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Newar architecture is the indigenous style of architecture found in the Kathmandu Valley, which consists of both Hindu and Buddhist monuments. The styles and form usually consists of the following: Pagoda-style Temples, Shikhara-style Temples, Stupa, Chaitya, Monastic buildings, and courtyard structures .
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Pagoda Style Temples
It is the most dominant style of the Newar architecture. It is mostly used to build temples and less often towers of palaces. Almost all the major Newar temples are built in pagoda style. This style of architecture was developed in Kathmandu valley and then exported to various parts of the world by Nepalese architects most notably by Arniko. Although the majority of the temples constructed in this style are dedicated to Hindu deities, a sizable number of pagoda temples are Buddhist temples as well. Most prominent Newar structures built in pagoda style are:-
- Pashupatinath temple
- Taleju Bhawani temple
- Nine storied tower of Kathmandu Darbar Square
- Nyatapola temple
- Kumbeshwor temple
- Nhugha dega temple
- Changunarayan temple
- Chandeshwari temple
- Kasthamandap satal
- Muktinath temple
- Naradevi temple
- Narayanhiti Royal Palace
Buddhist Pagoda-Style Temples Jana Baha Rato Macchendranath Temple, Patan Minnath Temple
Stupa
Stupa or large relic mounds are central to the sacred landscape in Newar architecture. It is exclusively a Buddhist monument, making a major sacred site or pilgrimagepilgrimage. The most noteworthy of stupas are:-
- Baudhha stupa
- Swayambhu stupa, also known as Swayambhu Mahacaitya or Great Chaitya of Svayambhu
- Sheeghal baha stupa, or Kathesimbhu
- The four stupas of Patan (constructed by Ashoka)
- Dhandya chaitya, or Charumati style.
- Tukabahal stupa, Kathmandu
Courtyards
The basic unit of Newari cities are courtyards. Depending on the size, utility and various other entities, the courtyards are classified as:
Bahal
Traditional monastic complexes are known as Bahas, and there are over 500+ in the Kathmandu Valley. It consists of a coutyard, stupa, and a shrine wall. The baha community or sangha consists of the "monastic"
- Kwa Baha, Patan
- Chusya Baha, Kathmandu
City formation
The Newari cities consist of
- Living spaces in the form of courtyards surrounded by houses
- Alleys and roads of varying sizes
- Source of water in the form of ponds, groundwater taps (Lwon Hiti)
- Temples
- Open air theaters called Dabu
- Viharas
The cities are planned according to Tantric methods with some Vedic influence. The cities are formed in a definite shape and houses a number of courtyard according to Tantra. The individual courtyards house people of certain castes and the location of the courtyard according to caste is managed vertically. The city of Kathmandu (Yen) was formed for the purpose of trade. So, according to Tantrik method, the city margins were constructed in the shape of a Khadga and the main city in the shape of a circle.1 Patan (Yala) was formed with four stupas on four corners and a stupa in the center. Bhaktapur (Khwapa) was formed in the shape of a Mandala.
See also
References
1. Kantipur -Basu Pasa
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Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 4 October 2008, at 12:51.
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