Kasthamandap | Kathmandu

Information

Landmark: Kasthamandap
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Kasthamandap, Kathmandu, Nepal, Asia

Kasthamandap, or "Maru Satta," is a massive three-story wooden pavilion in Kathmandu-durbar-square_kathmandu" class="underline">Kathmandu Durbar Square. Historically the oldest and largest traditional building in the valley, it is the eponymous structure from which the city of Kathmandu (Kasth- "wood," Mandap- "pavilion") derives its name.

Visual Characteristics

The landmark is a square-based pagoda structure built entirely of timber, brick, and tile. It stands 16.3 meters tall on a plinth measuring 18.73 meters per side. The architecture features open-plan halls on each floor supported by massive wooden pillars. It is constructed without a single metal nail, utilizing traditional interlocking joinery. The central ground floor houses a shrine dedicated to the ascetic Gorakhnath, surrounded by four smaller Ganesha statues.

Location & Access Logistics

Located in the Maru neighborhood at the southwest edge of Kathmandu Durbar Square (27.7040° N, 85.3058° E). It is a 1.2-kilometer walk south from Thamel through the traditional markets of Jyatha and Asan. Public entry is free, though the surrounding Durbar Square heritage zone requires a separate ticket for international tourists. The building is open 24 hours as a public space, though religious activities are most prominent during daylight hours.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Carbon dating and OSL testing conducted after the 2015 earthquake confirmed the foundation dates back to the 7th century (Licchavi period), significantly older than the previously estimated 12th-century origin. Legend states the entire structure was built from the timber of a single Sal tree (Shorea robusta). The building completely collapsed during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake and was meticulously reconstructed by a community-led committee using original techniques and traditional materials, reopening to the public in 2021/2022.

Key Highlights & Activities

Communal Rest House: Unlike a typical temple, it functions as a Sattal (public shelter). It serves as a meeting place for locals, pilgrims, and travelers.

Gorakhnath Shrine: A central site for followers of the Nath sect; the footprint of the ascetic Gorakhnath is a major point of veneration.

Chariot Processions: During the Indra Jatra festival, it serves as a primary staging ground for the chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari.

Architectural Detail: Observation of the massive "ship-mast" pillars and intricately carved roof struts that support the multi-tiered eaves.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The interior is an open, paved hall with no formal seating. The surrounding Maru Tole is one of the busiest local commercial hubs, offering numerous traditional tea shops, pharmacies, and street food stalls (notably Maru Ganesh sweets). 4G/5G cellular signals are robust. There are no public restrooms within the pavilion itself; facilities are located in the broader Durbar Square complex.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (06:00–08:00) is ideal for observing the daily rituals and the quietest atmosphere. For architectural photography, late afternoon provides warm side-lighting through the open wooden frames. The site is a focal point during the Indra Jatra (September) and Panchadaan festivals.

Facts & Legends

The most persistent legend involves the tree god Kalpavriksha, who visited Kathmandu in human form. A Tantric priest recognized and captured him, releasing him only after he promised to provide a tree large enough to build the pavilion. The leftover timber was reportedly used to build the nearby Silyan Sattal and Sikhamu Baha. A unique historical detail is the nine-celled Mandala discovered in the foundation during post-earthquake excavations, matching ancient oral histories preserved by local Buddhist priests.