Quick Facts
- Location: Panauti, Kavrepalanchok District
- Altitude: 1503.92 meters (4934.12 feet) above sea level
- Best time to visit: July-October
Panauti, a municipality located 32 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, Nepal, is a captivating town with a rich historical and cultural heritage. This ancient city, one of the oldest in Nepal, is adorned with remarkable architecture, intricate stone carvings, and traditional Newari charm. Nestled at the confluence of the rivers Rosi and Punyamata, Panauti holds a sacred significance and is considered a holy site. Its well-preserved streets, pagoda-roofed temples, monasteries, and impressive artworks offer visitors a glimpse into its splendid past. With its UNESCO tentative site status and ongoing efforts for conservation, Panauti is a captivating destination that enthralls its timeless beauty and cultural treasures.
History
- The Malla and Deva dynasties ruled Panauti in the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Panauti is listed as a UNESCO tentative site and a “Protected Monument Zone” since 1996, attracting attention for its preservation efforts and artifacts.
- During the Lichchhavi period, Panauti had remarkable stone carvings.
Main Attractions of Panauti
- Indreshwar Mahadev Temple: The Indreshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the most prominent religious sites in Panauti. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the oldest surviving wooden temple in Nepal. The temple features intricate wood carvings and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
- Brahmayani Temple: Dating back to the 17th century, the three-tiered Brahmayani Temple is another significant religious site in Panauti. It was built to honor Brahmayani, the chief goddess of the village. The temple is set in a vast courtyard adorned with statues and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
- Panauti Museum: The Panauti Museum is located within the premises of the Indreshwor Temple Compound. It houses a collection of artifacts and historical items found during archaeological excavations in Panauti. The museum provides insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of the town.
- Ancient Water Fountains: Panauti is known for its ancient water fountains, which are intricately carved and add to the town’s aesthetic appeal. These fountains served as a source of water for the local community in the past and are still admired for their architectural beauty.
- Traditional Buildings and Streets: Walking through the old part of Panauti is like stepping back in time. The town features brick-paved streets, narrow lanes, and traditional buildings that reflect the Newari architectural style. The intricate wood and stone carvings on these structures showcase the artistic skills of the local community.
- Monasteries and Stupas: Panauti is home to several monasteries and stupas, representing its Buddhist heritage. These religious sites offer a peaceful ambiance and are frequented by both locals and visitors seeking spiritual solace.
- Cultural Festivals: Panauti is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, such as the Jya Punhi (Panauti Jatra) celebrated during Jyeshtha Sukla Purnima. During this festival, the inhabitants of Panauti pay homage to their protecting deities through various rituals and processions. It is a great opportunity to experience the rich cultural traditions of the town.
Exploring Panauti
- The town has been well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with minimal changes over the centuries. Taking a self-guided heritage walk is one of the best ways to explore Panauti. After a 10-minute walk, visitors reach Tribeni, an area featuring tall pagoda temples.
- The initial destination on the heritage walk is the Brahmayani temple, which is a three-roofed temple honoring the Brahmayani goddess. Near the Brahmani temple, the Tribeni Ghats can be found. These ghats house shrines and temples devoted to Shiva, with separate cremation sites for Hindus and Newaris. The Tribeni Ghats offer a visual spectacle of the confluence of the Punyamati and Roshi rivers, as well as the mystical Padmavati River. The Indreshwar temple complex at Panauti also has a museum exhibiting historical artifacts from Panauti’s past.
- Continuing the heritage walk, we can find the Santaka temple which is a small temple compound dedicated to the goddess Santaka. The Indreshwar temple complex, located at Panauti’s center, includes the three-story Indreshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other notable sites along the heritage walk include the Tola Narayan Temple, Satya Narayan Shrine, Unmatta Bhairav Temple, and the Pashupatinath Temple.
Entry Fees:
There is no entrance fee to visit Panauti.
How to get there
- By Bus: Direct buses to Panauti depart from the Ratna Bus Park Area in Kathmandu city every 15 minutes. It takes almost 1.5 hours.
- By Motorcycle: You can take a motorbike from Kathmandu to Panauti.
- By private car or jeep.
Image source: Google
