Kasthamandap

Kasthamandap

Coordinates: 27°42′14″N 85°18′21″E / 27.70400°N 85.30583°E

Kasthamandap (Sanskrit: काष्ठमन्डप, Nepal Bhasa:मरु सत्तल Maru Sattal; literally "Wood-Covered Shelter") was a three-storied temple situated at Maru, Kathmandu. It was one of the largest and most noted pagodas of Nepal. The pagoda enshrines a statue of Gorakhnath.

The temple was built in pagoda style design. It was built in the early sixteenth century by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla. The whole temple was built from just wood of a single tree, and covered with the shrine. It is believed that it was made by artist named Biset. The name of capital city is named after this temple. Once a year a huge ceremony was performed in the temple. On that day people gathered around the temple and they stayed up all night. People shared the legendary stories about the temple and enjoy different variety of food. The temple was one of the major tourist attractions as well. Everyone was allowed to visit the temple, but people were prohibited to take photographs when inside. The temple was open after mid day until midnight. The unique feature of Kasthamandap had made it the most noted pagoda of Nepal.

The earthquake on 25th April 2015 caused severe damage to this temple and its ultimate collapse.

Gorakshanath image inside the Kasthamandap

Mythology

It is believed that Gorakhnath, a disciple of Machhindranath (Nepal Bhasa: Janamaadya) visited Nepal during a chariot procession of Machhindranath morphing as a normal human. A tantrik spotted him and trapped him under a spell rendering him from leaving Kathmandu. Upon knowing that he is trapped, Gorakhnath asked the tantrik to make a wish so as to allow him to be freed from the spell. The tantrik asked for materials enough to make a temple. The very next season, a giant tree grew in the farm of the tantrik. Using this single tree, the tantrik constructed the temple of Kasthamandap.

It is also believed that the term Kathmandu arises from Kasthamandap.

2015 Nepal earthquake

Kasthamandap Premises After Earthquake In April 2015

On 25 April 2015, Kasthamandap temple along with many others on the Kathmandu Durbar Square, was damaged and collapsed by the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, which had an estimated magnitude of 7.9(M_w). ^{[1] [2]}

References

Ramesh Jung Thapa. Kasthamandap

1. "Rajesh Gurung's photos for The Himalayan Times". Retrieved April 25, 2015.
2. "Nepal earthquake collapses buildings in Kathmandu and northern India killing more than 1,300, officials say". Retrieved April 25, 2015.