Sthapit
The Udaayas - a group of people from the caste occupy a prominent place in the Nepal Valley. The Sthapits, one of the nine groups of the Udaaya community, by successfully preserving from ancient times their unique skills in woodwork, have shown a high degree of excellence in architectural design in the construction of temples and houses. And these people who by accepting this as their own profession, have made a name for themselves in the country and filled the nation are the Sthapits (carpenters). Though the Sthapits, because of changing times and circumstances, many have settled not only in different parts of the country but also in foreign countries, the ancestorial homes of the Sthapit will always be located in one of the four twa locality - Thayamaru, Makhan (Mikhadwon), Bhindyo and Lagan.
Before the introduction of modern technology to Nepal building construction, the Sthapits were the only people who occupied a prominent place in the construction of houses. When constructing a house, the first task of laying the foundation and at the end placing a ninth at the highest point of the house, after this, according to the custom, a puja is offered to the ninth by the chief carpenter. This practice is continued till today.
Just as our forefathers in ancient times had major role in the construction of temples, open road-side shelters, and palaces so did such Sthapits as Gyan Nayo, Kalu Nayo, Jogbir Nayo, Sanu Nayo, Heramansingh Nayo had an important role as technical advisers in the constructing Rana palaces and made names for themselves. People have not forgotten the terms of these people and their contributions.
