Emotions of Kirtipur
On a ridge 8 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, around 30 minutes from the city. Kirtipur, a historic Newar settlement, is a small hill village with paved streets surrounded with traditional red-brick buildings with tiled roofs and temple spaces.
As I walked through the narrow streets of Kirtipur, I was immediately struck by the vibrant energy of the town. The bustling street vendors, vibrant buildings, and colorful murals painted on the walls all seemed to come alive with a rich history and culture.
I started my tour by exploring the town’s lively bazaar, where vendors sold everything from apparel to fruit and veggies.
The sight of age-old traditional Newari buildings combining with the new is an experience in and of itself.
I continued my journey through Kirtipur, taking in the sights and sounds of the city as I went. The traditional style of the buildings, with their red-tiled roofs and elaborate carvings, captivated me. The main draws here are the Chilancho Stupa and the Bagh Bhairab Temple. Bagh Bhairab is without a doubt the most well-known temple that displays Gurkha weapons.Â
Bagh Bhairab Temple is a Hindu temple in Kirtipur, Nepal, dedicated to the god Bhairab. It is one of the city’s oldest and most prominent temples, with magnificent sculptures and intricate architecture. The temple is thought to have been established in the 16th century and is a prominent place of worship for the local people. Visitors travel long distances to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity. A calm courtyard surrounds the temple, where worshippers can sit and contemplate on their beliefs. Overall, the Bagh Bhairab Temple is an important cultural and religious institution that provides insight into Kirtipur’s rich history and spiritual tradition.
Chilancho Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in the Kirtipur. It is thought to be one of the earliest stupas in Kathmandu and is a significant religious and cultural monument. The stupa, which is supposed to have been built in the fifth century, is a popular spot for Buddhist pilgrims to visit and pray. The stupa is famed for its elaborate carvings and is surrounded by a calm courtyard where tourists can sit and relax. Chilancho Stupa also provides a panoramic view of the city and surrounding valley, making it a favorite tourist and photographer destination.
People from all walks of life and faiths travel to these sacred sites to pray, seek blessings, and pay their respects to the deity they serve. Many people come and pray at these sites as part of their spiritual practice and as a way to connect with something bigger than themselves. The stupa’s quiet and serene atmosphere, along with the devotion of the locals, produces a genuinely unique and spiritual experience for all who attend.
As I traveled back, I came across a lively scene near Baghbhairab temple. A group of vendors had set up their stalls outside the temple, selling an array of fresh vegetables. The bright colors of the produce caught my eye and I couldn’t resist stopping by to take a closer look. The vendors were busy arranging their wares and chatting with customers, creating a bustling atmosphere. I browsed through the offerings, marveling at the variety of vegetables on display. From crisp green beans to juicy tomatoes, there was something for everyone. I couldn’t help but admire the freshness and vibrancy of the produce, making me eager to take some home and cook with them. It was a treat to see such a bustling marketplace and I felt grateful for the chance to witness this vibrant and lively scene.
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