Description of the attraction
Kastamandap, which means “Shelter in a tree” in Nepali, is now one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal. This three-tiered pagoda was previously used as a haven for merchants and travelers who traveled from Tibet to India. Such small hotels were not uncommon in the Kathmandu Valley. Wandering people spent the whole winter here, waiting for spring and melting snow on dangerous mountain passes. Later, in the second half of the XIV century, in Kastamandap, at the request of the king from the Shah dynasty, a shrine was installed - a statue of the guru Gorakhnat. The shelter has turned into a temple visited by thousands of pilgrims. They are primarily attracted by another local attraction - the footprints of the guru Gorakhnat, who lived as a hermit.
For a long time it was believed that Kastamandap was built in the XII century. But recent archaeological research has shown that this structure probably dates from the 7th century.
It is believed that the Kastamandap temple was made from a solid trunk of the sal tree, which is characterized by increased strength and resistance to environmental influences. The sal tree is sacred to Hindus, as they believe that it was under it that the Buddha was born. Residents of Kathmandu believe that the tree from which Kastamandap was later built was grown by guru Gorakhnat.
The mistake of the ancient builders of Kastamandapa has also recently been discovered. The pagoda was supposed to be supported by four pillars, one of which, probably due to negligence, was not installed. Therefore, the temple was seriously damaged by the earthquake that occurred on April 25, 2015. Now Kastamandap has been restored and opened to believers and tourists. No photography is allowed inside.
