce and terrifying aspect of the Devi who is virtually indistinguishable from Kali , with the exception of her particular identification as the consort of Bhairava. Bhairava himself has eight manifestations called the Ashta Bhairava : Kala Bhairava is conceptualized as the guru-natha (teacher and lord) of the planetary deity Shani (Saturn). Bhairava
436-411: A ring road , to the southwest by Kirtipur and to the east by Madyapur Thimi . To the north the urban area extends into several municipalities; Nagarjun , Tarakeshwor , Tokha , Budhanilkantha , Gokarneshwor and Kageshwori Manohara . However, the urban agglomeration extends well beyond the neighbouring municipalities, e.g. to Bhaktapur , and nearly covers the entire Kathmandu Valley . Kathmandu
545-568: A Sanskrit-Nepal Bhasa dictionary from 1381, was also found. Architecturally notable buildings from this era include Kathmandu Durbar Square , Patan Durbar Square , Bhaktapur Durbar Square , the former durbar of Kirtipur , Nyatapola , Kumbheshwar , the Krishna temple, and others. The Gorkha Kingdom ended the Malla confederation after the Battle of Kathmandu in 1768. This marked the beginning of
654-548: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The base of the stupa has 108 small depictions of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha . It is surrounded with a brick wall with 147 niches, each with four or five prayer wheels engraved with the mantra, Om mani padme hum . At the northern entrance where visitors must pass is a shrine dedicated to Ajima , the goddess of smallpox . Every year the stupa attracts many Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims who perform full body prostrations in
763-558: A costume representing the Khyah , a fat, hairy ape-like creature. Their dance is marked by antics and a lot of tumbling. Indra Jatra is celebrated in Basantapur by erecting poles representing Indra at various localities around the city. The poles are known as Yambodyah. Masked dances and Pulu Kisi dance are also performed. Indra Jatra is also observed in some districts of Terai (Nepal and Indian Northern Bihar) as Indra Puja according to
872-546: A discourse between the god Bhairava and his consort Bhairavi it briefly presents 112 Tantric meditation methods or centering techniques ( Dharana ). The text is a chapter from the Rudrayamala Tantra, a Bhairava Agama. Bhairavi, the goddess, asks Bhairava to reveal the essence of the way to realization of the highest reality. In his answer Bhairava describes 112 ways to enter into the universal and transcendental state of consciousness. References to it appear throughout
981-599: A forest monastery at Sankhu . The Licchavis from Vaisali in modern-day Bihar , migrated north and defeated the Kirats , establishing the Licchavi dynasty, circa 400 AD. During this era, following the genocide of Shakyas in Lumbini by Virudhaka , the survivors migrated north and entered the forest monastery, masquerading as Koliyas. From Sankhu, they migrated to Yambu and Yengal (Lanjagwal and Manjupattan) and established
1090-495: A fusion of artistic and architectural traditions from other cultures to be amalgamated with local art and architecture. The monuments of Kathmandu City have been influenced over the centuries by Hindu and Buddhist religious practices. The architectural treasure of the Kathmandu valley has been categorized under the well-known seven groups of heritage monuments and buildings. In 2006 UNESCO declared these seven groups of monuments as
1199-490: A hillock at the northwestern part of the city. This is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal . Although the site is considered Buddhist, it is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. The stupa consists of a dome at the base; above the dome, there is a cubic structure with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions. There are pentagonal toran above each of the four sides, with statues engraved on them. Behind and above
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#17328020382801308-548: A long representation of a holy snake made of reeds on which a row of oil lamps are placed. The effigy is suspended from poles carried on the shoulders and taken along the festival route. The procession starts from the southern side of Kasthamandap at Maru. When the Dagin procession returns from the upper part of town and reaches Maru, that is the cue for the Bau Mata procession to set off. It starts after Dagin has returned to Maru and
1417-808: A metropolitan city in 1995. Metropolitan Kathmandu is divided into five sectors: the Central Sector, the East Sector, the North Sector, the City Core and the West Sector. For civic administration, the city is further divided into 32 administrative wards. The Council administers the Metropolitan area of Kathmandu city through its 177 elected representatives and 20 nominated members. It holds biannual meetings to review, process and approve
1526-445: A mythological king Bharata , by encouraging cultural exchange. This procedure is followed in other temples around India, which were sanctified by Adi Shankara. The temple is built in the pagoda style of architecture, with cubic constructions and carved wooden rafters (tundal) on which they rest, and two-level roofs made of copper and gold. Boudhanath ( Nepali : बौद्ध स्तुप ; also written as Bouddhanath , Bodhnath , Baudhanath or
1635-406: A sunken water spout at Maru , the people caught and bound him like a common thief. He was then put on display in the town square of Maru in Kathmandu. (In a reenactment of this event, an image of Indra with his hands bound is put on display at Maru and other places during the festival.) His mother, worried about his extended absence, came to Kathmandu and wandered around looking for him. (This event
1744-538: Is a "place of palaces". There are three preserved Durbar Squares in Kathmandu valley and one unpreserved in Kirtipur . The Durbar Square of Kathmandu is in the old city and has heritage buildings representing four kingdoms (Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur); the earliest being the Licchavi dynasty. The complex has 50 temples and is distributed in two quadrangles of the Durbar Square. The outer quadrangle has
1853-647: Is a division of the Nepal Police , and the administrative control lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs . The fire service, known as the Barun Yantra Karyalaya ( Nepali : वारुण यन्त्र कार्यालय ), opened its first station in Kathmandu in 1937 with a single-vehicle. An iron tower was erected to monitor the city and watch for a fire. As a precautionary measure, firemen were sent to the areas which were designated as accident-prone areas. In 1944,
1962-636: Is also known informally as Dhin Nāli Sintān after the sound of their music. Devi Pyakhan from Kilagal, Kathmandu is performed at Kilagal, Hanuman Dhoka, Jaisidewal, Bangemuda, Indrachowk, Kilagal . Dancers wearing masks of various gods & goddesses and the name of them Bhairav, Kumari, Chandi, Daitya, Kawan, Beta, & Khya. As per historical themes The Devi Pyakhan (Devi nach was born the time of Gunakar raj. Māhākāli Pyakhan from Bhaktapur performs at Durbar Square and major street squares around Kathmandu. Khyāh Pyākhan (ख्याः प्याखं) features dancers dressed in
2071-568: Is also popular in Mongolia as a protector deity and was also popular among the Manchus . The deity is also central to Newar Buddhism . The tantric practices associated with Bhairava focus on the transformation of anger and hatred into understanding. Temples or shrines to Bhairava are present within or near most Jyotirlinga temples. There are also the sacred twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva which can be found all across India including
2180-413: Is always celebrated at the time of the retreat of the summer monsoon, and the time when rice paddies are blooming and heavy rainfall could damage the crops. According to legend, Indra (Hindu god-king of heaven), disguised as a farmer, descended to earth in search of parijat ' swã ( Night jasmine ), a white flower his mother Basundhara needed to perform a ritual. As he was plucking the flowers at Maruhiti,
2289-518: Is believed to be a bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju (the Nepali name for Durga) until she menstruates, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury also causes her to revert to common status. The current Kumari, Trishna Shakya, age three at the time of appointment, was installed in September 2017 succeeding Matina Shakya who
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#17328020382802398-422: Is called Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap in a vow that Buddhist priests still recite to this day. Thus, Kathmandu is also known as Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap . During medieval times, the city was sometimes called Kāntipur ( Sanskrit : कान्तिपुर ). This name is derived from two Sanskrit words – Kānti and Pur . Kānti is a word that stands for "beauty" and is mostly associated with light and Pur means place, thus giving it
2507-437: Is commemorated by the procession of Dagin (दागिं) through the city. Pulu Kisi (alternate name Tānā Kisi), a wicker representation of an elephant, also runs around town reenacting Indra's elephant searching frantically for its master.) When the city folk realized they had captured Indra himself, they were appalled and immediately released him. Out of appreciation for his release, his mother promised to provide enough dew throughout
2616-601: Is dissected by eight rivers, the main river of the valley, the Bagmati and its tributaries, of which the Bishnumati , Dhobi Khola, Manohara Khola, Hanumante Khola, and Tukucha Khola are predominant. The mountains from where these rivers originate are in the elevation range of 1,500–3,000 metres (4,900–9,800 ft), and have passes which provide access to and from Kathmandu and its valley. An ancient canal once flowed from Nagarjuna hill through Balaju to Kathmandu; this canal
2725-474: Is exhibited at Wotu, next to Indra Chok. The mask of Aakash Bhairava is related to the Mahabharata . Some believe it to be the head of the first Kirat King Yalambar . Every night, different groups gather and sing hymns at Indra Chowk. Images of Indraraj Dyah with his outstretched hands bound with rope are exhibited on a tall platform at Maru near Durbar Square and at Indra Chok, Kathmandu . A tableau
2834-594: Is in the northwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley to the north of the Bagmati River and covers an area of 50.7 km (19.6 sq mi). The average elevation is 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level . The city is bounded by several other municipalities of the Kathmandu valley: south of the Bagmati by Lalitpur Metropolitan City (Patan), with which it forms one urban area surrounded by
2943-489: Is known as Dasavatar or the 10 incarnations of Vishnu is shown on the temple steps in front of Kumari House every night. This is performed by the residents of Kilagal tole. Pulu Kisi is believed to be the carrier of Indra himself. Pulu Kisi goes through the streets of the ancient city Kathmandu in search for his imprisoned master. People view the masked creature with the roar of excitement and laughter. From time to time It does naughty and mischievous things by running through
3052-573: Is known as Bhairavar or Vairavar in Tamil , where he is often presented as a grama devata or village guardian who safeguards the devotee in eight directions ( ettu tikku ). Known in Sinhalese as Bahirawa, he is said to protect treasures. He is the main deity worshipped by the Aghora sect . Thennaga Kasi Bairavar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bairavar, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. It
3161-552: Is located in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is renowned for its unique architectural style and spiritual significance. Bhairava is an important deity of the Newars . All the traditional settlements of Newars have at least one temple of Bhairava. Most of the temples of Bhairava in Nepal are maintained by Newar priests. There are several Bhairava temples in the Kathmandu valley. In south Karnataka , Lord Sri Kalabhairaveshwara
3270-526: Is located in the Kathmandu Valley , a large valley surrounded by hills in central Nepal, at an altitude of 4,344 feet (1,324 metres) above sea level. The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world , founded in the 2nd century AD. The valley was historically called the Nepal Mandala (the name for the cosmic elements of water Dha mandala in Newari, and cosmos), and has been
3379-405: Is marked by masked dances of deities and demons, displays of sacred images, and tableaus in honor of the deity Indra , the king of heaven. Kumāri Jātrā is the chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari . Family members deceased in the past year are also remembered during the festival. The main venue of the festivities is Kathmandu Durbar Square . The celebrations last for eight days from
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3488-594: Is now extinct. The city of Kathmandu and the surrounding valley are in the Deciduous Monsoon Forest Zone (altitude range of 1,200–2,100 metres (3,900–6,900 ft)), one of five vegetation zones defined for Nepal. The dominant tree species in this zone are oak , elm , beech , maple and others, with coniferous trees at higher altitude. Kathmandu and adjacent cities are composed of neighbourhoods , which are utilized quite extensively and more familiar among locals. However, administratively
3597-484: Is organized by the Manandhar caste group. Masks of Bhairava are displayed at various places in Kathmandu throughout the eight days of the festival. Bhairava is the terrifying aspect of Shiva . The largest ones are of Sweta Bhairava at Durbar Square, and of Akash Bhairava at Indra Chok . A pipe sticking out of the mouth of Sweta Bhairava dispenses alcohol and rice beer on different days. An image of Bākā Bhairava
3706-413: Is part of Bagmati Province . Kathmandu is and has been for many years the centre of Nepal's history , art , culture , and economy . It has a multi-ethnic population within a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Tourism is an important part of the economy in the city. In 2013, Kathmandu was ranked third among
3815-564: Is present as Kshetra Palaka in Sri Adichunchanagiri Hills . Kala Bhairava temples can also be found around Shaktipeeths . It is said that Shiva allocated the job of guarding each of the 52 Shaktipeeths to one Bhairava. There are said to be 52 forms of Bhairava, which are considered a manifestation of Shiva himself. Traditionally, Kala Bhairava is the Grama devata in the rural villages of Maharashtra , where he
3924-602: Is said to guard each of the Shakti Pithas (A group of temples dedicated to the goddess Shakti). Each Shakti Pitha is accompanied by a temple dedicated to Bhairava. In Kashmir Shaivism , Bhairava is the ultimate form of manifestation. Trika or Kashmiri Shaivism names the Absolute Reality ( Para Brahman ) as Bhairava. The Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra is a key Tantra text of the Trika System. Cast as
4033-479: Is worshipped throughout India , Nepal , Indonesia , Sri Lanka , and Japan , as well as in Tibetan Buddhism . Bhairava originates from the word bhīru , which means "fearsome". Bhairava means "terribly fearsome form". It is also known as one who destroys fear or one who is beyond fear. The legend of the origin of Bhairava is traced back to a conversation between Brahma and Vishnu described in
4142-561: The Bhandarkhal Massacre , was also conducted by Kunwar and his supporters in Kathmandu. During the Rana regime, Kathmandu's alliance shifted from anti-British to pro-British; this led to the construction of the first buildings in the style of Western European architecture. The most well-known of these buildings include Singha Durbar, Garden of Dreams , Shital Niwas, and the old Narayanhiti palace. The first modern commercial road in
4251-597: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple , Varanasi and the Kal Bhairava temple, Ujjain . The Patal Bhairava and Vikrant Bhairava shrines are located in Ujjain as well. Gorat Kashmiris are known to worship Bhairava during Shivratri . The renowned Hindu reformer, Adi Sankara composed a hymn on Kala Bhairava called "Sri Kalabhairava Ashtakam" in the city of Kashi . Bhairava Ashtami , commemorating
4360-636: The Kasthamandap , Kumari Ghar , and Shiva-Parvati Temple; the inner quadrangle has the Hanuman Dhoka palace. The squares were severely damaged in the April 2015 earthquake . Hanuman Dhoka is a complex of structures with the royal palace of the Malla kings and of the Shah dynasty. It is spread over five acres. The eastern wing (with ten courtyards) is the oldest part, dating to the mid-16th century. It
4469-552: The Kathmandu Valley on the sidelines of the sacred festival. The plays, known as Dabu Pyākhan (दबू प्याखं), have a history going back centuries. Kathmandu Kathmandu , officially the Kathmandu Metropolitan City , is the seat of federal government and the most populous city in Nepal . As of the 2021 Nepal census , there were 845,767 inhabitants living in 105,649 households and approximately 4 million people in its surrounding agglomeration. It
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4578-593: The Khāsa Chaitya ), is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, along with the Swayambhunath . It is a very popular tourist site. Boudhanath is known as Khāsti by Newars and as Bauddha or Bodhnāth by speakers of Nepali . About 11 km (7 mi) from the centre and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Boudhanath became
4687-521: The Malla era . Rulers from Tirhut , upon being attacked by the Delhi Sultanate , fled north to the Kathmandu valley. They intermarried with Nepali royalty, and this led to the Malla era. The early years of the Malla era were turbulent, with raids and attacks from Khas and Turk Muslims . There was also a devastating earthquake which claimed the lives of a third of Kathmandu's population, including
4796-559: The Shiva Purana . Shiva manifested as a pillar of light to settle the dispute of superiority between Brahma and Vishnu. Brahma dishonestly proclaimed his victory, stating that he had discovered the higher end of the pillar of light. To punish him for his dishonesty and arrogance, Shiva produced Bhairava from the region between his brows. When Bhairava sought instruction from Shiva, the deity directed him to "worship Brahma with his sharp-pointed quick-moving sword". Bhairava decapitated
4905-629: The Vajrabhairava tantras. According to Tibetan tradition, these tantras were revealed to Lalitavajra in Oddiyana in the tenth century. These texts play a particularly important role in the Sarma (new translation) traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, especially among the Gelug school where Vajrabhairava is one of the three central highest yoga tantra practices of the lineage. Bhairava - Mahakala
5014-423: The three worlds . He visited Vaikuntha , where he was honoured by Vishnu and Lakshmi . When Bhairava visited Kashi , the city of the liberated, Brahmahatya left him, and the skull of Brahma was released from his hand. In another legend, Brahma is regarded to have stated to Vishnu to worship him as the supreme creator of the universe. Noting that both Shiva and he had five heads , Brahma came to believe that he
5123-525: The 12th day of the bright fortnight to the 4th day of the dark fortnight of Yanlā (ञला), the eleventh month in the lunar Nepal Era calendar. Indra Jatra was started by King Gunakamadeva - (गुणकामदेव) to commemorate the founding of the Kathmandu city in the 10th century. Kumari Jatra began in the mid-18th century. The celebrations are held according to the lunar calendar , so the dates are changeable. The festival starts with Yosin Thanegu (योसिं थनेगु),
5232-678: The 2016 World Health Organization's Ambient Air Pollution Database, the annual average PM2.5 (particulate matter) concentration in 2013 was 49 μg/m , which is 4.9 times higher than recommended by the World Health Organization . Starting in early 2017, the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of the United States in Kathmandu have monitored and publicly share real-time air quality data. In Nepal and Kathmandu,
5341-542: The Kathmandu Valley, the New Road , was also built during this era. Trichandra College (the first college of Nepal), Durbar High School (the first modern school of Nepal), and Bir Hospital (the first hospital of Nepal) were built in Kathmandu during this era. Education was only accessible to the privileged class. Rana rule was marked by despotism, economic exploitation and religious persecution. Kathmandu
5450-512: The Kathmandu Valley, which is representative of its valley's climate, the average summer temperature varies from 28 to 30 °C (82 to 86 °F). The average winter temperature is 10.1 °C (50.2 °F). Five major climatic regions are found in Nepal. Of these, High hills of Kathmandu Valley including Chandragiri hill is in the Warm Temperate Zone (elevation ranging from 1,200 to 2,300 metres (3,900 to 7,500 ft)), where
5559-453: The Valley and throughout the greater Himalayas. Newar artists travelled extensively throughout Asia, creating religious art for their neighbours. For example, Araniko led a group of his compatriot artists through Tibet and China. Bhrikuti , the princess of Nepal who married Tibetan monarch Songtsän Gampo , was instrumental in introducing Buddhism to Tibet. The Licchavi era was followed by
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#17328020382805668-670: The ancient dhunge dharas ( Nepali : ढुङ्गे धारा ) for all the purposes related to water. The city water shortage should be solved by the completion of the much plagued Melamchi Water Supply Project by the end of 2019. Despite continued efforts by governmental bodies, Kathmandu is one of the most polluted cities in Nepal, largely due to overpopulation. Waste management may be through composting in municipal waste management units, and at houses with home composting units. Both systems are common and established in India and neighbouring countries. Kathmandu's urban cosmopolitan character has made it
5777-583: The annual budget and make major policy decisions. The ward's profile documents for the 32 wards prepared by the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council is detailed and provides information for each ward on population, the structure and condition of houses, the type of roads, educational, health and financial institutions, entertainment facilities, parking space, security provisions, etc. It also includes lists of development projects completed, on-going and planned, along with informative data about
5886-408: The annual premature deaths due to air pollution reached 37,399 and 9,943 respectively, according to a Republica news report published on 23 November 2019. This indicates, around a quarter of the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Municipal Corporation (KMC) is the chief nodal agency for the administration of Kathmandu. The Municipality of Kathmandu was upgraded to
5995-502: The capital of Nepal kingdom. The ancient history of Kathmandu is described in its traditional myths and legends . According to the Swayambhu Purana , present-day Kathmandu was once a huge and deep lake named " Nagdaha ", as it was full of snakes. The lake was cut drained by Bodhisattva Manjushri with his sword, and the water was evacuated out from there. He then established a city called Manjupattan, and made Dharmakar
6104-565: The city is around 1400 mm (55 in). On average humidity is 75%. The chart below is based on data from the Nepal Bureau of Standards & Meteorology, Weather Meteorology for 2005. The chart provides minimum and maximum temperatures during each month. The annual amount of precipitation was 1,124 millimetres (44.3 in) for 2005, as per monthly data included in the table above. The decade of 2000–2010 saw highly variable and unprecedented precipitation anomalies in Kathmandu. This
6213-439: The city is divided into 32 wards, numbered from 1 to 32. Earlier, there were 35 wards which made it the metropolitan city with the largest number of the wards. Under Köppen's climate classification , portions of the city with lower elevations (1300-1400m) which is 88 per cent of total have a humid subtropical climate (Cwa), while portions of the city with higher elevations generally have a subtropical highland climate (Cwb). In
6322-514: The climate is fairly temperate, atypical for the region. This zone is followed by the Cool Temperate Zone with elevation varying between 2,100 and 3,300 metres (6,900 and 10,800 ft). The city generally has a climate with warm days followed by cool nights and mornings. Unpredictable weather is expected, given that temperatures can drop to 0 °C (32 °F) or less during the winter. The lowest ever temperature of −3.5 °C
6431-626: The construction of public buildings, squares, and temples, as well as the development of waterspouts, the institutionalisation of trusts (called guthis ), the codification of laws, the writing of dramas, and the performance of plays in city squares. Evidence of an influx of ideas from India, Tibet, China, Persia, and Europe among other places can be found in a stone inscription farom the time of king Pratap Malla . Books have been found from this era that describe their tantric tradition (e.g. Tantrakhyan), medicine (e.g. Haramekhala), religion (e.g. Mooldevshashidev), law, morals, and history. Amarkosh,
6540-400: The cultural heritage, festivals, historical sites and the local inhabitants. Ward 16 is the largest, with an area of 437.4 ha; ward 26 is the smallest, with an area of 4 ha. Kathmandu is the headquarters of the surrounding Kathmandu District . The Metropolitan Police is the main law enforcement agency in the city. It is headed by a commissioner of police . The Metropolitan Police
6649-544: The day Kala Bhairava appeared on earth, is celebrated on Krishna paksha Ashtami of the Margashirsha month of the Hindu calendar . It is a day filled with special prayers and rituals. Bhairava is depicted as being ornamented with a range of twisted serpents, which serve as earrings, bracelets, anklets, and sacred thread ( yajnopavita ). He wears a tiger skin and a ritual apron composed of human bones. Bhairava has
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#17328020382806758-447: The development of modern military structures, such as modern barracks in Kathmandu. The nine-storey tower Dharahara was originally built during this era. Rana rule over Nepal started with the Kot massacre of 1846, which occurred near Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. During this massacre, most of Nepal's high-ranking officials were massacred by Jung Bahadur Rana and his supporters. Another massacre,
6867-568: The divine female energy (or devi ) in South Asian countries. In Nepal, the selection process is very rigorous. Previously, during the time of the monarchy, the queen and the priests used to appoint the proposed Kumari with delicate process of astrological examination and physical examination of 32 'gunas'. The china ( Nepali : चिना ), an ancient Hindu astrological report of the Kumari and the reigning king, has been said to be similar. The Kumari
6976-514: The erection of Yosin, a pole from which the banner of Indra is unfurled, at Kathmandu Durbar Square. The pole, a tree shorn of its branches and stripped of its bark, is obtained from a forest near Nālā , a small town 29 km to the east of Kathmandu. It is dragged in stages to Durbar Square by men pulling on ropes. Another event on the first day is Upāku Wanegu (उपाकु वनेगु) when participants visit shrines holding lighted incense to honor deceased family members. They also place small butter lamps on
7085-406: The festival route through Kathmandu on three days. The procession starts at around 3 pm. On the first day of Kumari Jatra known as Kwaneyā (क्वनेया:), the chariots are pulled through the southern part of town. The second day is the full moon day known as Yenya Punhi (येँयाः पुन्हि). During the procession known as Thaneyā (थनेया:), the chariots are drawn through the northern part till Asan. And on
7194-420: The fifth head of Brahma for uttering the falsehood. Vishnu interceded on Brahma's behalf and sought mercy, and the two deities then worshipped Shiva. Having committed the sin of brahmahatya (the murder of a Brahmin ) by decapitating Brahma, Bhairava was pursued by the terrible female personification of the sin. The skull of Brahma was still attached to his hand. To expiate himself of the sin, Bhairava roamed
7303-505: The fire service was extended to the neighbouring cities of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. In 1966, a fire service was established in Kathmandu central airport . In 1975, a West German government donation added seven fire engines to Kathmandu's fire service. The fire service in the city is also overlooked by an international non-governmental organization, the Firefighters Volunteer Association of Nepal (FAN), which
7412-483: The first permanent Buddhist monasteries of Kathmandu. This created the basis of Newar Buddhism , which is the only surviving Sanskrit-based Buddhist tradition in the world. With their migration, Yambu was called Koligram and Yengal was called Dakshin Koligram during most of the Licchavi era. Eventually, the Licchavi ruler Gunakamadeva merged Koligram and Dakshin Koligram, founding the city of Kathmandu. The city
7521-772: The first region in Nepal to face the unprecedented challenges of rapid urbanization and modernization at a metropolitan scale. It is the largest metropolitan area located in the Himalayas . The indigenous Nepal Bhasa term for Kathmandu is Yen . The Nepali name Kathmandu comes from Kasthamandap , a building that stood in Kathmandu Durbar Square and was completely destroyed by the April 2015 Nepal Earthquake (it has since been reconstructed). In Sanskrit , Kāṣṭha ( Sanskrit : काष्ठ ) means "wood" and Maṇḍapa ( Sanskrit : मण्डप ) means "pavilion". This public pavilion, also known as Maru Satta in Newari,
7630-433: The heritage sites and are key sources for the history of Nepal . The earliest Western reference to Kathmandu appears in an account of Portuguese Jesuit Father Joao Cabral who passed through the Kathmandu Valley in the spring of 1628 and was received graciously by the king of that time, probably King Lakshminarasimha Malla of Kathmandu on their way from Tibet to India. Father Cabral reported that they reached "Cadmendu",
7739-449: The home of the Newar people , a cosmopolitan urban civilization in the Himalayan foothills. The city was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal and hosts palaces, mansions and gardens built by the Nepali aristocracy. It has been home to the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC ) since 1985. Today, it is the seat of government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, established in 2008, and
7848-407: The inner lower enclosure, walk around the stupa with prayer wheels, chant, and pray. Thousands of prayer flags are hoisted up from the top of the stupa downwards and dot the perimeter of the complex. The influx of many Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan gompas ( monasteries ) around Boudhanath. Swayambhunath ( Nepali : स्वयम्भू स्तूप ) is a Buddhist stupa atop
7957-401: The king Abhaya Malla . These disasters led to the destruction of most of the architecture of the Licchavi era (such as Mangriha and Kailashkut Bhawan ), and the loss of literature collected in various monasteries within the city. Despite the initial hardships, Kathmandu rose to prominence again and, during most of the Malla era, dominated the trade between India and Tibet. Nepali currency became
8066-581: The literature of Trika, Kashmir Shaivism, indicating that it was considered to be an important text in the schools of Kashmir Shaiva philosophy and Trika. The list of manifestations of Shiva: Buddhism also adopted Bhairava (Tibetan: 'Jigs byed; Chinese: Buwei) as a deity and a dharmapala or dharma protector. The various buddhist forms of Bhairava (variously called Herukas , Vajrabhairava, Mahākāla and Yamantaka ) are considered fierce deities and yidams (tantric meditational deity) in Tibetan Buddhism . They also have their own set of Buddhist tantras ,
8175-492: The local traditions. Rituals are different than in the Kathmandu Valley but the festival is observed around the same time indicating a common origin of the festival, probably during the Lichhavi period. Indra Jatra is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, the Hindu king of the heavens. Indra is renowned for his role in ensuring the welfare and prosperity of humanity by regulating rainfall and fostering abundant harvests. Indra Jatra
8284-426: The meaning, "City of light". Among the indigenous Newar people, Kathmandu is known as Yeṃ Dey ( Newar : येँ देय् ), and Patan and Bhaktapur are known as Yala Dey ( Newar : यल देय् ) and Khwopa Dey ( Newar : ख्वप देय् ) respectively. "Yen" is the shorter form of Yambu ( Newar : यम्बु ), which originally referred to the northern half of Kathmandu. The older northern settlements were referred to as Yambi while
8393-618: The modern era in Kathmandu. The Battle of Kirtipur was the start of the Gorkha conquest of the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu was adopted as the capital of the Gorkha empire, and the empire itself was dubbed Nepal. During the early part of this era, Kathmandu maintained its distinctive culture. Buildings with characteristic Nepali architecture, such as the nine-story tower of Basantapur, were built during this era. However, trade declined because of continual war with neighbouring nations. Bhimsen Thapa supported France against Great Britain; this led to
8502-498: The most populous city in Nepal. According to the National Population Census of 2011, the total population of Kathmandu city was 975,543 in 254,292 households with an annual growth rate of 6.12% with respect to the population figure of 2001. 70% of the total population residing in Kathmandu are aged between 15 and 59. In one decade, the population increased from 427,045 in 1991 to 671,805 in 2001. The population
8611-482: The place as Nayapala city, which was famous for its Pashupati Shivalinga. The name Nepal probably originates from this city Nayapala. Very few historical records exists of the period before medieval Licchavi rulers . According to Gopalraj Vansawali , a genealogy of Nepali monarchy, the rulers of Kathmandu Valley before the Licchavis were Gopalas , Mahispalas, Aabhirs, Kirat , and Somavanshi. The Kirata dynasty
8720-470: The population speaking it as their mother tongue. Newari is spoken by 19%, and the other languages spoken in the city include Tamang (6%), Maithili (3%), Bhojpuri (2%), Gurung (2%), Magar (2%) and Sherpa (1%) as their first language. English is also spoken by many. Ethnic groups in Kathmandu The largest group is the native Newars , whose various sub-groups combine to make up 24.7% of
8829-417: The population. More recently, other Madeshi groups from Terai have come to represent a substantial proportion of the city's population, and there are around 12,000 Marwadis, mainly merchants. [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] The ancient trade route between India and Tibet that passed through Kathmandu enabled
8938-652: The population. Almost equal in number is the Bahuns , also known as Hill-Brahmin or Khas Brahmin, representing 24.5% of the population. They are part of the broader Khas community, as are the Chhetri , the third largest group, who account for 18% of the population. Other groups in Kathmandu include the Janajatis, comprising the Tamang (7.8%), Magar (3.8%), Gurung (2.6%), and Rai (2.1%). Nepalese Muslims represent 1.8% of
9047-453: The processional route. They also present butter lamps to relatives and friends on the way as a mark of respect. The procession starts at around 6 pm. The procession of the goddess Dāgin (दागिं) (alternative name: Dāgim) re-enacts Indra mother's going around town in search of her son. The procession consists of a man wearing a mask accompanied by a musical band. It starts at after the chariot of Kumari returns to Basantapur after journeying around
9156-426: The ruler of the valley land. After some time, a demon named Banasura closed the outlet, and the valley again turned into a lake. Krishna came to Nepal, killed Banasura, and again drained out the water by cutting the edge of Chobhar hill with this Sudarshana Chakra . He brought some cowherds along with him and made Bhuktaman the king of Nepal. Kotirudra Samhita of Shiva Purana , Chapter 11, Shloka 18 refers to
9265-447: The southern part of town. Dagin is followed by many people who has lost their family member in that specific year. The procession begins from an alley at the south-western corner of Maru square and passes by the western side of Kasthamandap . The participants follow the festival route north to Asan and then back to Durbar Square. The procession continues to the southern end of town before returning to Maru. Bau Mata (बौँ मत) consists of
9374-540: The southern settlement was known as Yangala. Archaeological excavations in parts of Kathmandu have found evidence of ancient civilizations. The oldest of these findings is a statue, found in Maligaon, that was dated at 185 AD. The excavation of Dhando Chaitya uncovered a brick with an inscription in Brahmi script . Archaeologists believe that it is two thousand years old. Stone inscriptions are ubiquitous elements at
9483-445: The standard currency in trans-Himalayan trade. During the later part of the Malla era, Kathmandu Valley comprised four fortified cities: Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur. These served as the capitals of the Malla confederation of Nepal. These states competed with each other in the arts, architecture, esthetics, and trade, resulting in tremendous development. The kings of this period directly influenced or involved themselves in
9592-422: The street knocking anyone that comes in its path and swinging its tail in an amazing manner. Like other dancers, he also has a team of a musical band and a torch carrier in front. The demon dance of Majipā Lākhey is performed on the streets and market squares. The Majipa Lakhey dancer and his retinue of musicians move with much agility .He alongside Pulukisi helps in crowd control before chariot procession through
9701-437: The streets and crowds spreading the festive mood. It is the only time when people can see Majipa Lakhey on entire year. The Sawa Bhakku dance group from Halchok, at the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, makes its rounds along the festival route, stopping at major street squares to perform and receive offerings from devotees. The dancers consist of Bhairava (in blue) holding a sword and his two attendants (in red). The ensemble
9810-526: The surviving journals of travellers and monks who lived during this era. For example, the famous 7th-century Chinese traveller Xuanzang described Kailaskut Bhawan, the palace of the Licchavi king Amshuverma . The trade route also led to cultural exchange as well. The artistry of the Newar people—the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley—became highly sought after during this era, both within
9919-508: The temple premises, but non-Hindu visitors are allowed to view the temple only from the across the Bagmati River. The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Brahmins from Karnataka in southern India since the time of Malla king Yaksha Malla . This tradition is believed to have been started at the request of Adi Shankara who sought to unify the states of Bhāratam , a region in south Asia believed to be ruled by
10028-624: The temple was destroyed by Mughal invaders in the 14th century and little or nothing remains of the original 5th-century temple exterior. The temple as it stands today was built in the 19th century, although the image of the bull and the black four-headed image of Pashupati are at least 300 years old. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Shivaratri , or the night of Shiva, is the most important festival that takes place here, attracting thousands of devotees and sadhus . Believers in Pashupatinath (mainly Hindus ) are allowed to enter
10137-425: The third day Nānichāyā (नानिचाया:), the procession passes through the central section at Kilāgal. Since 2012, the chariot of Kumari has been pulled by an all women's team on the third day of the chariot festival. Mata Biye (मत बिये) means to offer butter lamps. On the day of Kwaneyā, the first day of the chariot festival, Newars honor family members deceased during the past year by offering small butter lamps along
10246-744: The top ten upcoming travel destinations in the world by TripAdvisor , and ranked first in Asia. The city is considered the gateway to the Nepal Himalayas and is home to several World Heritage Sites : the Durbar Square , Swayambhu Mahachaitya , Bouddha and Pashupatinath . Kathmandu valley is growing at 4 per cent per year according to the World Bank in 2010, making it one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in South Asia, and
10355-414: The torana there are thirteen tiers. Above all the tiers, there is a small space above which lies a gajur . Bhairava Saiddhantika Non - Saiddhantika Bhairava ( Sanskrit : भैरव , lit. ' frightful ' ), or Kala Bhairava , is a Shaivite and Vajrayāna deity worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists . In Shaivism , he is a powerful manifestation, or avatar, of Shiva . In
10464-608: The tradition of Kashmir Shaivism , Bhairava represents the Supreme Reality, synonymous to Para Brahman . Generally in Hinduism, Bhairava is also called Dandapani ("[he who holds the] danda in [his] hand"), as he holds a rod or danda to punish sinners, and Svaśva , meaning, "he whose vehicle is a dog". In Vajrayana Buddhism, he is considered a fierce emanation of boddhisatva Mañjuśrī , and also called Heruka , Vajrabhairava , Mahākāla and Yamantaka . Bhairava
10573-487: The way. Some sing hymns as they make the tour. The circuitous route winds along the periphery of the historic part of the city. The procession starts at around 4 pm. Kumari Jatra, which means the chariot festival of Kumari, coincides with Indra Jatra. It was started in 1756 AD during the reign of Jaya Prakash Malla . During this festival, three chariots carrying human representations of the deities Ganesh , Bhairava and Kumari accompanied by musical bands are pulled along
10682-564: The winter to ensure a rich crop. It is said that Kathmandu starts to experience foggy mornings from this festival onwards because of this boon. On the last day, the yosin pole erected at Durbar Square is taken down in a ceremony known as Yosin Kwathalegu (योसिं क्वथलेगु). It marks the end of the festivities. Yenya is also the season of open air theatre productions. Performances depicting social themes, satire and comedy are held on dance platforms or makeshift stages at market squares all over
10791-451: Was designed in the shape of Chandrahrasa , the sword of Manjushri. The city was surrounded by eight barracks guarded by Ajimas . One of these barracks is still in use at Bhadrakali (in front of Singha Durbar ). The city served as an important transit point in the trade between India and Tibet, leading to tremendous growth in architecture. Descriptions of buildings such as Managriha, Kailaskut Bhawan, and Bhadradiwas Bhawan have been found in
10900-536: Was established by Yalamber . During the Kirata era, a settlement called Yambu existed in the northern half of old Kathmandu. In some of the Sino-Tibetan languages , Kathmandu is still called Yambu. Another smaller settlement called Yengal was present in the southern half of old Kathmandu, near Manjupattan. During the reign of the seventh Kirata ruler, Jitedasti, Buddhist monks entered Kathmandu valley and established
11009-679: Was established in 2000 with the purpose of raising public awareness about fire and improving safety. Electricity in Kathmandu is regulated and distributed by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Water supply and sanitation facilities are provided by the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL). There is a severe shortage of water for household purposes such as drinking, bathing, cooking and washing and irrigation. People have been using bottled mineral water, water from tank trucks and from
11118-523: Was expanded by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century with many temples. The royal family lived in this palace until 1886 when they moved to Narayanhiti Palace. The stone inscription outside is in fifteen languages. Kumari Ghar is a palace in the centre of the Kathmandu city, next to the Durbar square where a royal Kumari selected from several Kumaris resides. Kumari (or Kumari Devi), is the tradition of worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of
11227-400: Was identical to Shiva and was equal to his powers. When his arrogance started to affect his role in the universe, Shiva threw a lock of his hair from his head. This assumed the form of Bhairava, who decapitated one of Brahma's heads. When the skull ( kapala ) of Brahma was held in the hand of Bhairava, the creator deity's ego was destroyed and he became enlightened. In the form of Bhairava, Shiva
11336-424: Was mostly due to the annual variation of the southwest monsoon. For example, 2001 recorded only 356 mm (14 in) of precipitation due to an extraordinarily weak monsoon season. In contrast, 2003 was the wettest year ever in Kathmandu, totaling over 2,900 mm (114 in) of precipitation due to an exceptionally strong monsoon season. Air pollution is a major issue in the Kathmandu Valley. According to
11445-473: Was originally built as a rest house for travellers. The Pashupatinath Temple ( Nepali : पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर ) is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva . Located on the banks of the Bagmati River , the Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It served as the seat of national deity, Pashupatinath , until Nepal was secularized. However, a significant part of
11554-502: Was projected to reach 915,071 in 2011 and 1,319,597 by 2021. To keep up this population growth, the KMC-controlled area of 5,076.6 hectares (12,545 acres) expanded to 8,214 hectares (20,300 acres) in 2001. With this new area, the population density which was 85 in 1991 remained 85 in 2001; it is likely to jump to 111 in 2011 and 161 in 2021. As of the 2011 census, Nepali is the most common mother tongue in Kathmandu, with 62% of
11663-509: Was rebuilt in 1596 by Biseth in the period of King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. The three-storey structure was made entirely of wood and used no iron nails nor supports. According to legends, all the timber used to build the pagoda was obtained from a single tree. The colophons of ancient manuscripts, dated as late as the 20th century, refer to Kathmandu as Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap Mahānagar in Nepal Mandala . Mahānagar means "great city". The city
11772-440: Was recorded in 1978. While snowfall is generally confined to the hills surrounding the city, there have been a few instances of snowfall in city, most notably in 1945 and 2007. Rainfall is mostly monsoon-based (about 65% of the total concentrated during the monsoon months of June to September), and decreases substantially (100 to 200 cm (39 to 79 in)) from eastern Nepal to western Nepal. The average annual rainfall for
11881-441: Was the first Kumari of Kathmandu after the end of the monarchy. Kasthamandap is a three-storeyed temple enshrining an image of Gorakhnath . It was built in the 16th century in the pagoda style. The name of Kathmandu is a derivative of the word Kasthamandap . It was built under the reign of King Laxmi Narsingha Malla. Kasthamandap stands at the intersection of two ancient trade routes linking India and Tibet at Maru square. It
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