Our National Heritages

A countries heritage is all the qualities, traditions or features of life that have been continued over many years and passed on from one generation to another, especially ones that are of historical or religious importance or that have had a strong influence on society. Nepal is rich in natural and cultural heritages. United Nations educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was attracted to some heritages of Nepal. In order to preserve and promote them it gave them place in the list of the world heritages sites. There is a short description of the world heritages from Nepal. There are four sites that are listed as world heritage in Nepal. They are:

1. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha
2. Sagarmatha National Park
3. Chitwan National Park
4. Kathmandu Valley

Lumbini

Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It is the most sacred place of the Buddhists from round the world. There stands a famous stone pillar erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka, who visited the place in 245 BC. Pushkarini Pond and Mayadevi Temple are also very famous. The Lumbini Development Committee of 13 countries including Nepal was formed in 1970 AD to carry out a master plan for the development of this area. Beautiful stupas, monasteries, vihars, libraries, a museum and a research center are constructed there. Many countries such as Myanmar, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, India, Thailand, France and Germany have erected vihars there. Lumbini was included in the list of the World Heritage in 1997 AD.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National park is situated in Chitwan, Makwanpur and Parsa districts. It is nearly 120 km south- west of Kathmandu and occupies an area of 932 sq km of forests, marshes and rivers. It preserves rare and endangered animals like one horned rhino, spotted tiger, elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile and birds like hornbill and peacock. It is famous destination for tourists. It was recognized as a world heritage sites in 1984 A

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmadu valley is considered as cultural site because of these seven monuments that explains the cultural variety of kathmandu valley.

Pashupati area

Pashupati area is situated on the bank of the Bagmati in Kathmandu, the Pashupati Area is holy place of the Hindus in Nepal and abroad. It includes Pashupatinath Temple, Aryaghaat (Cremation bank), Deupatan, Jayabageshwari, Gaurighat, Kutumbahal, Gausala, Pingalastan and the area around the shelsmantak forest. The Pashupatinath temple is built in the pagoda style with golden roof. There are about 492 temples, shrines, chaityas, etc. and about 1000 shivalingas in the area. Ancient art, architectures, sculpture and carvings are very attractive. The Pashupati Development Trust works to preserve and promote this area. It was included in the World Heritage Sites in 1997 AD.

Hanumandhoka Durbar square

This famous monument zone was the administrative center of many Malla and Shah kings. It lies in the heart of Kathmandu. King Pratap Malla erected the statue of hanuman (monkey god) in this palace in the medieval period. Since then it is called Hanumandhoka. One can see the masterpiece of Nepal art and architecture there. Besides Hanumandhoka, Basantapur palace, Taleju Temple, museum, Kumarighar, kasthmandap, a huge bell and kettle drum are other attraction there. It is famous tourist's destination in the valley. It was included in the list of the World Heritages Sites in 1997 AD.

Patan Durbar Square

It was another palace area of the Malla Kings. It is located in Lalitpur district. Here lies the famous Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles. The site consists of besides the palace and Krishna temple, Bhimsen Temple, Statue of Yognarendra Malla, temple of Rato Machhindranath and Taleju Temple. Patan Durbar Square exhibits master pieces of the art and architecture of the Malla period. It is famous tourist destination. It was recognized as a world Heritage Site in 1997 AD along with the six other cultural heritages of the Kathmandu valley.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur lies at a distance of about 15 km to the east of Kathmandu. During the Malla period there was a powerful kingdom. Now it is a major tourist destination in the Kathmandu valley. Much of the existing structures such as Natyapola temple, and fifty five Windowed places were constructed by King Bhupatindra Malla. Dattatraya Temple, statue of Bhupatindra Malla, colossal bell, kettle drum and museum are among other attractions of the area. The carvings on the walls, windows and doors of the fifty- five windowed palace are exquisitely beautiful. Bhaktapur Durbar Square was listed as a world heritage site in 1997 AD along with other durbar squares and four religious sites of the valley.

Bouddhanath Stupa

It is located in the east of Kathmandu which is one of the mot sacred places for the Buddhists. It is believed to have been built around the fifth century. This stupa contains valuable inscriptions. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in this area. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. It was included in the World Heritage Sites in 1997 AD.

Swayambhunath Stupa

It is a very ancient temple in Kathmandu and is a very holy place for Buddhist pilgrims. Around the stupa can be seen several shrines, monasteries and idols. Not long ago, largest idol of Lord Buddha in Nepal was constructed in its premises. A temple of goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning, stands there. This is an example of religious tolerance in Nepal. It is also entered into World Heritage Sites in 1997 AD. The list of our heritages does not end here. There are many more heritages in Nepal such as Bardiya National Park, Shivapuri National park, Halesi Mahadev of Khotang, Ram Janaki Temple, Vindyabsini and Talbarahi of Pokhara, kalika of Baglung, Gosainkunda of rasuwa and swargwadari of pyuthan. All these heriatges should be preserved and promoted. The government, organizations and individuals have their parts to play for this.

Changunarayan Temple

This temple lies on hill top in the north of Bhaktapur. It is said to have been built by Lichchhavi king Manadev in the fifth century. It is an excellent example of pagoda style. There are beautiful idols and statue of birds and animals at the entrance. This site is important because of ancient inscriptions on stone, wood and metal. It is a venue of some jatras and festivals.