Kirtipur Municipality

Historical
Importance

The word Chilancho is formed from two Newah words: Chilan means eternal and Cho means Hill top. Therefore, Chilancho Stupa literally means the eternal stupa located on the top of the hill. The overall complex is a Buddhist Monastery complex which is locally known as Chilancho Baha:. But, it is known as Jagatpal Maha Vihar in historical records whereas people of Patan and Kathmandu call it as Kyapu Baha;.

Archaeologists believe the Chaityas here are different than other places and thus hold greater importance from archaeological point of view. Cultural Activities Regular worshipping.

On day of Buddha Purnima, Jatra procession is conducted from here. Ashwin Purnima is celebrated. Likewise, other rituals like 'Ihi' ceremony and 'Bratabandha' (Ketapuja) are also conducted here. Moreover, occasional cultural events like Mha Puja, exhibition etc. are also conducted due to plenty of open space available.

Cultural Activities

Daily Puja, Occasional pujas for health, prosperity and keeping away evil spirits

Architectural
Characteristics

On one hand, the individual chaityas are unique and artistic and on the other hand, the overall Chilancho complex, composed of number of chaityas and chibas on a large square platform further enhance the grandness of the monument and quality of space. The main chaityas expresses traditional Buddhist chaitya architecture of Kathmandu valley.

The chaitya sits on a raised brick platform. Above the platform, the base of stupa is constructed with brick walls in stepped form. This brick wall volume further consists of small miniature stone temples, at mid portion and corners. These temples contrast to overall brick structure thus creating an architectural interest.

The topmost portion of the chaitya is a domical stupa form just like Swoyambhu. As such, there is a domical base on top of which cuboid with symbolic eyes Hermica is provided. Above this, is a tapered circular volume composed of thirteen layers symbolically known as rayodashabhuvana.

The whole topmost portion is colorful with white dome and yellow color in remaining structure. In this way, the chaityas of Chilancho exhibit the extraordinary combination of materials in contrasting harmony, where topmost volume is colored and base structure has raw expression of bricks and stones.

The central chaitya is larger in size and has comparative grandness in artistic details. Other chaityas similar to central one are located next to central chaitya at four corners and these are smaller in size but equally beautiful.

Amidst these chaityas are other smaller chibas, chaityas, bells, Mandalas and monuments. Smaller chaityas too have different forms and material which further add diversity to the character of space.

The square platform is paved with brick and the complex is surrounded with residential blocks which are situated few meters below the Chilancho stupa platform. Being located on the top of the hill, surrounded by residential blocks as an enclosed quiet courtyard and composed of beautiful chaityas, Chilancho complex radiates serene quality with spiritual energy.