Nepal Architecture — 5 Stunning Examples
Original blog post: https://ling-app.com/ne/nepal-architecture/
In Nepal, art and architecture are extremely important since they reflect long traditions and people’s distinct lifestyles. Read on to find out more about Nepal architecture and places to visit in the country.
Nepal has always been appreciated for its beautiful cultural artifacts, religions, culture, ethnic groups, ancient temples, and way of life. Sometimes Nepal architecture reflects influences from Hinduism and Buddhism.
The architecture of Nepal is best described by the word “magnificence.” Apart from its amazing beauty, Nepal’s exquisite art and traditional architecture are a source of amazement for tourists who travel from around the world to see the majesty of the Ancient Land of Gods.
Nepal Architecture — The List Of Famous Nepali Architectures
Besides knowing about Nepal architecture, you should know the Nepalese language to communicate with native speakers. For this, you can use the Ling app.
1. The Pagoda Style Temples (Pagoda Architectural Tradition)
Multiple layers of roofs organized in increasing sequence from top to bottom characterize the pagoda style of architecture in ancient Nepalese shrines and temples. Delicately carved wooden struts support it. Latticed architecture with a crisscross design illustrates the projecting windows. This style developed around the beginning of the 13th century and was originally fashioned of gold and alloys.
This form of construction was developed by ancient Nepalese craftsmen and only gradually extended to other world regions, such as China and Tibet, via Nepalese artisans.
There are numerous temples constructed in the Pagoda style with a rich architectural legacy.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of Kathmandu’s oldest Hindu temples constructed in the Pagoda style. It goes back to the 5th century and was later reconstructed by Ananta Malla. The structure is divided into two halves. The statue for worship is placed in the inner complex, while the outside complex is an open courtyard. The Pashupati temple complex, an ancient architecture located on the banks of the Bagmati River is also one of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
There are three durbar squares in Nepal, the most renowned being Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Hanuman Dhoka Square, also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, was formerly a royal palace courtyard where kings were seated. The building of this quadrangle goes back to the Licchavi reign, although it was renovated multiple times throughout the Malla period. In 1979 Kathmandu Durbar Square was entitled as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Patan Durbar Square
The Patan Durbar Square is another Durbar square in the Kathmandu Valley. Even though the origins of this Square are uncertain, it is widely assumed that the Malla kings were responsible for most of the substantial improvements.
This is one of the most exquisite works of Newar architecture, including statues of several Hindu gods and goddesses such as Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Krishna.
Dattatreya square is also constructed in the Pagoda style. It is located east of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Taumadhi Square. Both Taumadhi square and Bakhtapur Square are also built-in the same style.
2. The Stupa Style Nepal Architecture
Stupa Style Monuments are based on Nepalese architecture. They have a hemispheric dome form with a pyramid-like structure on top and a square base. Buddhist chanting or belief systems are engraved into certain Stupa monuments. Others are constructed to preserve Buddha’s and his followers’ remains.
3. The Shikhara Style Nepal Architecture
Shikhara is a curved or pyramidal tower, a major component of Nepalese Hindu temple architecture. Its name means “mountain peak” in Sanskrit, and it generally has an artistic exterior with intricate carvings.
Krishna Mandir is the most spectacular example of Nepalese Shikhara-style architecture in the Kathmandu Valley. It combines Gupta Shikhara architecture with a Mugal style dome. It was constructed in the style of a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Krishna in Mathura, India, and has intricate stone carvings of gods and goddesses. This style shows the architectural, cultural heritage of the Hindu religion.
4. Mahabuddha Temple — One Of The Most Popular Nepal Architecture
One Thousand and eight terracotta tiles cover the temple’s construction that gives Mahabuddha its name. Lord Buddha’s image is carved onto every square inch of this temple. Even today, despite the hustle and bustle of the local markets, a historic shikhara-style temple rises tall in a small courtyard.
5. Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, one of Nepal’s ancient Buddhist temples, draws devotees of various religions, notably Buddhism. Songtsen Gampo, one of the Tibetan Buddhists, is said to have constructed it after accidentally killing his father.
Several common techniques are still used by local architects for building general structures and architectural ensembles. These techniques were the ones that architects adopted from different regions of Nepal in ancient times. It just goes to show how right these ancient builders got it. The ancient buildings, which still stand, are also a testament to that.
Learn Nepali Through The Ling App
I hope you gained a deeper knowledge of Nepali architecture and the various styles of constructing these fascinating structures. You can also read our blogs on “Nepali culture and traditions” and “Nepali dating customs.”
Mere Knowledge of this is not enough for your visit to Nepal. You should learn Nepali before visiting. Ling app by Simya Solutions is the best choice on the market. Learn your target language with the help of a game-based system and assess yourself with quizzes and tasks. You can search our site on your browser or download the Ling app to learn your target language when and whenever you want.
