Chiva Chaitya - Respect, Promote, Protect

The intangible heritage associated with Chaityas holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. Beyond their physical structures, these ancient sites are deeply intertwined with rituals, festivals, and communal practices passed down through generations. The preservation of this intangible heritage is crucial, as it maintains the living traditions, beliefs, and values that continue to shape the identity and social fabric of local communities. Rituals performed at these sites, such as offerings, prayers, and purification ceremonies, not only honor the spiritual essence of these monuments but also reinforce the collective memory and continuity of cultural heritage. In safeguarding the intangible elements, we ensure that future generations understand the deeper connection between these sacred spaces and the cultural and spiritual identity they embody. Chaityas are taken as living shrine. During consecration of a Chaitya, the officiating priests summons all the deities to reside on the ...

 A Chiva at Pachhai Galli, Kathmandu, ward 18 has been restored of missing parts. A dome(also called Garva or Anda) and the Gaju(consisting of Harmika, Torana, Triyodasha Bhuwana, Chhatra, Ushnish) are the essential parts of a Chiva. The dome or the Garva has continued since the time of Buddha as Stupa. Gaju, with Harmika and Chhatra also we can find in many ancient Stupas. This Chiva at Pacchai Galli was with a makeshift dome and gaju of cement installed by community leaders. But it was the wish of all to install a proper stone carved dome and Gaju on the Chiva. Chiva being restored, Garva and Gaju being installed. HemJyoti Dai from ward 18 taking the honor to fit the Gaju Before restorations Measurements beforehand. Chiva Chaitya Organization is happy to be able to restore the Chiva in it's continued efforts in heritage preservation. We want to thank Nhuchhe dai, Hem Jyoti dai and Shova didi for their support. Our sincere respect to the community members. Special appreciation goe...

 Chiva Chaitya Organization participates in restoration of deities at Chiva at Wonema Chuka Kathmandu. A place called Yankuli Bahar at Ngata has a very beautiful Chiva dated Nepal Samvat 787. The Chiva is with many deities carved within and with it. The deities includes PancaBuddhas, Caturnaharajas, Bodhisatvas and four deities at each corner. History tells us that some two hundred years ago some of the people from Yankuli Bahar shifted to Wonema Chuka. And they made somewhat similar Chiva there at that time. Some decades ago, deities at the Chiva at Wonema Chuka were stolen and not found. Now the community (Wonema Panjra Pucha) decided to restore the deities by making identical to the Chiva at Yankuli Bahar, Ngata. But the problem is identification of deities and the Ayudhs(what each hand in each deity is holding). Chiva Chaitya Organization with the help of scholars and community members, conducted study for the identification of the deities and Ayudhs. Based on the findings new ...

A Chiva increases the aesthetic and spiritual values of a place. Beautiful Chivas carved make a place beautiful. Many cultural activities are carried around Chivas.  This Chiva outside Besadyo in Kathmandu was abandoned and required restoration. Local community, specially Besadyo temple Guruju community showed their desire to restore the Chiva. The Chiva required proper base, Padmavali(lotus leaf-ed structure) and finial (the Gaju). The required parts were carved and installed. Now the Chiva is restored to it's glory. Chiva after restoration During Restoration Chiva before restoration We would like to thank Kathmandu Municipality, Hanumandhoka Conservation Program, Lok Ratna Shakya, Manik Shakya Gurujuj, community of Bijeswori temple for taking the initiative and supporting us during the restoration process. Completed date: 2024-06-19