Nepal 97 Travelog : temples and bazaars near Durbar square, in Kathmandu (2/24)

<BODY BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT = "#ABCBBE"> Kathmandu has fascinated traders for centuries and has long been the crossing point for commerce between India and China.<BR> The main attractions are around Durbar Square, a place full of extraordinary temples and bazaars. It is very easy to be overwhelmed by all these temples. Especially, when you are unaware of all the Hindu gods and goddess.<BR> Anyhow, Durbar square is divided into two principal chowks (courtyards). The main places of interest of the outer own are the Kasthamandup (on the left), a medieval rest from the 12th century said to be built from only one tree and which gave Kathmandu its name, and the Kumari (i.e. virgin) Temple, residence of the living goddess.<BR> The inner chowk is the old Palace complex, surrounded by four towers named after Basantpur, Kirtipur, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur.<BR> Most of the buildings are very ancient, having survived the great earthquake of 1933 : they date from the Malla dynasty, and resulted from the great rivalry (in architecture achievement) between the three palaces of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.<BR> <BR> </BODY>