Architectural Marvel: Pagoda
Nepal’s art and architecture show influences from various cultures and a prominent symbol of heritage. The marvelous ancient architecture is a prime attraction to tourists, both local and foreign. The unique architecture is present within the Kathmandu Valley and its neighbouring areas.
With both indigenous and historical styles, present not only in religious structures but also in public buildings, the country’s architectural legacy remains strong even after the damage caused by the 2015 earthquake.
Nepali architecture embodies history and tradition. The temples, shrines, palaces, and ancient buildings have stood the test of time and exhibit artistic brilliance. These magnificent structures found throughout the Kathmandu Valley are each an architectural marvel.
What makes the legacy stronger are the prominent styles that make them architectural marvels. Together with elements from the Newari people, traditional Nepali architecture comprises three groups---the Pagoda Style, the Stupa Style, and the Shikhara Style.
The Pagoda Style
Pagoda, in general, means diminishing tiered roofing. The word “pagoda” originated in English as a reference to Japanese architectural styles. This style features in Nepali temples, with multi-roofed structures supported by beautifully carved wooden struts.
In Nepali architecture, the pagoda style evolved from dome-shaped stupas prominent in Newari architecture that stored sacred relics. This influence came from across East and Southeast Asia, over time, blending with Chinese architecture.
In the 13th Century, at Emperor Kublai Khan’s invitation to China, Araniko—the young Nepali architect—helped spread the pagoda style across the region. The pagoda flourished in Nepal during the Malla dynasty, and even in history, we can find very few pagodas in Nepal before this period.
Pagodas were initially constructed in Kathmandu Valley as high structures. Hindus believed that the Gods resided in high heavens, so to provide passage between heaven and earth, these temples were built to their tall heights.
The Kasthamandap Wooden Pagoda is among the exceptional examples of the pagoda style built during the Malla period. The Basantapur Tower—built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah—is another outstanding example, while Pashupatinath, Taleju; temples in Patan Durbar Square; Nyatapola and Dattatreya temple in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kabindrapur and Changu Narayan temples are magnificent examples other pagoda structures.
In Nepali architecture, the Changu Narayan Temple is considered the oldest temple in Nepal. It is also the oldest pagoda-style temple in Nepal. The two-storey temple stands on a high plinth of stone and is a milestone in Nepali architecture. The temple is located in Bhaktapur and is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Features:
Tiered roofing is the most striking feature in this architectural practice. The projecting roofs, set one above another, diminish in size from the bottom to the top. While two and three-tiered pagodas are most common in Kathmandu, there are few single-tiered, four-tiered, and five-tiered pagodas.
While square roofs are customary, the shape depends upon the plans as well. We can find rectangular, octagonal, or circular pagodas too. These sloped roofs hang on the inner walls with wooden struts on the outer edges on wooden pillars or brick walls, providing extra support.
The wooden struts, known as Tundals, are wooden structures with carvings of different deities and gods related to the temple. They serve to support the sloped roofs, and, often, add to the aesthetics.
The tiered roofed temples and palaces also have wooden windows on each level. The uniquely decorated windows are placed in odd numbers depending on the size of the wall.
They also feature a bay window on the third floor. These windows slant outwards, providing privacy and ventilation at the same time. These windows are either closed with wooden lattices--with each lattice carved separately and interlocked--or open types.
Each element has equal emphasis as they play a unison role in defining the overall design. While the windows are an intricate part of this style, the doorways are equally important. While the design may differ based on the significance and importance of the temple, they are either carved wood or embossed metal.
The doors usually have a low height—4.5-5 ft.—to symbolize that gods and kings are superior to men, and should always have their subjects bowing their heads when entering the palace or temple.
Finally, the gajur or the pinnacle completes the temple. It is the topmost element of the structure made of heavy metals like copper, brass, and iron. The gajurs in major temples have either silver or gold platings. Although single gajurs are most prominent, some structures may have two or three smaller ones on either side of the centre gajur.
The gajur on temples were installed to cover the top joint of the four-sided sloping roof but are now the pinnacle and pride of the structures.