Kirtipur, Pharping and Bugumati Tour

Additional Information

Explore the rich cultural and natural diversity of Nepal with a tour that takes you through the charming towns of Kritipur, Dhakhinkali, Pharping, Bugmati, and Khokana. Discover the ancient temples and narrow streets of Kritipur, witness the spiritual ambiance at Dhakhinkali’s sacred temple, and soak in the serene beauty of Pharping’s lush landscapes. Visit the picturesque village of Bugmati and the preserved medieval town of Khokana, where traditional Newari culture comes to life. This tour offers a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and local charm in the heart of Nepal.

Kirtipur:

Kirtipur is an ancient city in Nepal. It is located in the southwest of Kathmandu. The name Kirtipur comes from Kirti (Glory) and pur (city). It is also said that once a queen named ‘Kirti’ ruled over this place so, it might have been named after the same queen since ‘pur’ means a city, and it states Kirtipur means city of ‘Kirti’. Originally a Newari foundation, Kirtipur is still a center of Newari culture.

Chilancho Bihar is located in the eastern part of Kirtipur. And is shaped like a lamb, in the middle there is a temple of Baghbhairav ​​and in the west, there is a temple of Umamaheshwar. The locals identify the eastern part as the Buddhist religious area and the western part as the Hindu religious area for the sake of religious tolerance.

Chilancho Vihar:

This monastery is situated on the eastern side of Kirtipur. In the Newar language, the word Chilan means immortal and the word Cho means Hill. Therefore, its literal meaning is the immortal god situated on the hill. It was turned into a monastery in 1515 by Jagatpal Varma, who used to live at Pim Bahal of Patan, and who was very powerful during the regime of King Ratna Malla of Kathmandu. But the Chaitya is thought to have been built by Samrat Ashok of India. According to the chronicle used by Daniel Wright, who wrote the History of Nepal a hundred years ago. Moreover, When Samrat Ashok came to Kathmandu, he established a Stupa also at Kirtipur.

There is a house of a guthi for Vajracharyas which is known as Agan-Chhen, the inner sanctum or sacred room maintained by Buddhist Tantric worshippers and in which there is a statue of Buddha. There are also some small Chaityas around the monastery, which are situated on the top of the area. The Vajracharyas, newar Priests, live around this monastery.

Near the Chaitya, there are stone images of Khadga Vir and Vajra Vir, two elephants, one Dharma Dhatu Mandal of Nepal era 789, and the other big bell dated Nepal era 876. Around this Chaitya there are some deities – Vairochana, Achyovya, Padmapani Lokeshwara, tara Devi-4, Ratna Sambhava Amitabha, and Amogha Siddhi.

Baghbhairava temple:

The Baghbhairav ​​temple spread in the middle of Kirtipur hill is the largest and most important temple in this area. It is a pagoda-style three-storied temple, the upper roof of which is metal, and the two lower roofs are covered with thatched roofs. There are 11 at the top of the temple, 18 in the middle, and 18 at the bottom. Scenes from ancient Mahabharata and Ramayana can be seen on the temple floor.

It is mentioned in the Gopal Raj genealogy made by King Shivdev III between Nepal Samvat 219-246 (AD 1099-1126). The temple of Baghbhairav, which is believed to have been built with the establishment of Kirtipur city, is believed to have a history of about 900 years. In the month of Nepal Samvat 635 Kattik, Mahapatra Jagatpal Varma of Patan has done a grand restoration of the temple. After that, 43 years after Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the Valley, in Nepal Samvat 923, it is mentioned that Ran Bahadur Shah’s daughter-in-law restored Baghbhairav ​​by hand.

According to legend and folklore, in ancient times there was a forest where the present temple is. Shepherd children who went to graze sheep and goats in the steep forest of the north created a tiger statue while making various clay sculptures. After the tiger statue was made, he went to look for leaves to make a suitable tongue. At that time, Bhairava appeared in the tiger statue and ate the sheep and goats.

Later, when they saw blood on the mouth of the tiger statue they had made, they did not put their tongue on the statue in anger saying that the same tiger had eaten their sheep and goats. There is a legend that built a temple and kept the idol saying that God was born in the idol.

Uma Maheshwar:

Uma Maheshwar Temple, full of historical, religious, and cultural significance, is located at the highest place in Kirtipur. As Uma Maheshwar is also worshiped as Shankar Parvati. It is believed that in 1655 BS King Siddhinar Singha Malla had this temple built for the worship of Lord Shiva and Parvati. This temple built in pagoda style has three floors. The wooden doors, pillars, and beams are carved with artistic figures of various deities like Ashta Matrika and Ashta Bhairav. After opening the artistic door, you can see the stone statue of Uma Maheshwar. On the main north side of the temple, there is a standing statue of Uma Maheshwar. While on the south side is Jagmaya, on the west side is Durga and on the east side is Saraswati Avastin. Furthermore, The idols of Bhimsen and Kubera have been installed in the temple as guardians.

Pharping Dakshinkali:

About 19km south of Kathmandu is a culturally prosperous and thriving Newari town. Identified with the sacred site of Hinduism and Buddhism where Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava, known as lotus born God). Dakshin Kali Temple is one of the main temples of Nepal dedicated to the goddess Kali. Animal sacrifices, particularly of cockerels and uncastrated male goats, are the main way that the goddess is worshipped, and this is especially seen during the Dashain festival.

Chobhar

It is known for the nearby Chobhar Gorge where there are the Chobhar caves. There is also a temple, Jal Binayak Temple, and Adinath Lokeshwar And Chobhar Hills that is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. There are beautiful herbs and suburbs along with limestone adding more beauty to the town. One of the biggest income generations of this village is through the supply of water and the tourist site Manjushree Park.

Bungamati and Khokana:

Bungamati, a classical medieval village that lies across the Bagmati River from Chobar, is dominated by the huge Shikhara, Rato Machhindranath temple of its major attraction, exploring the pedestrian-only street is a great way to pass a few hours and tourists have yet to arrive in masse, so we have to walk gently through the town. Thus, Many locals work as woodcarvers and there are numerous craft workshops and showrooms around the village.

It is believed that Bungmati is the birthplace of Rato Macchindranth. The patron of Patan lives in the Rato Machhindranath temple for six months a year. And the rest of the time the deity resides in the Rato Machhindranath temple in Patan. Other sights to visit around the village are Bungamati Culture Museum, Dey Pukha (central pond), and Karya Binak Temple on the way to Khokana. Thus, The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha.

In hopes of gaining additional power to tackle the demon king, the priest summoned Astamatrika, who provided them with five Bhairavs – Haygriv Bhairav, Swet Bhairav, Samhar Bhairav, Krodha Bhairav, and Chandra Bhairav. After defeating the demons, the travelers finally reached the present-day Bungamati. The dogs, carriers of the Bhairavs, cried out “bung” three times upon arriving at Bungamati. Therefore, That is how Bungamati is believed to have gotten its name.

The legend behind the name Bungamati:

Bungamati holds an interesting tale behind its identification. Kapil Bajracharya, Rato Machhindranath’s priest, also referred to as a panneju explained, “During Bhaktapur’s Narendra Dev Malla’s regime. Bhaktapur and the neighboring kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley were suffering from famine, as a result of a 12-year-long drought. Seeking a solution to the problem, King Narendra Dev called on his astrologers, who said that Lord Gorakhnath was the reason behind the drought. They said he had captured all the snakes of the valley and was sitting on top of them at Mirgasthali.”

Therefore, Bajracharya mentioned that it was only after Rato Macchindranath was brought in front of Gorakhnath that the latter stood to pay homage resulting in the snakes escaping, consequently ending the drought.

Rato Machhindranath’s journey to Kathmandu, however, consisted of a lot of struggles. Including the reluctance of Demon King Shashi’s forbiddance of letting the deity travel to an unknown land. The priest resorted to a tantric ritual that transferred the soul of Rato Machhindranath into a bee, leaving his physical body at Kamaru Kamakhya, Assam. However, the demons, led by the deity’s father, realized that the soul was not present in its physical body. The agitated demon king confronted the travelers who had come to take Rato Machhindranath, which then led to a fight.

Machhindranath Temple

Bungadeya is a primordial rain god, who was later identified with the benevolent Aryavalokiteshvara. Machhindranath is also known by the name of “Karunamaya” meaning an embodiment of love and kindness like a mother figure. While Bungamati Newa people refer to Machhindranath as Bungadeya, Newas from other parts of the valley use the name Karunamaya to refer to Machhindranath. Furthermore, The god of Bungamati and Patan is also identified as Raktapadmapani Lokeshvara and Aryavalokiteshvara.

Hayangriva Bhairab Temple

Hayagriva is the chief Bhairav among all the ancient Bhairavs of Kathmandu Valley. The protector and ancestor god of Bungamati is Hayangriva Bhairav.

There is no written record of when this temple was established, but the Salivanjika tundal in the temple before the demolition indicates the existence of this temple since ancient times, as it shows pre-medieval art. The copperplate and stone tablets of the Malla period mentioned in the context of repair and restoration have been found. In Kirati settlements, the concept of ancestor god is found. The scenario of the arrival of Bundya Karunamay: Led by Hayangriva Bhairav of Bungamati, Svet Bhairav of Lubhu, Krodh Bhairav of Harisiddhi, Sanhar (Tika) Bhairav of Lele and Chandra Bhairav of Patan-Ikhalakhu to Nepalmandal proves that Hayangriva Bhairav existed when Machhindranath was brought here.

Manakamana Temple or Aju Bhairav Temple

Bungamati is also the home abode of Goddess Manakamana. People believe that Manakamana is in the Gorkha district, but the fact is the original Manakamana is in Bungamati. It is said that the upper part of the body of the Goddess above the navel is in Bungamati. And the lower part of the body below the navel is in Gorkha.

Shristikanta Lokeshvara Temple

Bungamati is the birthplace of Shristikanta Lokeshvara, the god attributed to the creation (Christi) of the overall living entities of the world.

There is ample evidence that shows Bungamati as the foremost settlement of Kathmandu Valley. And one of the reasons is, it is the home abode of Shristikanta Lokeshvara who created the existence of Nepa Valley.

Karyabinayak Temple

Karyabinayak Temple was built on the fourth Thursday of the month of Chait in Nepal Samvat 781 (1661 AD). Which was under the leadership of leader Purna Singh of Bungamati. At this time the reign of Shri Niwas Malla had just begun in Patan. Inside this temple, worship is done on a naturally formed stone in the shape of Ganesha. But now, a statue of Ganesha covered with artistic silver is also kept.

Karyabinayak is one of the four famous Vinayakas of Kathmandu Valley. Other Vinayakas are Jal Binayak of Chobhar, Surya Binayak of Bhaktapur and Ashok Binayak of Kathmandu. Before starting any work, devotees come to Karyabinayak to wish for the successful completion of that work. As a result, Devotees get crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Rudryani Temple

Rudryani Temple is a dominant three-storeyed temple designed in pagoda style. And is said to be built by king Amara Malla. These goddesses have been established here according to the important message of this king in his dream to settle seven hundred houses in this khokana and establish Rudrayani Devi. Inside the temple, there are idols of 11 deities including Mahakali, Kali, and Ganesh on the upper floor. There is also a temple of Shrikhand where garlic is not offered. There is a deity stone that is said to be the perfect stone of the goddess. It is considered Mahadev’s Ardhangini. Local devotees worship this goddess as a family goddess. In the month of October, every year Rudryani Jatra is performed in this temple. And the Jatra lasts for 7 Days.

De Pukhu

It is a rectangular pond where on the occasion of Janai Purnima the goat is drowned inside the pond and sacrificed in the name of the god Rudryani. It is situated in Chwe Lachi Square, Khokana. As The tradition of the festival is believed to have begun around the 12th century. According to folklore, the number of deaths by slipping and falling into the pond rose. The belief that an angry supernatural being inhabited the pond began to take hold.

Consequently, the festival begins with sacrifices of a virgin goat once a year to the demon or angry god that resides in the pond, so that people using the pond are spared for the rest of the year. The festival is celebrated annually on the day after Gaijatra. Which is in mid-August, by the Newar community in and around the ancient village of Khokana.

Young men compete for the possession of the carcass of the goat that was sacrificed by drowning in the pond. In the beginning, one jumps on the pond with a goat. Then other young men from various communities in and around Khokana join him on this pond. They work together to prevent the goat from escaping. While the group tries to drown the goat, the youths also bite her with their teeth and attempt to rip her apart with their bare hands. Thus, The goat is reported to struggle for as long as forty minutes before she dies. After the death of the goat Youths from different communities struggle to capture a goat. Then the winning group earns the privilege of religious leading. The youths that win lead a procession out of the pond, concluding the ritual sacrifice.

Jitapur Mandap

It’s a place where the Khat of the Rudryani is placed on the occasion of Jatra. In the Newari language, the place is known as ‘Gaa-cha’. People also rest here and observe different social activities like cultural processions and religious performances.

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Besides this, Hot Spring Trek, Trek near Kathmandu, Panchase Trek, Ghalegaun Trek, Chepang Hill Trek, Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, and Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek are available.

Similarly, the Annapurna Circuit Trek – 14 Days, Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 14 Days, and many more are in the Annapurna Region.

Other hand, the Everest Base Camp Trek – 12 Days, and Everest Three Pass Trek – 17 Days are in the Everest Region

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Manasalu Area Trek – 15 Days, Upper Mustang Trek – 14 Days, Nar Phu Valley Trek – 12 Days, and Rara Lake Trek – 11 Days are in the Restricted Region.

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