Gorkha Durbar: A Nexus of Nepal's Unification History and Religious Significance

Gorkha. The Gorkha Durbar, intrinsically linked to the glorious history of Nepal's unification, also holds immense religious importance. Gorkha Durbar is a center of tourist attraction due to the faith in the Gorakhkali Temple and its status as the place where Nepal's dignified history began.

Cannons and drums dating back to before 1616 BS, located within the temple premises, further highlight the historical significance here. To convey the history of Prithvi Narayan Shah's era to the latest generations, security personnel equipped with uniforms and weapons used by soldiers during that time have been stationed at the Gorkha Durbar and its premises.

Among the structures within the Gorkha Durbar complex, built during the reign of King Ram Shah, the main palace holds special significance. Including the 'Buingal' (a specific architectural feature), this palace has 4 stories. The third floor of the palace is surrounded by artistic arched windows. Although various structures, including the main palace showcasing excellent examples of wood craftsmanship, were damaged by the 2072 earthquake, reconstruction work has now been completed.

Information about some important rooms in the main palace and some historical structures in the palace complex.

Room where Prithvi Narayan Shah was born: It is believed that Prithvi Narayan Shah was born in the room on the right side of the ground floor of the palace. This room is currently kept closed. The room outside this room is called the Dhuni Kotha (Hearth Room). It is said that after Prithvi Narayan Shah was born, he was warmed in this Dhuni Kotha.

Princess Room (Rajkanya Kotha): After entering through the main entrance of the palace, one reaches the inner door, and to the left of this inner door is a room called Kanya Kotha. In this room, during Bada Dashain, 8 young girls (Kanyas) and 1 young boy (Kumar) are worshipped and fed. Furthermore, from the day of Tika during Bada Dashain until Purnima, objects related to Gorakhkali are kept in this room.

Throne Room (Singhasan Kotha): Directly opposite the Kanya Kotha is the Throne Room. A wooden throne is kept in this room, which is said to be the throne of Prithvi Narayan Shah. This room is enclosed by a latticed wooden railing.

Kaushitosh Kotha: Materials for year-round festivals and worship are stored in this room, and after preparing the worship items, they are sent to the Puja Room.

Storage Room (Bhandar Kotha): Inside the Bhandar Kotha, three rooms are used to store worship materials needed for festivals related to the palace, as well as other utensils and weapons. These stored items are brought out during the festival worships.

Kitchen (Bhancha Kotha): On the second floor of the palace, there is a large, long room without any enclosure, which is called the royal family's kitchen. A stove still exists in this kitchen. Currently, Kanya Puja is performed in this kitchen on the day of Ashtami.

Room East of the Kitchen: Objects related to the worship of Gorakhnath are kept in this room to the east of the kitchen.

Kailash Kotha: On the third floor and in the Buingal of the palace is the main sanctum of the Bhagwati, where the main Bhagwati and objects related to Bhagwati are kept. For one day during Chaitra Dashain and throughout the Navarathri of Bada Dashain, the Bhagwati is brought to the worship room of the Kalika Temple and enshrined. Only inner attendants are allowed entry into this Kailash Kotha; others are prohibited.

Rangmahal: A building has been constructed connecting the Gorkha Durbar and the Kalika Temple, which is called Rangmahal. This Rangmahal is two stories high. On the ground floor of the Rangmahal, two drums are kept, one bearing the inscription of B.S. 1666, which Chhatra Shah offered to Kalika, and a part of a cannon inscribed with the record of B.S. 1771. On the first floor, there is a tradition where the royal families would play music and celebrate in the Rangmahal courtyard, and on the day of Tika during Bada Dashain, after receiving the Tika Prasad, they would play Holi by showering colored water and 'abir' (colored powder) from this spot. The tradition of playing Holi remains intact to this day. The second floor of the Rangmahal is used as an inner route to the main palace and the Kalika Temple, and Kanya Puja and feeding the Kanyas are also performed on this floor.

Gorakhkali Temple: It is a popular belief that the symbol of this goddess, considered an extraordinarily powerful deity, was brought to Gorkha via Kaski and Lamjung. There is a legend that when Dravya Shah acquired the kingdom in Gorkha, he stole that power from Lamjung Durbar. The genealogy records that the attempt to bring that symbol to the worship room of Gorkha Durbar by awakening it in a lamp was successful only on the third attempt. Since the symbol of Gorakhkali is kept in a secret worship room, devotees and pilgrims usually worship at the southern door of the temple section. This temple, famous by the name of Gorakhkali, faces east. Although described as a 4-story temple, it is built in the architectural style of the main palace; it is understood to be a temple because a metal spire is placed on its roof. Various rooms are also located inside the Kalika Temple.

Puja Kotha (Worship Room): East of the Tikapati Kotha, there is another room called the main Puja Kotha. Daily regular worship is performed in this Puja Kotha. During one day of Chaitra Dashain and throughout the nine nights of Bada Dashain, Kalikabhagwati is brought from the Kailash Kotha and enshrined in this Puja Kotha. Only the main Brahmin priest and the Bhirkote and Bhitariya attendants are allowed entry into this Puja Kotha; others are prohibited.

Gorakhnath Temple: A temple has been built in a cave to the east of the Gorkha main palace, known as the Gorakhnath Temple and Cave. The story of Prithvi Narayan Shah is connected to this Gorakhnath Cave. One day, while Prithvi Narayan Shah was sitting by the window, he heard someone calling him. Instead of coming down the stairs, he went directly towards the sound and looked. A jogi (ascetic) called him and asked him to bring yogurt. Prithvi Narayan Shah brought the yogurt and gave it to the jogi. The jogi drank the yogurt, regurgitated it, and asked Prithvi Narayan Shah to hold out his hand to receive it. When Prithvi Narayan Shah hesitated, the jogi dropped it on his feet and blessed him, saying, 'If you had drunk this yogurt, whatever you spoke would have come true, but since it fell on your feet, whatever land you step on will be yours.' A legend exists about this blessing. Daily Gorakshasahasranama chanting and worship are performed by Kanfatta Yogis in the main sanctum of the Gorakhnath Temple, which lies beneath a large stone. Furthermore, during the month of Shrawan for four days, and on the occasions of Shivaratri and Chandi Purnima, these yogis and other sadhus and saints are fed a feast at Gorkha Durbar.

Damai Pati: In front of the southern gate used to enter the palace, there is a small platform called Damai Pati. Musical instruments are played here during the times of worship at the Kalika Temple and Gorakhnath Temple.

Shital Pati: In front of the southern gate used to enter the palace, there is a very attractive house called Shital Pati. This Shital Pati is used as a resting place. General public entry is prohibited here. It is said that members of the then royal family used to rest here before visiting the Kalika Temple. Photos: Prakash Chand Timilsena and Nepal Photo Library