Chiva Chaitya - Respect, Promote, Protect

Celebrating Young Researchers of Kathmandu’s Hitis The Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) proudly concluded its Heritage Research Program for Students – Research on Hitis with a special certificate and prize distribution ceremony. The event was graced by Chief Guest Sunita Dangol , Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Municipality, who expressed her happiness with the work CCO has been doing to preserve and promote heritage. She praised the dedication of the students, noting how such programs contribute to safeguarding Kathmandu’s unique cultural treasures. Another distinguished guest, Padma Sundar Joshi , author of Hiti Pranali – a landmark book on the Hiti system – lauded the research and documentation carried out by the participants. He highlighted the importance of such work in raising awareness of traditional water systems and ensuring their preservation for generations to come. His appreciation reflected the deep connection between expert knowledge and youth involvement in heritage protec...

Some Chivas come with a design where above the four Buddhas (in each cardinal direction) a stone roof appears. Similar roof (called Pākhā) were missing in a Chiva at Bhotahiti, Ward-27, Kathmandu. We thank all our supporters including ward-27 office in Kathmandu. Completed date: 20250614

A Chiva(Chaitya) has developed from simple architecture and iconography to complex formation with 2000 years of development. With development of the philosophy of Buddhism, different deities appeared in the Chivas. One of the prominent deities appearing in the Chivas are four Bodhisatvas in four cardinal directions namely: Manjushri, Padmapani, Avalokiteswor and Maitriya. A chiva at Tamsipakha (Ward-18 of Kathmandu) 3 of the 4 deities were stolen, only one is remaining. Three Manjushri, Padmapani and Maitriya. were carved as per the iconography and placed on the Chiva, giving philosophical completeness to the Chiva at Tamsipakha. Here we can see deities being fitted and also ward officials visiting the restoration works can be seen here. We thank all our supporters and ward office for their continued support in our endeavor in heritage preservation and promotion. Completed: 20250418

Exploring the Living Heritage of Hitis As part of the Heritage Research Program for Students , Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) recently organized a unique learning experience centered on Kathmandu Valley’s historic hiti (stone water spout) system. Following the orientation session, students set out to explore various hiti sites, equipped with knowledge about their history, architecture, and cultural significance. This initiative aimed to inspire young minds to connect with heritage not just as observers, but as active researchers and future custodians. Hands-On Learning in the Field Over several days, students visited a range of hiti sites across the city, from the centuries-old spouts still flowing with water to neglected structures awaiting restoration. They documented each site through photographs, sketches, and interviews with local residents. Their observations covered aspects such as construction materials, traditional water management techniques, and the community’s relation...

  Lagan Baha-Kirti Punya MahaVihar in Kathmandu -21 is one if the most beautiful Vihar courtyards in the valley. The premises holds many beautiful and of different types of Chivas. Some of the Chivas were without the Gaju, the finial, important component of a Chiva. A Gaju, although small in size holds many detailed parts namely Harmika, Torana, Triyodasha Bhuvana, Chhatra and Ushnisha. Thus a Gaju is important and integral part of a Chiva and without a Gaju a Chiva is not complete. Chiva Chaitya Organization is proud to be able to complete the Chivas and this is part of our continued effort to highlight the importance of these heritage monuments. Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 43 Gaju installation includes: 12(Shreegha), BhindyoTwa-1, LakhaTirtha-2,Chaga-1, Jhochhen-1, Chikamuga_1-1, Makhan-1, Chikamuga_2-1, KangaAjima-6, ChivaKhyo-2, LukuPhalcha-1, MaruDhwakha-1, Basantapur-1, Bijeswori-1, Bijeswori to Swoyambhu Way-1, ShovaBhagawati Wa...

  One of two Chivas that got restored Chiva Before Restoration Second Chiva that got restored Chiva before restoration: a makeshift cement cone was put instead of a Gaju. A Gaju consists of beautiful carving consisting of Harmika, Triyodasha Bhuvan, Toran, Chhatra and Ushnisa. Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 40 Gaju installation includes: 12(Shreegha), BhindyoTwa-1, LakhaTirtha-2,Chaga-1, Jhochhen-1, Chikamuga_1-1, Makhan-1, Chikamuga_2-1, KangaAjima-6, ChivaKhyo-2, LukuPhalcha-1, MaruDhwakha-1, Basantapur-1, Bijeswori-1, Bijeswori to Swoyambhu Way-1, ShovaBhagawati Way-1, ShobhaBhagavati Way- Near KarnaDip Gate-1,   Samimuga Galli -1, Tenga-1, Ason-1, Lagan Tadhan Baha-2 (this) Completed date: 20250523