Kathmandu, the small town is relatively
neglected and timeless backwater despite its proximity to
the capital. At one time it was associated with Patan and
then became a mini kingdom in its own right. Kirtipur's
resistance was strong but eventually surrendering to the
strong siege laid by King Prithivi Narayan Shah during his
campaign for the unification of Nepal during 1768, the city
was conquered and annexed to the great Nepal. At one time
there were 12 gates into the city and traces of the old city
wall can still be seen. Kirtipur's ridge is actually two
hills, with a lower saddle between them. The Chilanchu
Vihara tops the southern hill and has a central stupa with
four smaller stupas, numerous statues and bells and Buddhist
monastery building around it. At the bottom of the saddle
where the hill meet is the Bagh Bhairab Temple, sacred to
both Hindus and Buddhists. From the hill top nearby villages
of Panga and Nagaon can be inspected. |
