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