A view of Swayambhu Stupa with full moon marks the 2554 years of Lord Gautam Buddha's birth. Nepalese and Tibetan pilgrims lit lamp at the Stupa with the hopes of peace in country. Despite of the on going political turmoil about non-formation of Constitution, Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's birthday) was celebrated throughout the nation in peace. Kathmandu, Nepal. 2010-May-27.
Taleju temple within Basantapur Durbar Square.
This exquisitely carved wooden strut depicts demi goddess who grasps a branch of a sal tree. A parrot, a symbol of love, balances on her left hand, the figure is known as salabhanjika, or goddess of a sacred grove. The strut supports a roof of gilt copper in Uku Bahal, Musch of the woodcarving seen on historic valley buildings dates from the malla period (12th to 18th centuries) but carbon-dating of Uku Bahal’s struts suggest that at least some of the struts were carved between 690-890 AD by a superb craftsman who took care not only with the carving of the features and ornaments of the deity, but also with the natural elements framing them.