Explore the Hotel Shanker blog archive for a complete list of all our stories, updates, and posts. From local places insights to travel tips, find everything in one place.
Viewing entries in
Heritage Sites in Nepal
While walking down the narrow allies of Newar dwellings, you might hear the phrase, Bhimsen maharaj ki jaya (Cheers to Lord Bhimsen). His name is invoked by his patrons while lifting heavy weights or before a trading venture. Worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists, he holds a special place in the pantheon of Newar deities.
The Newar pantheon features a multitude of deities. It is a diverse array of gods and goddesses of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Amongst them is Lord Bhimsen, worshipped by the households with the occupation of trade and commerce. Revered as the god of wealth and physical strength, he also has a festival known as Bhimsen Jatra. How he entered our pantheon is foretold by a legend, something that I, like other Newars, grew up with as a classic bedtime story.
The city of Panauti is an arcane wonder. The roads that lead to it feel like a time tunnel taking the traveller back centuries. The culture, heritage, architecture and traditions of the bygone era still stand tall in this city. Dubbed the last remnant of a traditional Newar township- Panauti is an escape to the past.
A tale that relates to Yog Narendra Malla, a 17th century Malla King who told his people that till the golden bird stays perched atop the serpent head, the elephants remain standing on the stairway, and the Gaurda doesn’t lay pearls as large as hen’s egg. Let his countrymen know that he is alive inside his Royal Palace.
Let’s not go too far and stay close to the capital. Within the Kathmandu Valley, the Patan area is a popular hub for those seeking to admire history, art, and culture. Among the many significant places, there is one such gem just north of the Durbar Square--the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, or The Golden Temple, as it’s informally called.
7 Things to do while visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site is the heart of the ancient city of Bhaktapur built with centuries old rich architecture among its bricked temples, palaces and an antique culture in its lively streets.
Patan, the ancient city located to the Southeast of Kathmandu is popular for its fine arts, ancient Hindu Temples and Buddhist monuments. Patan Durbar Square, a must-visit UNESCO world heritage site in the heart of the city, is popular for its exquisitely carved ancient palaces, temples, and shrines.
Being the most important Hindu shrine, the site receives a huge number of pilgrims travelling from all around the world to take blessings of Pashupati and bathe in the holy waters of the Bagmati. Be it an occasion, celebration or a basic Saturday, this site is overwhelmed with worshippers of Lord Shiva. It is highly recommended to visit the temple during the morning and evening aratis.
We have heard the origin of Swayambhunath Temple atop the hill of Kathmandu. Similarly, like a Swayambhunath, Boudhanath which is one of the largest stupas of its kind and another pilgrimage to the Hindu and Buddhist all over the world. Many of us are still unknown to the origin of 36-meters sky high stupa, Boudhanath yet.
Legend continues as the same lotus-seed brought forth a lotus-flower and in the center was Swayambhu, who came from Aknisht Bhuban (Sacred Land) appeared in the form of light. In Treta Yuga, Manjusri came from Mahachin(China) and saw the light of Swayabhu, he then cut a passage through a mountain that drained ...
