Rudravarna Mahavihar or Uku Bahal - An ancient monastery in Patan, Nepal
Last updated: 26
Aug
2022

Newari Bahals – social norms & lifestyle

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Bahals (Nepal Bhasa:बहाः) are courtyard generally constructed by Newari families and their descendants reside in it for generations. Hence, it is not just a unit of residence but also a unit of kinship.

The Guthis of Newars have their basis on Bahals. They play an enormous role in maintaining the norms of Newari society and lifestyle.

The characteristics of a Baha are:

  • A square or rectangular space bounded by buildings in all sides
  • Surrounding buildings built on a raised platform called Falcha
  • Ground paved with brick or stone
  • Generally centrally placed Chaitya
  • Often presence of a well
  • The building opposite to the main entrance generally houses a Guthi with idols of deities in the ground floor

Nagbahal

is located in the heart of the city of Lalitpur in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Nagbahal was originally a Buddhist monastery, but the original buildings are now gone. What is left is a large courtyard. In spite of that, this bahal still retains its religious and cultural significance.

Vidhyeshvari Vajra Yogini Temple

The – also known as the Bijeśvarī Vajrayoginī, Bidjeshwori Bajra Jogini, Bijayaswar, Bidjeswori, or Visyasvari Temple – is a Newar Buddhist temple in the Kathmandu valley dedicated to the Vajrayāna Buddhist deity Vajrayoginī in her form as Akash Yogini. The temple stands on the west bank of the Bishnumati river next to the ancient religious site of the Ramadoli (Karnadip) cremation ground and is on the main path from Swayambhunath stupa to Kathmandu.

Jana bahal

, often called Janabahaa: and also called Machindra Bahal and less frequently Kanak Chaitya Mahavihar, is one of the few Bahal which have fully fledged storied temple standing in the middle of a court. The main deity residing in the temple is the Seto Machindranath also known as Janabaha Dyo, Aryavalokitesvara, Karunamaya.

Te Bahal

is the largest bahal in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is home to the deity Sankata, worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Comments

  1. Complementary list of Bahals:

    – Bhagwan Baha Thabahi (Thamel Tole)
    – Makhan baha
    – Sabal Baha
    – Tacchya Baha
    – Te Baha
    – Mu Baha
    – Musya Baha
    – Nagbaha
    – Kwa Baha
    – Itum baha
    – Jana Baha (Machhendra baha)
    – Om Baha
    – Iku Baha
    – Kunsha Baha (Kohsha Baha)
    – Tukabaha
    – Okubaha
    – Na Baha

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