Neha Patil (Editor)

Bahal, Nepal

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Bahal, Nepal

Bahal (Nepal Bhasa:बहाः) is a type of courtyard found amongst Newar communities in Nepal. It is the most dominant type of courtyard in Newari Architecture. Bahal is a Buddhist Monastery and derives its name from a Sanskrit word Bihara, meaning joy or enchantment and thus is a place of religious bliss

Contents

Characteristics

The characteristics of a Bahal 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

    • Significance

    The bahals are generally constructed by a family 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. So, they play an eneromous role in maintaining the norms of Newari society and lifestyle.

    Some Bahals

  • Makhan bahal
  • Sabal Bahal
  • Tacchya Bahal
  • Te Bahal
  • Mu Bahal
  • Musya Bahal
  • Kwa Bahal
  • Itum bahal
  • Jana Bahal (Machhendra bahal)
  • Om Bahal
  • Iku Bahal
  • Nagbahal
  • Tukabahal
  • Okubahal
  • Bhagwan Bahal Thabahil(Thamel Tole)

    • References

    Bahal, Nepal Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA