Draft:Itum bahal

= = Itumbahal is a historic and culturally significant locality located in the heart of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Situated in the ancient core of the Kathmandu Valley, Itumbahal is renowned for its rich heritage, religious significance, and architectural beauties.

Itumbahal is home to a multitude of temples, shrines, and historical structures that showcase the rich cultural and religious tapestry of Nepal. The neighborhood is particularly known for its pagoda-style temples, intricately carved wooden windows, and traditional Newari homes. These architectural gems provide a glimpse into the craftsmanship and artistic skills of the Newar community, which has resided in the Kathmandu Valley for generations.

Throughout its long history, Itumbahal has been a hub for cultural and religious activities, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. The presence of revered temples and mahavihara, such as the Shree Bhaskardeva Samskarita Keshchandra Krit Paravart Mahavihara and the Taranani Temple, adds to the spiritual allure of the area.

Location:
Itumbahal is strategically located in the heart of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. This ancient neighborhood is nestled within the historical core of the Kathmandu Valley, a region renowned for its cultural and architectural significance. Its central location provides easy access to a plethora of Kathmandu's iconic landmarks and offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich heritage.

Situated in close proximity to the bustling Kathmandu Durbar Square, Itumbahal is an ideal starting point for an exploration of the city's historic sites. The location is easily accessible from many parts of Kathmandu, making it a convenient hub for both tourists and locals. Surrounded by a network of narrow alleyways and traditional Newar-style buildings, Itumbahal exudes a distinct charm that transports visitors back in time, providing an immersive experience in the heart of the city.

The location of this Bahal can be found by following the link provided below:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Itum+Bahal,+Kathmandu+44600/@27.7069933,85.3032039,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sgallimap!3m5!1s0x39eb18f8ce929e29:0xc32a6bc15782550e!8m2!3d27.7070142!4d85.3079669!16s%2Fg%2F12vrc98jk?entry=ttu

Written Documents:
According to Daniel Wright, Itumbahal must have been established around NS. 200 (1080 AD.). The Swoyambhu Purana gives an evidence of king Bhaskarvarma, who ruled around 11th century, and with his name vihara was constructed by Keshchandra In Gopalraj vansawali, it was mentioned that a stranger from Patan came to Kathmandu to open the fort gate of Yatum Vihara (Itumbahal) in the year NS. 361(1241 AD).

The earliest dated inscription yet found in Itumbahal is of NS. 502 (1382 AD). It has been mentioned that during the time of King Jayasthiti Malla a high ranking court official ‘Madan Ram Vardan’ and his wife established the figure of Dipankara and constructed the shrine of Arya Tara.

The earliest written document with the mention of Itumbahal is found in Gopalraj Vansawali, where it has been mentioned that “during Sambat 361, (1241 A.D.) a gentlemen from Patan named Kirti Bharo came to Kathmandu and opened the fort gate of ‘Yatum Vihara’”. The mention of Yatum Vihara with dates NS. 361 give us an evidence of probability of existence of Itumbahal at least 200 years before NS. 361.

According to unpublished document of late Thayapa Moti Kaji  Shakya, written in 2052 BS, Itumbahal is famous as ‘Subarna Maha Vihar’ with golden roofs and pinnacles; later Keshchandra, repaired it and re-named it as ‘Keshchandra Krita Parawarta Maha Vihar’.

According to Mary Slusser, who has seen the scroll painting (Bilanpau) of Itumbahal, wrote in her book, that it bears a clear dates of V.S. 1280 (A.D. 1233, NS 353) as a foundation dates of Itumbahal.

Another written evidence with the full Sanskrit name of Itumbahal as a Bhaskar Deva Sanskarita Keshchandra Mahavihar has been found at the end of a manuscript Pragyaparmita dated NS. 478; (1358 A.D). In this manuscripts it has been mentioned that on the auspicious 10th day of Bhadra Suklapaksya NS. 478 a Sakya Bharu Buddhacharya Sri Rajbramha of Bhaskardeva Keshchandra Mahavihara had concluded the celebration of Lakshyabhagwati.

In the colophons of many religious text books, written in late medieval period, also mention the full Sanskrit name of Itumbahal. It proves that religious teachings and rituals were carried out in the Itumbahal during medieval days.

The earliest dated inscription yet found in Itumbahal is of NS. 502, 1382 A.D. This inscription is a significant source of evidence in studying the socio-political and religious situation of medieval Nepal. It highlights about the donations of Dipankar figures to the Vihara and establishment of Arya Tara shrine by Jayatra Laxmi wife of Madanram Vardan in the Itumbahal complex.