In Nepal, religion permeates every facet of life with festivals, daily rituals, family celebrations and religious observances. At every step one can see temples and shrines, processions and devotional music. Although Nepal is famous as the world’s only Hindu Nation, it is an intricate and beautiful tapestry woven of Hinduism, Buddhism and other faiths loving together in tolerance and harmony. Hindus and Buddhists from all over the world come to pay their respects to the temples of Nepal. The thousands of temples, stupas, pagodas and monuments inside the valley have made Kathmandu famous in the world as the City of Temples. The magnificent medieval temples and shrines of Nepal are basically distinguished based on following intriguing and unique styles:
Pagoda
The Pagoda pattern of monuments and buildings are styled several layers roof with broad space of carved wood struts. The roof of this style of building typically crowned by triangular spires surrounding and lattice windows are used which gives look in outermost real bell shape. The several storied pagoda style historical remaining of Nepal are almost constructed during Malla Dynasty period which is impressively represents Nepalese an authentic fine artistic architectural design of nation. The most popular sites to observe these pagoda patterns are Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar Square area, Taleju temple of Basantapur, Kashthamandap and temples of around, Patan Durbar Square area, Kumbheswor temple, and many temple of around, Bhaktapur Durbar Square area, popular Nyatapola temple and Datatraya temple, others Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan temples.
Stupa
The Stupa pattern of monuments and buildings are styled mainly hemispherical round shape in bottom and segmented part to part round up to top and decorated with images pattern of different sects of Buddhism atop. The main base of ground is always in mandala shaped of every Buddhist stupas and pair of big eyes in square of main body which can be observed from all side easily. There are also several monasteries where monks and nuns are practically educated about Buddhism and all the monasteries inside are panted very authentic style of arts which based on Buddhism philosophy. Nepal’s most popular sites to see stupas are Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath and many other stupas or Chhortens of Kathmandu valley.
Shikhar
The Shikhar Pattern of architectural temple is very common monuments of Hindu shrine. In Nepal this type of patterned construction can be seen at Patan Durbar Square area which is known as famous Krishna temple as well some are at Pashupatinath temple area and some Hindu temples of Kathmandu valley. The Shikhar Pattern of architectural temples are consists of five to nine vertical sections forming a high pyramidal or curvilinear tower like structure and atop decorated by beautiful gajur.
