Kasthamandap, Ancient Hindu temple in central Kathmandu, Nepal
Kasthamandap is a Hindu temple with three stories and sixteen wooden supporting pillars located in central Kathmandu. The building displays traditional Nepalese pagoda design with a shrine dedicated to Gorakhnath at its center and four Ganesh statues positioned at the corners.
The temple dates to the Licchavi period around the 7th century, confirmed by carbon testing of the foundation materials. It stands as one of the oldest religious structures in Kathmandu and has endured significant changes throughout the centuries.
The temple's name is rooted in its construction material and has become synonymous with the city itself. It serves as a gathering place where locals and pilgrims naturally converge during festivals and daily worship.
The temple sits within walking distance of other major monuments in Kathmandu Durbar Square and is easily accessible from the city center. Keep in mind it functions as both an active place of worship and a community gathering spot, so expect to see religious activities and local visitors.
Legend says the entire structure was built from a single sal tree, making the timber work exceptionally rare for such a large building. This remarkable origin story linked the temple so deeply to the city that its name eventually inspired the name Kathmandu itself.
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