Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of the capital city. The immediate large square is surrounded by ancient Newari architecture, high temples, popular shrines and the old royal palace. Today Kathmandu durbar square is still an active and living square filled with people worshiping in shrines, selling goods or simply walking through. Kumari, or Kumari Devi, or Living Goddess - Nepal is the tradition of worshiping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in Hindu religious traditions. The Kumari Ghar (or Kumari Chowk) houses the living goddess of Kathmandu in the durbar square.
Kathmandu durbar square was originally formed from the palaces and courtyards of the old Malla and Shah kings. It is also called Basantapur durbar square. Durbar Square litrally means a `Place of Palaces`. The oldest temples were built in 1560-1574 by Mahendra Malla (king) though the oldest palaces date back to the 3rd century.