Long before modern urban planning, the indigenous inhabitants of the valley divided their settlements into distinct zones: the Thathu (upper), Dathu (middle), and Kwathu (lower). At the heart of the settlement sat the central guardian deities, while the vital outer boundaries were protected by shrines known as Peeth or Pithu.
When King Ananda Dev transformed Bhaktapur into a royal capital in the 12th century, he didn't erase this ancient layout. Instead, he layered a highly advanced Tantric vision over it. By strategically placing the shrines of the Ashtamatrika (the Eight Mother Goddesses) around the city’s perimeter, the city's borders formed a specific trapezoidal geometric boundary. The city itself became a Sri Yantra—a physical manifestation of cosmic energy designed to safeguard its citizens.
Perhaps the most striking revelation from the dialogue came from the traditional priests of Taleju, who explained the Newari concept of Dye. In the local tongue, Dye does not merely translate to "deity" or "god." It simultaneously means "country" or "land."
In the traditional Newari worldview, the deity and the land are one and the same. When the community carries these deities through the streets during vibrant Jatras (festivals), they are not just parading a wooden or stone idol; they are parading the very essence of their homeland. The Ashtamatrikas are not just statues waiting in temples; they are the eight directional forces actively holding the physical and spiritual nation together.
This deep, unbreakable bond between the people, their ancestors, and the earth is why the culture has survived empires, earthquakes, and modern globalization. When locals perform traditional rituals at specific historical boundary markers, they are physically linking their family lineages back to the land. As one historian noted during the dialogue, the people of the valley must have "a foot firmly on the ground.
At The Nanee, we believe that heritage should be experienced, not just observed through a glass case. The ancient urban planners of Bhaktapur left us a masterpiece of sustainable, spiritually grounded city living. We invite you to step out of the modern rush and walk the ancient boundary lines of the Ashtamatrikas.
Come experience the living, breathing energy of the Kathmandu Valley. Stay with us, join the dialogue, and discover what it truly means to connect with the land.
Experience the Best Newari Food in Bhaktapur at The Nanee
For those seeking an authentic Newari dining experience, The Nanee in Bhaktapur offers a curated selection of both traditional and contemporary Newari flavours across its distinct dining outlets:
- Bara Shop at The Nanee – Specialising in traditional Newari delicacies, featuring dishes like Bara, Samay Baji, and Choila, made using age-old recipes.
- Community at The Nanee – A space for contemporary interpretations of Newari cuisine, blending classic flavours with modern techniques.
- Rooftop at The Nanee – An exclusive Chef’s Table experience, where guests can savour an elevated Newari tasting menu, crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.