This underrated style of architecture is phenomenal. While strolling around the roads and temples of Nepal earlier this year, I captured so many beautiful moments explaining how vivid and vibrant historic architecture this country holds.
Not just the famous Mount Everest hiking but Nepal is known for its spiritual and architectural advancements and values.
Struck in the south side of Nepal due to corona's restrictions and much more I wasn't able to visit the the Everest's base camp(which I was dying to go to) but pleasantly many beautiful temples caught my eye and were worthy enough to travel and explore.
Broadly I touched two style of architecture which roots back in Nepal's history and were classified as Pagoda and Shikhara style.
Favourite place for pigeons
The Krishna Temple at Pathan Durbar Square, Kathmandu was the most vibrant place. The history roots back in ancient times when the King Siddhinarsingha Malla of the Malla regime had a dream about lord meeting Krishna. so he built a temple with shikhara style over the same place.
This temple has three stories with large plinth and all the three stories has the idols of god namely Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna and Lord Lokeshwar.
Structurally it had all the typical elements that a shikhara temple would poses. But the eye catchy intricate details by the Nepalis craftsmen is amazing with twenty one perfectly shaped pinnacles and stambha in front of it. Most inspired from Hindu culture.
The pigeons made a lot of appearance throughout the stroll over there. Since photography wasn't allowed inside I could only capture the beautiful exterior of the temple. It being ancient the idols are preserved and are still preached so fondly.
I had read many books on Buddhism and it had major roots over Nepal which is beautiful to encounter. I wasn't lucky enough to travel to the mountain ranges and the monks living there but fairly had a chance to roam around the spectacular architecture.
Typical chhatri style of pavilions were the part of interior, The bays of ground floor feature the mystical scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana in a "Newari" script.
Apart from architecture of temple, the city of Kathmandu was not to developed. Honestly considering the historical architecture , Mt Everest, the natural lakes, rivers were the jewels of the country but the rest of residential , commercial area was not that developed.
I vividly recalls the earthquake of 2015. It destroyed almost entire country but things have been reconstructed and improved to a good level.
Did I told you that Rudraksha and Shaligram were the special things found only in Nepal?
Rudraksha are the sacred seeds which we pray to and even wear as a necklace or bracellete. It is actually rarely found else where in world and many dupes are sold.
We got hands on "ek mukhi" rudraksh which is useually quite expensive but we managed to get in very good price due to abundance here.
The Pagoda Style Bhaktapur durbain square
Being famous in many eastern countries , this pagoda style is one to look at and gasp. The intricate details and the beayty of the structure is unmatched.
Every wood craving, the stone embellishments, the carved structures depicting some stories are the example of beautiful historic culture with the strength, calibre and talent the Nepali craftsmen and women holds.
Built back in 17th century during Malla reign one of the three durbars of Kathmandu this one was and still stands historic.
The multi-roofed structures are supported by wooden struts which are beautifully carved. Minding that each one of them has unique set of carvings. The triangular spires which enclose an inverted bell. The columns are spatially designed with different set of intricate layering and the windows are projected outwards embraced with latticed or grilled.
As clearly seen not every Pagoda structure is similar be it in height or detailing. Owning to the native style they attract many tourists.
HOW this pagoda style developed?
There used to be abundant of dome shaped stupa which were use in storing of sacred relics it was majorly accepted by eastern countries like China, Japan etc and this style kept on evolving with the touch of different culture and artisan which gave birth to the Pagoda style of architecture.
The artistic Patan durbar square.
Considering the trio of community squares located in Kathmandu which were the real gems and major tourist attraction has made a big involvement in country's economical growth.
The major historical structures here are the main tourists attraction.
This large square housed many temples of shikhara as well as pagoda style as depicted in pictures. This area was wonderful as an tourist I enjoyed the place taking pictures, roaming around gazing at the intricate detailing with the place neatly maintained. Food was always a problem for me somehow but the structures and culture overcame the problem and gave me a blissful time.
There was some restoration process going on which was executed on one of the temples. There was a thatched roof temporary structure which housed many souvenir shops. It was all beautiful and the sunny which felt quite comfortable in the winter season.
The Patan Dubar Square was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
With deities of gods and beautiful cultural architecture of Newars made this visit very fruitful and interesting.
Last but not the least the beautiful golden gate-
How beautiful and rich is the cultural heritage of Nepal. It speaks volume on how skilful were Newar artists and craftsmen. The astonishing architecture is commendale.
If you ever find yourself in Nepal, do not forget to visit these city darbars and architectural monuments.
All the images belongs to me.