The Kathmandu Valley, a rich and fertile basin in Nepal, is steeped in both history and legend. Over the centuries, it has been the heart of Nepalese civilization, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and serving as a political, cultural, and religious center.
Legendary Origins of Kathmandu Valley
The Valley of a Lake: According to local legend, the Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake. The most well-known tale recounts how Bodhisattva Manjushree, a Buddhist saint from China, saw a glowing lotus flower in the middle of the lake. The flower was said to be the manifestation of Swayambhu (the Self-Existent One). Manjushree, wishing to venerate the flower more closely, struck the southern hills with his sword, creating the Chobar Gorge, which drained the lake. The fertile land left behind became the Kathmandu Valley. The lotus settled on a hilltop, which became the site of the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): The lotus from the drained lake is said to have transformed into the Swayambhu, which emerged as a self-existent flame. This flame became the focal point of one of the valley’s most significant religious structures: the Swayambhunath Stupa. This stupa symbolizes both the creation of the valley and the union of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The legend continues to play a central role in the valley's religious and cultural identity.
Kasthamandap and the Origin of Kathmandu: Another legend explains the origin of Kathmandu’s name. It comes from the Kasthamandap, a large wooden pavilion built entirely from the timber of a single tree. This pavilion, situated in what is now Durbar Square, gave the city its name: "Kasthamandap" means "wooden pavilion" in Sanskrit, and the name Kathmandu is derived from it.
Myth of the Demon Karkotak: In Hindu mythology, a demon serpent called Karkotak once ruled over the lake that filled the Kathmandu Valley. He terrorized the local population until he was subdued by the great sage Nagarjuna, who meditated near the lake. Afterward, Karkotak promised to protect the valley instead, adding another layer of mythological depth to the valley’s origins.
Historical Timeline of Kathmandu Valley
Ancient Civilization (Before 300 AD): Archaeological evidence suggests that the Kathmandu Valley has been inhabited for over 2,000 years. Early settlers were mostly Kirati people, who ruled the region long before the arrival of recorded history. The valley’s strategic location between Tibet and India made it an important hub for trade and culture from early times.
Licchavi Period (c. 400 – 750 AD): The first recorded dynasty in the valley is the Licchavi Dynasty. This era marked the beginning of documented history in Nepal, with a flourishing of art, architecture, and trade. Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built during this period and is one of the oldest temples in the valley. The Licchavis also contributed significantly to the spread of both Hinduism and Buddhism, erecting numerous temples and religious monuments.
Malla Period (12th to 18th Century): The Malla period is considered the golden age of Kathmandu Valley. The Malla kings were patrons of the arts, and their reign saw an explosion of creativity in architecture, painting, and sculpture. During this period, Kathmandu Valley was divided into three rival city-states: Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhaktapur, each of which vied for supremacy while developing distinct architectural styles. The Mallas built the stunning Durbar Squares (palatial squares) in all three cities, which remain some of the valley’s most iconic historical landmarks. The Newar people, the valley’s indigenous inhabitants, were instrumental in creating these artistic and cultural masterpieces.
Unification Under the Shah Dynasty (18th Century): In the mid-18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of the small kingdom of Gorkha, launched a series of military campaigns to unite the various city-states of the Kathmandu Valley. In 1768, he successfully conquered the valley and established Kathmandu as the capital of his newly unified kingdom, laying the foundation for modern Nepal. This marked a shift in political power but retained the valley’s status as the cultural heart of the nation.
Rana Rule (1846–1951): In the mid-19th century, the power of the monarchy was usurped by the Rana family, who ruled as hereditary prime ministers while keeping the Shah kings as figureheads. The Ranas isolated Nepal from the rest of the world but undertook several building projects that blended traditional architecture with European influences. Their rule lasted until the early 1950s, when the monarchy regained full control after a revolution.
Modern Era: Kathmandu Valley continues to be the political and cultural center of Nepal. It has seen rapid urbanization and modernization, but its ancient temples, stupas, and monuments remain central to its identity. In 2015, a devastating earthquake struck the valley, damaging many of its historic buildings. Despite this, restoration efforts have been ongoing, and the valley’s rich history and legends continue to attract visitors from around the world.
Religious Significance
The valley is unique in that it has been a center for both Hinduism and Buddhism for centuries. Temples dedicated to Hindu gods such as Pashupatinath (a major temple of Lord Shiva) stand alongside Buddhist stupas like Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted syncretism.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Kathmandu Valley is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include:
Pashupatinath Temple: The most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Swayambhunath Stupa: One of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, symbolizing Buddhist and Hindu unity.
Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in the world, an important center of Tibetan Buddhism.
Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan): These royal squares are home to palaces, temples, and statues that epitomize the architectural prowess of the Newar artisans during the Malla era.
Changu Narayan Temple: An ancient Hindu temple that dates back to the Licchavi period.
Cultural Impact
The Newar community, indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley, played a crucial role in shaping the valley’s rich cultural traditions, which include festivals, arts, and a unique style of architecture known as Newar architecture.
Kathmandu Valley’s history is not just a story of kings and conquests, but a living testament to a blend of spiritual beliefs, cultures, and artistic traditions that continue to define the cultural landscape of Nepal.