Visiting Nepal gives us a chance to learn about the Himalayas, the Nepalese people, their Hindu and Buddhist religion, and their culture, arts, and foods. Nepal was ruled by a monarchy most of its history, and was closed to outside world until 1950. In 2008 elections favored the abolishment of the monarchy and the establishment of a multiparty democracy. During our visit all the newspapers covered the commitment to finalize their constitution by mid-October by the interim parties and government.

We start our tour in the capital Kathmandu also called the “City of Glory”, named by 2013 Trip Advisor as #1 Asia Destination and #3 World Destination on the Rise. Durban Square is the plaza in front of the old royal palace. It dates back to the 10^th century. The buildings showcase spectacular architecture and the craftsmanship over a millennium. Everything is made of brick, mortar, and intricately designed and carved woodwork.

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In most traditions goddesses are only spritiual.  In Nepal they live and breathe.  In Durbar Square is the Kumari Ghar which is a three story brick building with wood carved reliefs.  It is the home of the Kumari – the World’s only living Goddess who is believed to be the incarnation of the demon-slaying Hindu goddess Durga, and the earthly manifestaion of divine female energy.  These pre-pubescent girls are selected as children, they live in temples, are carried in chariots during festivals and are worshipped by thousands of Hindus and Buddhists. They retire upon puberty.

We were able to enter the courtyard with more carved wooden reliefs and were able to see her in a brief appearance from one of the first floor windows.

 

 

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Fortunate for us the annual three day national festival celebrating the Kumari started the day were were there.  One part of the festival is to have the Kumari parade in sections of Kathmandu over the three days in a one of three giant gold guilded chariot pulled with a big rope by men.  Here is a picture of Sandy seeing if she can get a ride on the Kumari’s gold chariot.

 

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Finally, a picture of the Hindu Goddess Kumari.

 

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Our next stop was to the Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist Stupas in the World, which is set majestically high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley.  It has 400 steps for pilgrams to climb, but we opted instrad to have our driver take up most of the way leaving only 100 steps to climb to the top.

 

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It is nickmaned the monkey temple after the trible of monkeys that look after the hill and mainly amuse visitors, especailly at their designated swimming pool.

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The top of the Stupa is circled by rings of prayer bells where we each said a few prayers and spun the wheels.