There are three Darbar Squares in Kathmandu. Temples, idols, statues, open courts and fountains along with other structures form part of Durbar Square. These Durbar Squares have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Worshipping Kumari Devi, a living Goddess, is a very peculiar feature of Nepal. A virgin girl is chosen as a Devi and is placed in the palace, which takes the form of a temple. There are many such living Goddesses in Nepal but the one in the palace of Kathmandu Durbar Square is said to be most significant.
It is believed that the chosen girl is possessed by Goddess Taleju. The process of selection of young living Devi is rigorous. At present, the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu is Trishna Shakya. She is just five-year-old at present and she was selected as a Devi in 2017.
The construction of the square actually began in the 3rd century. However, the major structures within it were added in later periods. The square has palace complexes built during the Malla periods along with other structures. Inside the Kumari palace is Kumari Chowk, a three-storied courtyard. Delightfully carved wooden balconies enclose this courtyard. Kumari Devi appears in the morning for a short time in the gallery to give darshan to her bhaktas. There is an annual Indra Jatra Festival in Nepal. During this festival, a procession of Devi is taken around the city.
Her palace is in the form of a Buddhist Vihara. It was built in the 18th century by King Jaya Prakash Malla. The courtyard has a miniature stupa with the idol of Saraswati, Goddess of learning. This is a wonderful example of a beautiful blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Traditions are the manifestation of culture. An appropriate backdrop of architecture helps in keeping these traditions alive. The memories are restored in art craft details and spaces so created. Culture is one of the most important determinants of the form of architecture of a particular region. This entire palace of the living Goddess is adorned with meticulously carved facades with peculiarities of Newar architecture which constantly keep the memory of its Bharatiya roots alive.
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