The story of Kirtipur

Kirtipur

It is a small town, eight kilometers southwest of Kathmandu on the top of a hill; Tribhuvan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples, old houses, the people typically dressed in old traditional customs, people working on ancient loom etc.

 (pop. 35,000) is situated on a ridge 6 km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav are major sights here. Kirtipur offers quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple squares. The people are known for their skill in building and weaving.

Perched on twin hillocks and clinging to a saddle about 5 km south west of Kathmandu lies the village of Kirtipur. A long flight of steps leads up to Kirtipur from the valley floor and a motorable road goes part way up the hill. Steep paths link brick houses built on terraces. The villagers dressed in traditional costume work on ancient looms. The people are well known for their strength and valour. Many historical battles were fought and won by the inhabitants of Kirtipur.


Kirtipur

Among the old kingdoms of the valley, Kirtipur is the least talked about although the invading Gorkha army thought it important enough to capture first in 1766. After the invasion, it was named Naskatipur 'City of cut noses' as it is said the Shah king decreed that the noses of all male adults be cut off. This was revenge for the killing of the king's best and favourite general named Kalu Panday. The town sits on a hill overlooking Kathmandu city and is 5 km away towards the south- west. The Bagmati river flows by the approach road to the town and the Tribhuwan University lies on the way up. The Himalayas can be seen in the distance between Kathmandu's surrounding hills.

Most of the inhabitants are either farmers or weavers. The Kirtipur Cottage Industry is flourishing and people can be seen working on their handlooms. The tiny city was once walled in and traces of this wall can still be seen. There are many interesting temples around the town. One of them is the Buddhist vihara known as Chilanchu Vihar. There are other monasteries surrounding it. Shrines of interest are the three- tiered Uma Maheshwar temple, with the standing Shiva and Parvati. The Bagh Bhairav temple is well known for the swords and shields that once belonged to the defenders of the city. They can be seen hanging on the walls.

There are many buses plying the Kathmandu-Kirtipur route but some go only up to the Tribhuwan University. The buses take the Dakshinkali road but about 1km from the ring road they turn right towards Kirtipur. Thereafter, it is an uphill ride.