Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex in Nepal, Museums

Upon entering the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex you will be greeted by a statue of Hanuman which was erected in 1672. He acts as the guardian of the palace and visitors assist in keeping his face painted red. Lord Narasimha can also be seen near the entrance and is a fascinating sight. The statue, which depicts Narasimha as half lion and half man, is defeating Hiranyakasipu, a known demon. It makes you wonder, “what is waiting up ahead?”

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, or Durbar
Square
, was once home to the kings of Nepal. The last Royal Family left the complex in the year 1886. The Royal Families would, in the future, be housed in the Narayan Hitti Palace. But the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex continued to play a significant role in ceremonies and especially in coronations. Here, in the Durbar Square, visitors will be able to visit a variety of temples and three different museums.

Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is a place where culture, heritage and history come together. The temples that are located in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex include the legendary Taleju Temple, which was constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries. In ancient times it was the throne of all the Malla Kings of Kathmandu. Of course the Hanuman Dhoka Palace can also be viewed, and one of the main attractions continues to be the Temple of Kumari. It is a breathtaking building, complete with balconies and beautifully carved windows. Visitors will be able to photograph the Living Goddess-Kumari as she waves at passersby from her window.

Museum enthusiasts will be astonished at the wonderful exhibits that await behind the doors of the Tribhuvian Museum and the Numismatic Museum, both of which are situated in the Hanumandhoka Palace Complex. The Sundari Chowk and Mohan Chowk make up the most historical wings of the palace building; unfortunately this section is not open to the public. Visitors are therefore advised to visit the eastern wing, which was also constructed during the 16th century, and boasts no less than ten courtyards.

The temples, museums, courtyards and historical statues are the attractions to the Hanumandhoka Palace Complex, but it is the architectural wonders, historical importance and fascination with the past that keeps visitors enthralled for hours. It is a combination of royalty, nobility, religion and belief. This is where the past greets the present and instills in all the importance of history, tradition and culture.

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