Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (Royal Palace) squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples. Kathmandu Durbar square, also known as “Hanumandhoka Durbar”, used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. This ancient palace lies in the heart of the city. It consists of huge Royal Palace with different temples, inside as well as outside the temple, dating from the 15th to the 18th century. This palace is named after Hanuman, the monkey god, as a stone statue of Hanuman is placed right next to the main entrance protecting the whole palace.

Some important monuments seen in this area are:

• The Jagannath temple, built in the 16th century, is known for the fascinating erotic figures carved in the wooden struts.
• The Kala Bhairav, one of the largest 17th century stone statues in Kathmandu, represents the terrifying aspect of Shiva.
• The statue of King Pratap Malla is placed in the top of stone pillar right across the temple of Digu Taleju, the royal family deity.
• The 17th century Kumari temple: At the West end of the square, is a beautiful house full of woodcarving of different God and Goddesses. This Palace is three storied and in this palace, lives the very famous living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists equally venerate her. For Hindus she is the reincarnation of Hindu Goddess Kali. She is equally worshiped by Buddhists because she is chosen from Buddhist family. This shows the harmony between Buddhist and Hindus in Nepal. The Taleju temple is the tallest of all structures built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.
• Kastamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu City is derived from the name of this temple. Kastha means wood and Mandap means pavilion. And it is said that this temple is built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can see the statue of a Hindu God Gorakhnath and in the four corners of the temple one can see Ganesh Statues.

Besides these, other fascinating parts of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar overlooking the beautiful city and the vast Basantapur square. It is famous for its many intricately carved doors, windows, etc.

Source: www.RealNepal.com.np