Bahas (Courtyard of Temples)

Kathmandu, Nepal

About

Kumari-Baha: Located just opposite the famous Gaddi Baithak in the eastern part of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the complex of Kumari Baha also house of the goddess Kumari the Royal deity. The Baha or Vihar consists of a three-storyed structure built round an enclosed courtyard and the main entrance is guarded by two huge stone lions. The external facade and inside façade facing the courtyards are embellished with the exquisite wood carved windows and doors. The main shrine is directly opposite to the entrance and there is a stupa / Chaitya in the courtyard. Asidefrom serving as a Vihar, this is primarily the shrine of the living goddess 'Kumari' a Buddhist girl chosen and worshipped as an incarnation of Hindu mother deity. Kwa- Baha: This is situated in the northern part & Kathmandu in Tha-hiti a few minutes walk from the famous Thamel locality. The shrine is a three-storyed building surmounted by a small cuppola. An artistically decorated by wooden frames, the door of the main entrance is flanked by the images of Sariputra and Mandgalyana two principal attendants of Lord Buddha. Inside the courtyard are an 'Aahokan Chaitya' a stupa structure of earlier period and a common small Chaitya on a pillar. The steps leading to the main shrine are flanked by two metal lions. Musya Baha: Located in Jyatha adjacent to Tha-hiti, this Baha is one of the few typical Baha structures left intact. The entire building is of two storeys. The main deity (Kwapa-dyo) is an image of Aksobhya facing north and the main door of the shrine is guarded by two stone lions. Wooden carved struts supports the entire tiled roof structure. Dhwaka Baha: A few minutes walk down the road from Masya Baha is Dhwakabaha is a auspicious courtyard with the shrine of the main deity 'Asobhya located in the south-east corner facing north. Although the Vihar has not been able to retain its original structure due to the severe damage in the great earthquake of 1934, there are three stupas of which two stupas date back to Licchavi period- testifying antiquity of the place. Historians have ascribed the origin of the Vihar to not later than 7th century A.D. Chusya Baha: Located in Jyatha Tole, a few minutes walk down the road from Musya Baha, Chusya Baha, probably is the finest example of Baha architectures. Directly opposite the entrance is the shrine of Akshobhua- the Kwapadya, facing north. The entrance is flanked by two elephants. One of the most striking features of the Baha is the series of beautifully carved struts supporting the courtyard. As the struts are ascribed to the fourteenth century A.D., it is believed the origin of the monastery could be dated even earlier.

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