Indra Chowk and Akash Bhairab Temple, Kathmandu
Indra Chowk is a lively market square in Kathmandu. It houses colorful shops and stalls that sell a variety of wares. Visitors will see spices, textiles, beads, jewelry, ornaments, and produce. Street food stands serve traditional Nepali foods. The square is named after Indra, lord of heaven in Hindu mythology.
There are two primary temples in Indra Chowk square. These are the Seto Machindranath Temple and the Akash Bhairab Temple. The Akash Bhairab Temple is guarded by gilded statues that sit atop the entrance on a balcony.
Akash Bhairab Temple is thought to have been the palace of King Yalambar, the first king of Nepal. The head of Akash Bhairab is said to hold the spirit of the king. He is known as the God of the Sky.
The large head of Akash Bhairab is removed during the Yenya Festival each September and blessed by the living goddess Kumari. During the ceremony, a large number of worshippers come to visit the temple. They bring gifts of flowers, money, and food.
There are two primary temples in Indra Chowk square. These are the Seto Machindranath Temple and the Akash Bhairab Temple. The Akash Bhairab Temple is guarded by gilded statues that sit atop the entrance on a balcony.
Akash Bhairab Temple is thought to have been the palace of King Yalambar, the first king of Nepal. The head of Akash Bhairab is said to hold the spirit of the king. He is known as the God of the Sky.
The large head of Akash Bhairab is removed during the Yenya Festival each September and blessed by the living goddess Kumari. During the ceremony, a large number of worshippers come to visit the temple. They bring gifts of flowers, money, and food.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Indra Chowk and Akash Bhairab Temple on Map
Sight Name: Indra Chowk and Akash Bhairab Temple
Sight Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (See walking tours in Kathmandu)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (See walking tours in Kathmandu)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kathmandu, Nepal
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Kathmandu is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
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Ardent shoppers – those keen on street markets in particular – will find Kathmandu a true heaven. In this city, street markets are where you can buy some exotic (and often good-quality) products, such as monk's robes, soft silks, woolen garments, artifacts, and more, at very good prices. The list of bargains is truly endless. Sadly, however, in Kathmandu, you are not allowed to buy... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles