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Thursday, June 11, 2009

Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square



Adorning the prestige of royalty and cultural heritage, the Hanuman Dhoka Palace is the symbol of past glory of the Malla kings, passed on for centauries. The pristine palace has seen the rise and fall of many kings from Mallas to the recent Shahs.
With several complexes connected together spreading in about five acres explicates the rich art and craft of that time. It has ten courtyards flourishing with the statues and artifacts of the time. King Pratap Malla enlarged the original building in the 17th century, adding many of the temples. The oldest part of the palace is Sundari Chowk and Mohan Chowk in the north part of the palace, which are both closed. In 1768, after Prithvi Narayan Shah took over the valley he built four lookout towers in the southeast part of the palace.
The palace was residence of the Shah dynasty until 1886, when the royal residence was moved to the Narayanhiti Palace. The old palace still has its ritual and ceremonial importance where the King of Nepal were crowned and their ceremonies would take place here.
The entrance is on the west side of the palace. Open daily except Tuesday, 10.30 am to 3 pm, 4 pm in the summer; Friday 10.30 am to 2 pm. Admission Rs 250.
The Durbar square holds places like Nasal Chowk, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Basantapur Tower, Mul Chowk, Taleju Temple etc which are very famous among tourist and arrivals
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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