KIRTIPUR VALLEY

Many places within the valley and indeed the close ones from the main city have remained isolated and unexplored. One such place is Kirtipur, a town that is very close from Kathmandu City but still far from the reach of tourism activities. Spread in 14 hectares of land, Kirtipur is located 5 km from the center of Kathmandu. In Nepali dialect Kirtipur means "a glorious town". Looking down from its natural order it has been the scan of many historic battles and many important moments in Nepal's history. History says that the ancient city Kirtipur was founded by Shiva Deva between 1099 AD & 1126 AD and during the reign of the Malla Kingdom in the 15th century the city was developed for human settlement.

The town is an ancient town, which consists of remarkable historical values and ethics. It is still an open museum of religion, culture and tradition and glorious work of Newari crafts and architecture, with majority of Newari community. Kirtipur town is harmonically convergence of Buddhist and Hindus. The town is not only of historic importance but is also important from the artistic point of view. Some of the finest temples, Chaityas and Stupas of valley are scattered through this typically built Newari City. Surrounded by stone sculptures, masterpieces of Nepalese art, these shrines are the hub of festivals and religious ceremonies (Jatras).

Bagh Bhairav
Bagh Bhairav Temple is dedicated to God Bhairav in the form of a tiger. This god is regarded as the guardian of Kirtipur and the locals call it Ajudeu, a grandfather god. This temple was constructed between 1099 & 1126 AD by Shiva Deva. The temple lies at the height of 1405 m from sea level, from where a beautiful view of Kathmandu valley can be seen. The three-storey temple is rectangular and lies within the area of 1500 sq. m. The weapons like swords and shields are showcased in the front roof of the temple. The temples were renovated in the years 1515 AD, 1803 AD, 1850 AD and 1961 AD.

Uma Maheshwor
Uma Maheshwor Temple is another famous temple of Kirtipur. It is also known as Bhavani Shankar Temple and lies on one of the highest points of the town 1414 m altitude constructed by Vshwanath Raurta. The triple-roofed Uma Maheshwar Temple, or Hindu Kvat, is gotten by climbing the stone stairway by the saddle. On either side of the beginning of the stairway is a stone elephant with spikes on them. The main deities in this temple are standing Lord Siva and Parvati. The temple was originally built in 1673 AD and had four roofs. It was damaged in the earthquake of 1934 AD and was restored. Standing by the temple, one can enjoy the beautiful landscape of the valley including the Himalayan ranges.

Chilanchu Vihar
The Chilanchu Vihar is situated on the southern hill of Kirtipur. The Vihara consists of a central Stupa which is surrounded by four small stupas, bells and statues. There are also some monasteries around the Stupa.


Adinath Lokeshwar
Chobar, main attraction is Adinath Lokeshwar Temple, originally built in the 15th century and reconstructed in 1640. Inside the main sanctuary the red face of Rato Machhendranath can be seeing peering out. The temple is dedicated to this popular valley deity and is sacred to both Hindu and Buddhists. Six figures of the Buddha are lined up beneath the temple's golden torana, but the most interesting feature is the astounding array of metals pots, pans and water container that are fixed to boards hanging all around the temple roofs. The kitchen utensils are donated to the temple by newlyweds in order to ensure a happy married life.


Chobar Gorge
Chobar gorge, the Chobar gorge is southwest of Chobar village, where the Bagmati River cuts through the edge of the Chobar hill. Legend of the Chobar Gorge - Long ago the Kathmandu valley was Kathmandu Lake. In that Time, the Hill of Swayambhunath was an Island, Gradually the lake dried up to leave the valley we see today. Legends relate that the change from lake to valley was a dramatic one, for Lord Manjushri is said to have taken his sword and with one blow cut & open the valley edge to release the pent-up waters. The result was the Chobar Gorge. Countless snakes were washed out of the lake with the departing waters but kartotak (king of Snake) is said to still live close to the gorge in the Taudaha pond, Next to the road to Pharping. A more interesting way to reach there is to walk from Kirtipur Valley, as short trekking.

Jal Binayak
Jal Binayak Temple, just below the gorge on the riverbank stands one of the valley's most important Lord Ganesh shrines. The triple-roofed temple dates from 1602, although there was probably a temple here even earlier. On the temple's eastern platform there is an aged and worn image of lord Shiva and Parvati in the Uma Maheshwor Pose, which predated the temple by 500 Years. The temple's Lord Ganesh image is very likeness to the elephant-headed huge rock. The temple's roof struts depict eight Bhairav and eight Ashta Matrikas(Mother Goodness) with whom Lord Ganesh often appears. On the lower roof Lord Ganesh himself appears on some of the struts, with beautiful female figures standing beside him and tiny,brightly painted erotic depictions below. A bronze of Lord Ganesh Bahan 'vehicle' a rat stands respectfully in the courtyard and face the shrine.

To Be Cont…