Nepal Heritage Documentation Project

19/03/2026

Step into the living heritage of Nepal with the NHDP Touch Screen at Patan Museum, located in Keshav Narayan Chowk (just to the right as you enter).

This isn’t just a map—it’s an interactive gateway to explore monuments, neighborhood walks, and vibrant procession routes that weave together sacred sites across the Kathmandu Valley and beyond. Discover how these spaces are not only historic landmarks, but also active centers of ritual life that keep traditions alive.

Developed by the Nepal Heritage Documentation Project (NHDP), the touch screen blends visual mapping with clear, engaging insights to help you experience heritage in a deeper, more meaningful way. Follow curated walking routes, trace traditional processions, and uncover the stories behind each monument.

Want to explore further? Dive into DANAM https://danam.cats.uni-heidelberg.de/danam/, the free and open Database of NHDP, and continue your journey beyond the museum.

01/10/2025

We are delighted to announce the opening of the exhibition “Buṅgadyaḥ: The Rain-Making God” at the CATS Library, starting today!
Held during , the exhibition is hosted by the University Library Heidelberg (CATS branch) and focuses on the Buṅgadyaḥ (Rāto Matsyendranātha) procession in Patan—one of Nepal’s most significant festivals.

Drawing on rich documentation from NHDP, including maps, photographs, films, and materials from heritage walks, the exhibition also features contributions by Bruce Owens. A short film produced by the NHDP team will be made available as open access following the exhibition.

🗓️ Exhibition Duration: Until October 31, 2025
📍 Location: CATS Library, University of Heidelberg
🕘 Opening Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 PM – 08:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

We warmly invite you to visit during regular library hours.

22/09/2025

Invitation
You are warmly invited to the exhibition

“Bungadyah (Rato Matsyendranath): The Rain-Making God”

Join us for a captivating presentation of what is, possibly, the longest-held and largest procession of South Asia.

06/05/2025

Check out the Monument of the Month May 2025
(DANAM ID: )

The Jitāpura Gaṃcā, a north-facing, tile-roofed maṇḍapa central to Khokanā’s famed Rudrāyaṇī (Sikālī) Procession, stands as a key cultural landmark believed to have lent its name -‘Jitāpura’- to the Sanskrit designation of the village. Originally constructed in 1758 CE by 38 individuals from three guṭhīs led by Siddhisiṃha Bhāvo, the structure was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake but has since been reconstructed. Funded by Chinīmayā Maharjan in memory of her late husband and parents, the NPR 700,000 restoration preserved the maṇḍapa's distinctive features, including its jhiṅgaṭī roof, carved struts, and stone maṇdaḥpāḥ. Jitāpura Gaṃcā continues to serve as a sacred resting place for the goddess Rudrāyaṇī during her biannual processions, reinforcing its role in the spiritual life of Khokanā. For more details on this monument and others, please refer to the DANAM database. (DANAM ID: KHO0030)
https://danam.cats.uni-heidelberg.de/report/57c22b4c-559d-43bf-b9c6-417f669f4127

23/04/2025

Check out the Monument of the Month April 2025

The Vanakālī Hiti, a historical water structure with a single spout, is no longer in use. Located south of the Paśupatinātha Mandira, it is situated within a walled depression (hitigāḥ) facing east. The site includes a Lichhavi caitya, a śivaliṅga, and a broken statue, possibly of Sūrya. A tablet inscription, with physical styles resembling those of the late medieval period, is eroded, making its contents unclear. Once used by pilgrims to drink water, the Hiti has remained dry for decades, with only occasional water during the rainy season. Renovated by the Pashupati Area Development Trust in 2002, the Hiti is a notable example of water architecture in the Kathmandu Valley. For more details on this monument and others, please refer to the DANAM database. (DANAM ID: PPK2110)

https://danam.cats.uni-heidelberg.de/report/30b498c3-8028-4164-9ece-8021b30e5504

23/04/2025

Check out the Monument of the Month March 2025

The Jaḥdhuṃ Water Tank, built in 1657 CE (NS 777) by Kāśī Bhāro, Gaṃgārāma Bhāro, and Śiva Bhāro, is located on the road from Cāpāgāũ to Bulu in Pāulī Ṭola. Once serving pilgrims, travelers, and farmers, the tank features three stone ceremonial mirrors (jvalānhāykaṃ) and a statue of Bhagīratha. Despite its historical significance, it is now in disrepair and unused. The inscription mentions the brothers' contribution but lacks any reference to a maintenance trust. Although it was repaired during the 1980s, the tank is currently neglected, with no religious or cultural activities linked to it. The water architecture of the Kathmandu Valley, which dates back to the Licchavi period, can still be observed in areas like this one. For more details on this monument and others, please refer to the DANAM database. (DANAM ID: CHG0051)
https://danam.cats.uni-heidelberg.de/report/0e0d6bae-91ea-4569-a1d2-9ee98affedaf

23/04/2025

Check out the Monument of the Month February 2025:

The Viśvakarmā Temple in Kathmandu's Jyāthā Ṭola is an interesting example of transculturalism, where religious practices and iconography intersect. While the temple is named after Viśvakarmā, the divine architect, the main deity enshrined is a stone statue of Gaṇeśa, the elephant-headed god associated with wisdom and the removal of obstacles. The temple holds particular significance for the Prajāpati community of Jyāthā, who consider Gaṇeśa their lineage deity. The temple hosts an annual pañcadāna ceremony on the 13th of the dark fortnight of Bhādra, during which alms are given as part of the community's religious observances. Architecturally, the temple is modest, featuring a brass roof and metal flags, with a brass torana above the entrance depicting a flying Garuḍa. The juxtaposition of the name Viśvakarmā and the deity Gaṇeśa within this temple reflects the fluid nature of religious practices in Kathmandu, illustrating the complex relationships between deities, communities, and cultural traditions. . For more details on this monument and others, please refer to the DANAM database. (DANAM ID: KAT0230)
https://danam.cats.uni-heidelberg.de/6062559b-34bf-46df-b7a9-d95603f668ba/vi%C5%9Bvakarm%C4%81-temple-at-jay%C4%81th%C4%81-%E1%B9%ADola-kathmandu/

25/02/2025

Please join us, See you today.

17/02/2025

Check out the Monument of the Month January 2025:

Hastikeśvara Mandira at Nuwakot

Situated atop a hillock in Tārukā, Nuwakot, the Hastikeśvara Mandira is a dome-style stone temple with a square sanctum. To the south of the temple lies a rest house (pāṭī), and to the north is the Kālikā shrine. The west-facing temple boasts an ornate stone toraṇa (archway) with Chepu, a mythical water creature, prominently displayed at its center. Inside the temple, a stone śivaliṅga, venerated as Hastikeśvara Mahādeva, serves as the main deity. The temple was constructed in 1829 CE by military commander Jāiphala Adhikārī, in honor of his mother, Hastikā, who had served as the wet nurse to King Gīrvāṇayuddha. As a token of gratitude, the king granted her 15 ropanīs of land in 1810 CE. Jāiphala, also known as Jāiphara, was responsible for the construction of several religious sites, including the Jāiphala Pāṭī in Nuwakot and the Jayarudreśvara Mandira in Kathmandu. The temple sustained severe damage during the 2015 earthquakes but was fully rebuilt by 2023 CE. Historically, Jāiphala had endowed land to support the temple's rituals, which were originally performed by Nepāla Brahmins but are now overseen by Rimāla Brahmins. Unfortunately, many of these rituals have declined due to unpaid tenant rents after the 2015 earthquakes, and traditional music at the temple has ceased. However, the Kālikā shrine still hosts a he-goat sacrifice during Dasaĩ and Caite Dasaĩ. For more details on this monument and others, please refer to the DANAM database. (DANAM ID: NWK0530)
https://danam.cats.uni-heidelberg.de/report/ee74a9e1-343b-4285-9752-5fcc12969625

05/12/2024

05/12/2024

Book Discussion │ Homicide Law in 19th-Century Nepal: A Study of the Muluki Ains and Legal Documents Martin Chautari Khatiwoda Rajan

Jointly organized with Vajra Booksand South Asia Institute Kathmandu Branch Office of Heidelberg UniversityBook Discussion onHomicide Law in 19th-Century Nep...

30/11/2024

🎙️ New Podcast Alert! Watch Full Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/
📚 The Mulukī Ain of 1854 – Nepal’s First Legal Code by Rajan Khatiwoda, Simon Cubelic, and Axel Michaels.

This groundbreaking work offers the first complete translation and in-depth study of Nepal’s first comprehensive legal code. The Mulukī Ain provides a rare glimpse into the socio-political fabric of 18th and 19th century Nepal and South Asia. Long referenced but seldom deeply explored, this study reveals its constitutional significance like never before.
Khatiwoda Rajan and Sushant Pradhan

Dive into the fascinating history of Nepal’s legal system with Rajan Khatiwoda as we explore the Muluki Ain, Nepal’s first unified legal code established by ...