Friday, March 6, 2009
Dattatraya
The Dattatraya Temple is situated only about four minutes walk from Bhairavnath Temple. This temple was built in the 15th century and is the oldest temple in Bhaktapur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is a pillar and on top of it Garuda sits with his traditional weapons. This temple is believed to have been built from the wood of a single tree. Near this temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows.
Nyatapola
The temple was erected within short period of less than five months by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1701/1702 A.D. In the present context of work-schedule, planning and programming, it is very difficult to believe that the temple was erected within that short period of time. But it was the fact. The incidents are recorded day by day.
If we look at the calendar of construction it gives us an interesting picture of the spirit of the people and speed of the work accomplished within such a short period of time. The speed of work done in religious faith can never be accomplished in modern-day society run by materialistic considerations.
We find all these interesting details while going into the manuscript. From the start of digging the foundation to the completion of roofing, it took merely eighty-eight days. The excavation work for foundation lasted for seven days. Then was commenced construction of six plinths. That was accomplished in thirty-one days, and immediately after that started the erection of the superstructure. That was also completed within thirty-four days, after which roofing work was started from top to the lowest roof. In sixteen days all the five roofs were completed paving them with mini-tiles (jhingati). Then they had to wait for an auspicious day for erecting the icons in the sanctum sanctorum and fix the pinnacle on the top of the temple. For this, they did wait for 38 days. In the meantime the auspicious fire-sacrifice (Siddhagni Kotyahuti Yajna) was going on.
Presented here are six pages (three folios) of the facsimile copies of the manuscript which recorded major events from beginning to the end, as summary of records in advance, incorporated in the manuscript containing 264 folios. There are fifty major records in the summary six-page facsimile.
The manuscript is preserved in the National Archives of Nepal. It is readily available for the readers in micro-film as well, which can be read in the office or could be purchased in photocopy paying certain rupees per page.
The name of the manuscript is recorded as Siddhagni Kotyahuti Devala Pratistha. The name itself kept the enthusiasts on the subject of ancient architecture behind the curtain from knowing it. The accession number of the manuscript is cat. I. 1115 NGMPP micro number A 249/5. The manuscript is written in the Newar script in yellow Nepalese paper coated with harital (orpiment). The size is 17.2 x 46.5 cm. Each page has nine lines. The manuscript has 264 folios, and the rest are missing Dr Janak Lal Vaidya thinks. Some folios are ink-stained and some are damaged by rats. All the rest of the folios are in good condition. The calligraphy
is magnificent.
Out of these six facsimile pages, Dr. Janak Lal Vaidya has published three folios (1, 2 and 4) without any transliteration and translation in Abhilekh No.8 published by the National Archives of Nepal. It is, however, necessary at least to give a full picture of the detailed records in those six important pages.
There are still interesting information contained in the following folios of the manuscript which were published by Dr. Janak Lal Vaidya in his articles published in Abhilekh, No. 8 and No. 14 and Kheluita No. 11 in English, Nepali and Newar respectively.
Translation of facsimile copy
Salute! To the god Ganesa. This is the work index of the construction of Nyatapola Temple (Five-storeyed Temple) and the performance of Siddhagni Kotyahuti fire sacrifice (done) by Bhupatindra Malla. (The king of Bhaktapur) [Then starts the entry]
If we look at the calendar of construction it gives us an interesting picture of the spirit of the people and speed of the work accomplished within such a short period of time. The speed of work done in religious faith can never be accomplished in modern-day society run by materialistic considerations.
We find all these interesting details while going into the manuscript. From the start of digging the foundation to the completion of roofing, it took merely eighty-eight days. The excavation work for foundation lasted for seven days. Then was commenced construction of six plinths. That was accomplished in thirty-one days, and immediately after that started the erection of the superstructure. That was also completed within thirty-four days, after which roofing work was started from top to the lowest roof. In sixteen days all the five roofs were completed paving them with mini-tiles (jhingati). Then they had to wait for an auspicious day for erecting the icons in the sanctum sanctorum and fix the pinnacle on the top of the temple. For this, they did wait for 38 days. In the meantime the auspicious fire-sacrifice (Siddhagni Kotyahuti Yajna) was going on.
Presented here are six pages (three folios) of the facsimile copies of the manuscript which recorded major events from beginning to the end, as summary of records in advance, incorporated in the manuscript containing 264 folios. There are fifty major records in the summary six-page facsimile.
The manuscript is preserved in the National Archives of Nepal. It is readily available for the readers in micro-film as well, which can be read in the office or could be purchased in photocopy paying certain rupees per page.
The name of the manuscript is recorded as Siddhagni Kotyahuti Devala Pratistha. The name itself kept the enthusiasts on the subject of ancient architecture behind the curtain from knowing it. The accession number of the manuscript is cat. I. 1115 NGMPP micro number A 249/5. The manuscript is written in the Newar script in yellow Nepalese paper coated with harital (orpiment). The size is 17.2 x 46.5 cm. Each page has nine lines. The manuscript has 264 folios, and the rest are missing Dr Janak Lal Vaidya thinks. Some folios are ink-stained and some are damaged by rats. All the rest of the folios are in good condition. The calligraphy
is magnificent.
Out of these six facsimile pages, Dr. Janak Lal Vaidya has published three folios (1, 2 and 4) without any transliteration and translation in Abhilekh No.8 published by the National Archives of Nepal. It is, however, necessary at least to give a full picture of the detailed records in those six important pages.
There are still interesting information contained in the following folios of the manuscript which were published by Dr. Janak Lal Vaidya in his articles published in Abhilekh, No. 8 and No. 14 and Kheluita No. 11 in English, Nepali and Newar respectively.
Translation of facsimile copy
Salute! To the god Ganesa. This is the work index of the construction of Nyatapola Temple (Five-storeyed Temple) and the performance of Siddhagni Kotyahuti fire sacrifice (done) by Bhupatindra Malla. (The king of Bhaktapur) [Then starts the entry]
Formation of Nyatapola
1. On Thursday, the third day of clear fortnight in the month of karttika of Nepal Samvat 822, the people (the ones who fell the tree) were sent to fell the trees in the jungle.
2. (After 25 days) On Monday, the twelfth of clear fortnight in the month of Marga of Nepal Sam. vat 822, this day the wood work (carpentry) started.
3. (After 31 days) On Thursdsy, the twelfth/thirteen of dark fortnight in the month of Pausa of Nepal Samvat 822, the excavation work for foundation started.
4. (After 7 days) On Thursday, the fifth of clear fortnight in the month of Magha of Nepal Sam. vat 822, the foundation stone was laid (construction of the foundation started).
5. (After 31 days) On Sunday, the sixth of dark fortnight in the month of Phaguna of Nepal Samvat 822, this day the main entrance (to the sanctumsanctorum) was erected.
6. (After 5 days) On Friday, the eleventh of dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna of Nepal Samvat 822, this day the amoral spinal beam (ninala). was laid.
7. (After 11 days) On Thursday, the seventh of bright fortnight in the month of Caitra of Nepal Sam. vat 822, the windows (were) erected in lowest (first) storey.
8. (After 11 days) On Saturday, the third of dark fortnight in the month of Caitra of Nepal Sam. vat 822, the windows (were) erected in second storey.
9. (After three days) On Tuesday, the seventh of dark fortnight in the month of Caitra of Nepal Samvat 822, the windows were erected in the third storey.
10. (After four days) On Saturday, the eleventh of dark fortnight of Caitra of Nepal Samvat 822, the windows (were) erected in the fourth storey.
11. (After two days) On Monday the thirteenth of dark fortnight in the month of Caitra of Nepal Samvat 822, the windows (were) erected in the last (fifth) storey.
12. (After 3 days) On Thursday, the fifteenth of dark fortnight (no moon day) in the month of Caitra of Nepal Samvat 822, the pithapuja performed (to appease the pithagana) in order to erect the top of the temple.
13. (After 14 days) On Thursday, the third of clear fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the top of the temple offered (erected).
14. (After 7 days) On Thursday, the seventh of clear fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Sawvat 822, the topmost roof was covered with minitiles.
15. (After 2 days) On Saturday, the ninth of clear fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the roofing is completed on the fourth storey.
16. (After 2 days) On Monday, the eleventh of clear fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the roofing is completed on the third (middle) roof.
17. (After 4 days) On Friday, the first of dark fortnight in the month Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the roofing is constructed on the second roof.
18. (Next day) On Saturday, the second of dark fortnight in the month Vaisakha of Nepal Sam vat 822, the ceremony of offering of areca nuts is performed.
19. (Next day) On Sunday, the third of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the puja (worship) was sent to Pithas, Jawodaka, Shivasakti and Kalasa.
20. (Next day) On Monday, the fourth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the worship and propitious ritual is performed in Pithas (Pitharchana).
21. (Next day) On Tuesday, the fifth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the act of purascarana is performed.
22. (After 2 days) On Thursday, the seventh of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the arrangement for mandapa is done.
23. (Next day) On Friday, the eighth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the roofing is done on the fifth (top most) roof. Or the roofing work is completed in the temple.
24. (Next day) On Saturday, the ninth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the excavation work is done for making fire altar (kunda).
25. (After 2 days) On Monday, the eleventh of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Sara. vat 822, the foundation stone is laid to erect the fire altar.
26. (After 2 days) On Wednesday, the thirteenth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the tympanum is offered (fixed) at the main entrance.
27. (After 3 days) On Saturday, the first of clear fortnight in the month Jyestha of Nepal Samvat 822, Ankurarcana ceremony is performed.
28. (After 5 days) On Thursday, the sixth of dark fortnight in the month of Jyestha of Nepal Samvat 822, different (many-fold) rituals-consecration, propitious, worships, offerings, are performed like Punyahawachala, Rritwijavarna, Mandapa puja, sun-worship, door worship, Guru-worship, and offering of roof hanging (pata) and so on.
29. (Next day) On Friday, the seventh of clear fortnight in the month of Jyestha of Nepal Samvat 822, different acts are done...
2. (After 25 days) On Monday, the twelfth of clear fortnight in the month of Marga of Nepal Sam. vat 822, this day the wood work (carpentry) started.
3. (After 31 days) On Thursdsy, the twelfth/thirteen of dark fortnight in the month of Pausa of Nepal Samvat 822, the excavation work for foundation started.
4. (After 7 days) On Thursday, the fifth of clear fortnight in the month of Magha of Nepal Sam. vat 822, the foundation stone was laid (construction of the foundation started).
5. (After 31 days) On Sunday, the sixth of dark fortnight in the month of Phaguna of Nepal Samvat 822, this day the main entrance (to the sanctumsanctorum) was erected.
6. (After 5 days) On Friday, the eleventh of dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna of Nepal Samvat 822, this day the amoral spinal beam (ninala). was laid.
7. (After 11 days) On Thursday, the seventh of bright fortnight in the month of Caitra of Nepal Sam. vat 822, the windows (were) erected in lowest (first) storey.
8. (After 11 days) On Saturday, the third of dark fortnight in the month of Caitra of Nepal Sam. vat 822, the windows (were) erected in second storey.
9. (After three days) On Tuesday, the seventh of dark fortnight in the month of Caitra of Nepal Samvat 822, the windows were erected in the third storey.
10. (After four days) On Saturday, the eleventh of dark fortnight of Caitra of Nepal Samvat 822, the windows (were) erected in the fourth storey.
11. (After two days) On Monday the thirteenth of dark fortnight in the month of Caitra of Nepal Samvat 822, the windows (were) erected in the last (fifth) storey.
12. (After 3 days) On Thursday, the fifteenth of dark fortnight (no moon day) in the month of Caitra of Nepal Samvat 822, the pithapuja performed (to appease the pithagana) in order to erect the top of the temple.
13. (After 14 days) On Thursday, the third of clear fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the top of the temple offered (erected).
14. (After 7 days) On Thursday, the seventh of clear fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Sawvat 822, the topmost roof was covered with minitiles.
15. (After 2 days) On Saturday, the ninth of clear fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the roofing is completed on the fourth storey.
16. (After 2 days) On Monday, the eleventh of clear fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the roofing is completed on the third (middle) roof.
17. (After 4 days) On Friday, the first of dark fortnight in the month Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the roofing is constructed on the second roof.
18. (Next day) On Saturday, the second of dark fortnight in the month Vaisakha of Nepal Sam vat 822, the ceremony of offering of areca nuts is performed.
19. (Next day) On Sunday, the third of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the puja (worship) was sent to Pithas, Jawodaka, Shivasakti and Kalasa.
20. (Next day) On Monday, the fourth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the worship and propitious ritual is performed in Pithas (Pitharchana).
21. (Next day) On Tuesday, the fifth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the act of purascarana is performed.
22. (After 2 days) On Thursday, the seventh of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the arrangement for mandapa is done.
23. (Next day) On Friday, the eighth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the roofing is done on the fifth (top most) roof. Or the roofing work is completed in the temple.
24. (Next day) On Saturday, the ninth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the excavation work is done for making fire altar (kunda).
25. (After 2 days) On Monday, the eleventh of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Sara. vat 822, the foundation stone is laid to erect the fire altar.
26. (After 2 days) On Wednesday, the thirteenth of dark fortnight in the month of Vaisakha of Nepal Samvat 822, the tympanum is offered (fixed) at the main entrance.
27. (After 3 days) On Saturday, the first of clear fortnight in the month Jyestha of Nepal Samvat 822, Ankurarcana ceremony is performed.
28. (After 5 days) On Thursday, the sixth of dark fortnight in the month of Jyestha of Nepal Samvat 822, different (many-fold) rituals-consecration, propitious, worships, offerings, are performed like Punyahawachala, Rritwijavarna, Mandapa puja, sun-worship, door worship, Guru-worship, and offering of roof hanging (pata) and so on.
29. (Next day) On Friday, the seventh of clear fortnight in the month of Jyestha of Nepal Samvat 822, different acts are done...
Thursday, March 5, 2009
BHAKTAPUR - The Historical City of Nepal
Bhaktapur, situated at an altitude of 1401 meters, is a home of medieval art and architecture. The urban city covers an area of 4 square miles. Shaped like a conch shell, Bhaktapur means "the city of devotees". Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The cit lies about 14 kilometers east of Katmandu and can be reached by public transport and by trolley buses. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur include:
DURBAR SQUARE: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like: the Lion Gate, a Statue of King Bhupatindra Mall, a Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Blastula Temple, the Bell of Barking Dogs, and a replica of Pashupatinath Temple.
The Lion Gate which was built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Mall is adorned with stone figures of Hanuman, Ghairav, and Narasingh Narayan. A statue of the Mall King in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues in Nepal, this is considered to be the most magnificent.
The Picture Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools of Tantrums of various periods and descriptions.
The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard and the Palace of 55 Windows. It was built by King Ranjit Malla and is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind showing the Goddess Kali and Garuda, the winged carrier of Lord Vishnu. This gate is embellished with monsters of marvelous intricacy.
King Bhupatindra Malla built the Palace of 55 Windows in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls, with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving.
The stone temple of Batsala Devi, which is also located in the Durbar Square, is full of intricate carvings. This temple also shows a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the "bell of barking dogs." When it peals, the local dogs start barking. This bell, placed in 1737 A.D. by King Ranjit Malla, was used to sound curfew during his reign. The bell is rung every morning while worshipping the Goddess Taleju.
NAYATPOLA TEMPLE: This five story pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five story terraced platform. On each of the terraces squats pairs of figures: two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and Baghini and Singhini, the tiger and the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones immediately below, while the lowest pair, the two strong men, Jaya Malla and Phatta Malla, were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. The temple was built for Goddess Laxmi.
BHAIRAVNATH TEMPLE: This temple was first built as a one-story pagoda during the reign of King Jagat Jyoti Malla, and later changed into a three story temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the god of Terror.
DATTATRAYA TEMPLE: This temple is said to have been built from he trunk of a single tree. It was built in 1427 A.D. during the reign of King Yakchhya Malla and was repaired in 1458 A.D. by King Bishwor Malla.
PUJARI MATH: Near the Dattarraya temple is a monastery with carved peacock windows. This monastery was built by King Yakchhya Malla and later renovated by the priest Ram Dutt Giri.
SURYA VINAYAK: This is a shrine of Ganesh, the elephant-headed God, situated in the beautiful surroundings of Bhadgaon, placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun. The view of the city of Bhaktapur is seen from here with snow-capped peaks in the background. Nestled in a thick forest, it is a good picnic spot flanked by many attractive landscapes. It is easily accessible by trolley bus.
CHANGU NARAYAN: Located at the end of a long ridge, which runs well into the Valley, this temple is said to have been build in 323 A.D. by King Hari Dutta Varma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the Valley. Situated about 153 meters above the level of Kathmandu Valley, it affords a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. An all-weather memorable road connects it with Bhaktapur city.
NAGARKOT: Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort. It is located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175 meters above sea-level. A panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), can be seen from here. Himalayan peaks like Manaslu (8463), Ganesh Himal (7111), Langan (7246), Choba Bhamre (6016), Gaurishanker (7134), and Number (6957) are also clearly seen from Nagarkot. A motorable road links Nagarkot with Bhaktapur.
DURBAR SQUARE: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like: the Lion Gate, a Statue of King Bhupatindra Mall, a Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Blastula Temple, the Bell of Barking Dogs, and a replica of Pashupatinath Temple.
The Lion Gate which was built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Mall is adorned with stone figures of Hanuman, Ghairav, and Narasingh Narayan. A statue of the Mall King in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues in Nepal, this is considered to be the most magnificent.
The Picture Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools of Tantrums of various periods and descriptions.
The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard and the Palace of 55 Windows. It was built by King Ranjit Malla and is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind showing the Goddess Kali and Garuda, the winged carrier of Lord Vishnu. This gate is embellished with monsters of marvelous intricacy.
King Bhupatindra Malla built the Palace of 55 Windows in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls, with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving.
The stone temple of Batsala Devi, which is also located in the Durbar Square, is full of intricate carvings. This temple also shows a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the "bell of barking dogs." When it peals, the local dogs start barking. This bell, placed in 1737 A.D. by King Ranjit Malla, was used to sound curfew during his reign. The bell is rung every morning while worshipping the Goddess Taleju.
NAYATPOLA TEMPLE: This five story pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five story terraced platform. On each of the terraces squats pairs of figures: two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and Baghini and Singhini, the tiger and the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones immediately below, while the lowest pair, the two strong men, Jaya Malla and Phatta Malla, were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. The temple was built for Goddess Laxmi.
BHAIRAVNATH TEMPLE: This temple was first built as a one-story pagoda during the reign of King Jagat Jyoti Malla, and later changed into a three story temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the god of Terror.
DATTATRAYA TEMPLE: This temple is said to have been built from he trunk of a single tree. It was built in 1427 A.D. during the reign of King Yakchhya Malla and was repaired in 1458 A.D. by King Bishwor Malla.
PUJARI MATH: Near the Dattarraya temple is a monastery with carved peacock windows. This monastery was built by King Yakchhya Malla and later renovated by the priest Ram Dutt Giri.
SURYA VINAYAK: This is a shrine of Ganesh, the elephant-headed God, situated in the beautiful surroundings of Bhadgaon, placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun. The view of the city of Bhaktapur is seen from here with snow-capped peaks in the background. Nestled in a thick forest, it is a good picnic spot flanked by many attractive landscapes. It is easily accessible by trolley bus.
CHANGU NARAYAN: Located at the end of a long ridge, which runs well into the Valley, this temple is said to have been build in 323 A.D. by King Hari Dutta Varma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the Valley. Situated about 153 meters above the level of Kathmandu Valley, it affords a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. An all-weather memorable road connects it with Bhaktapur city.
NAGARKOT: Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort. It is located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175 meters above sea-level. A panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), can be seen from here. Himalayan peaks like Manaslu (8463), Ganesh Himal (7111), Langan (7246), Choba Bhamre (6016), Gaurishanker (7134), and Number (6957) are also clearly seen from Nagarkot. A motorable road links Nagarkot with Bhaktapur.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
