Chusya Bahal

Chusya Bahal, Kathmandu is the finest example of the Bahal architecture. The entrance of the place is flanked by two magnificent lions. There is also a Buddhist deity, Prajnaparamita which is portrayed at the top of the beautiful torana. The visit to Kathmandu will not be complete if the travelers do not visit this place.

Chusya Bahal was completed in 1649 to house an image of Harihara Lokesvara in Kathmandu. The Nepali term bahal (Newari: baha) refers to a typically two- storey building of Buddhist use with its floors divided into many rooms that open into a central court. From the street a bahal looks fairly plain, its small window openings giving it an almost defensive appearance. But its main entrance is normally marked by a very ornate toran(that of Chusya Bahal, lacking its original paint, is dated Nepal Samvat 793 or 1673 A.D. The vihar of Chusya bahal in Kathmandu is among the oldes and best preserved Buddhist Monastery buildings in Nepal, dated by inscription to Nepal Sambat 783 (1662 A.D) and the reign of Pratap Malla.

The ground level of the buildings, all open to the court. There is a Mahakala shrine on the right hand side. There is also a Ganesha shrine. In the sunken court the visitors will come across traditional brick paving, which has been nicely preserved.

The temple which is facing the entrance has got two storey. The top of the temple has got a very simple finial. The most note worthy aspect of the entire structure is the magnificent roof struts that belong to the 14th century. The deities depicted are also named here. Inside the court one will come across two votive stupas. One of them has got the statue of Vajrasattva and the other one has got the image of Tara. On either side the visitors will find the two donors standing.

There are many open halls in the ground floor. At present these halls are used as a school. Presently the people are trying had to save this beautiful jewel of Malla architecture. Something should be done very fast so that this dilapidated but magnificent building can be saved from destruction.

The location The Chusya Bahal in Kathmandu can be reached comfortably by the tourists. The visitors must come to this place, while in Kathmandu. They will surely be captivated and enthralled by its beauty. The visit to the Chusya Bahal will definitely be remembered by all the tourists for a very long time.