Chilancho Stupa

The Chilancho Stupa was built in 1514 CE by Mahapatra Jagatal Varma. Most of the religious symbol resemble the Swayambhu stupa as Buddhist monuments but it has its own unique architectural features. Group of Newari women sang a religious song BAJAN in the morning. The stupa is surrounded by old newari houses and monastery.

After having some wonderful time in Chilacho stupa, we forward to Lohan Dega through the west gate and follow the route down and then right side reached Lohan Dega on 5 mins.

Lohan Dega

Lohan Dega is a Shikhara style temple associated with a Buddhist deity but worshiped by both Buddhist and Hindu devotees. The temple dates back to 1663 CE.

We took the alley towards west side of the temple and continuous walk lead to Dev Pukkar. On a midway, divert to right side to have a quick look to two giant Buddha’s statues in a standing position.

Dev Pukkar

There is a beautiful pond surrounded by a busy stall held by local markets of vegetables and clothes. To the north side is Narayan temple with inside statues of Lord Vishnu.

Back of the Naryan temple is a courtyard of Bagh Bhairab temple with two different gates.

Bagh Bhairab Temple

Entering the main gate shows large courtyard with many small temple of different God and Goddesses. To the end of the road starting from the door is a giant three storeys rectangular base temple of Bag Bhairav. The temple has a wonderful wood and metal craft of Hindu deities. Non- Nepalese’s are not allowed inside the main temple sanctum where there is the statue of Bagh Bhairab (facing part of the mythical tiger). The weapons collected from the war during the 18th century are hanged outside the third floor of the temple. The view of Kathmandu valley from the back of the main temple is an awesome. We had spent most of our time here as there were lots to see.

Uma Maheshwar Temple

Leaving the Bagh Bhairab temple and turning to the right lead us to the Uma Maheshwar Temple. On a way there is a Kritipur Durbar Squre but don’t expect as the Durbar Square of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. There used to be one time but right now we saw only local houses with Ganesh temple to one side of the Square. From the Ganesh chaitya take right and then to the left from where there is a straight staircases directly to the Uma Maheshwar Temple.

This temple was initially built in 1663 CE but frequent renovation was done due to natural calamities. The temple is spotted on the highest point of Kritipur hill from where it serves a great viewpoint of Kathmandu valley and neighboring valley which falls to back. Uma Maheshwar is a three storeys temple built on a square base. Four different deities to four directions with a good place to rest after climbing up to 50 meter stairs. The temple is decorated with beautiful wooden struts and pillars.

Shri Kirti Vihar

Before taking leave from Kritipur, there is a beautiful monastery named Shri Kirti Vihar built with Thai style. This vihar lies to the right side of the road when you are initially about to reach Nayabazar. It was built in 1975 CE for the Buddhist school of Theravada. 

Conclusion

Kritipur town sightseeing is half day tour. If you want to extent your trip or you have enough time then you can also visit Chobar Danda and the Manjushree Park which are not far away from Kritipur. If you are already exhausted and want to spend time more for relax then we suggest you to try Newari traditional dish, a full palete of varities which makes everyone drool.