Bhaktapur Durbar Square, from left to right: Golden Gate, 55 Windows Palace, The Big Bell and the tallest temple in the picture - Vatsala Temple (destroyed by 2015 earthquake)
5-level Nyatapola temple on the left
Nyatapola Temple - the largest temple in the bhaktapur durbar square Built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 the five-storey, 30m-high stone building survived even the 1934 earthquake.
You are free to climb the mighty stairway leading up the temple. It is said that each of the guardians on either side are ten times stronger than the ones under it. A the bottom plinth are the wrestlers Jayamel and Phattu who will meet later on as well. Above them are two elephants, followed by two lions, then two griffins and finally the tantric goddesses Byaghrini and Singhini.
Elephant statue guarding Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Tole, Bhaktapur City
The wrestler Jayamel at the bottom plinth of Nyatapola temple
Royal Bath (Naga Pokhari) With your back to the taleju temple you’ll see a small nondescript gate in the upper left corner. This leads through to the elaborate royal bath known as Naga Pokhari.
Built in 1678 by Jitamitra Malla from a natural spring it is also considered a hiti as the water pours from a stone water spout into a basin.
Two gilded Naga’s (serpents) guard over the bath along with more serpents carved from the stone surrounding it. If it’s not flooded (monsoon season) follow the steps down into the hiti area above bath (don’t worry it’s allowed). Pause in front of the stone and semi-gilded water spout. Where you are standing is where the ritual bathing of the Taleju statue takes place.
Built in 1696 the Palace of 55 Windows is one of the most eye catching buildings in the square. In 1936 much of the lower floors were destroyed by the earthquake, however, the ornate wooden windows and outer walls survived. I’ve counted them and there really are 55 windows. Though some of the narrow slats seem to have been counted as full windows.
The Palace of 55 Windows
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Vatsala Temple and The Taleju Bell
The large Taleju Bell next to the Vatsala temple was built by King Jaya Ranjit Malla in 1737. It was rung out in the morning and evening for prayers at the Taleju Temple inside the palace opposite it.
Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla and Vatsala Durga Temple Will we ever see buildings like these again? Many minds and hands are involved in the creation of great architecture: the planner's vision, the architect's sketch, the engineer's calculations and the builder's skill all contribute to the look and feel of the eventual outcome.
Bhairabnath Temple and Taumadhi Square - viewed from Nyatapola Temple
Golden Gate: The main entrance to the palace, the golden gate is a masterpiece of artwork.
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Vatsala Durga Temple Will we ever see buildings like these again? Many minds and hands are involved in the creation of great architecture: the planner's vision, the architect's sketch, the engineer's calculations and the builder's skill all contribute to the look and feel of the eventual outcome.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom, 1400m above sea level. It is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the current town of Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgoan, which lies 13 km east of Kathmandu. While the complex consists of at least four distinct squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square), the whole area is informally known as the Bhakapur Durbar Square and is a highly visited site in the Kathmandu Valley.
Royal Bath (Naga Pokhari) With your back to the taleju temple you’ll see a small nondescript gate in the upper left corner. This leads through to the elaborate royal bath known as Naga Pokhari.
Built in 1678 by Jitamitra Malla from a natural spring it is also considered a hiti as the water pours from a stone water spout into a basin.
Two gilded Naga’s (serpents) guard over the bath along with more serpents carved from the stone surrounding it. If it’s not flooded (monsoon season) follow the steps down into the hiti area above bath (don’t worry it’s allowed). Pause in front of the stone and semi-gilded water spout. Where you are standing is where the ritual bathing of the Taleju statue takes place.
Nyatapola Temple and Bhairabnath Temple
Taumadhi Tole
Buddhist Temple in Bhaktapur
Dattatreya Temple
Dattatreya Temple
Dattatreya Temple
Bhaktapur Durbar Square Travel Video, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Siddhi Lakshmi Temple (Lohan Dega)
Nyatapola Temple: Nyatapola in Newari language means five stories — the symbolic of five basic elements. This is the highest pagoda of Nepal ever built with such architectural perfection and artistic beauty.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Vatsala Durga Temple
Bhaktapur Durbar Square Travel Video Guide
Pottery making in bhaktapur
Pottery Man At Bhaktapur City
Peacock Window
This narrow little street, packed with souvenir shops, contains what many consider to be the greatest woodcarving in Kathmandu.
Walk about 35 meters down the alley and look up at the red bricked wall beside you to the right at about a second floor level.
You’ll eventually come across a square wooden window with a peacock carving.
One of souvenir shops selling tiny Peacock Window
One of souvenir shops selling tiny Peacock Windows
Bisket Jatra (New Year) Festival in Bhaktapur
Bisket Jatra is an annual event in Bhaktapur, Nepal. This festival is celebrated during start of Bikram Sambat New year. According to myth this celebration is the "festival after the death of the serpent". Different part of Bhaktapur city celebrate this festival according to own ritual. Most happening place during festival is Bhaktapur darbar square (Khwopa Layeku), Thimi balkumari, Bodde etc. In Bhaktapur durbar square, a huge chariot carrying a statue of the god Bhairava is pulled by hundreds of people to the Khalna Tole. Approximately a month ago, the chariot is assembled near Nyatapole temple (five stair temple). Most spectacular event on Bhaktapur durbar square is a huge tug of war between eastern and western part of town. Each team try to pull to their side but later the chariot is headed toward Khalna Tole. A huge approximately 25 meters Yoh si (lingo) is erected in the stone called yoni(a female genital) base. In the evening of New Year, the Yoh si is pulled down as the New Year is officially commences.
On 25 April 2015, another major earthquake damaged many buildings in the square. The main temple in Bhaktapur's square lost its roof, while the Vatsala Devi temple, famous for its sandstone walls and gold-topped pagodas, was demolished by the quake.
A tourist in Bhaktapur, a short distance from Kathmandu, caught on camera the moment Saturday's devastating earthquake hit the city causing thousands of deaths and widespread damage.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla
King Bhupatindra is rumored to have built this ornate statue of himself that faces the Palace of 55 Windows. It’s worth using a zoom lens to get a close-up view of the gilded figure. The king is seen sitting in prayer with a bell behind him. If you get a close enough look, you can make out the intricate work on the statue. Including the rings on his fingers.
Moment Nepal Quake Strikes Bhaktapur Durbar Square on April 25, 2015
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Taumadhi Square Taumadhi is the next important square of the city where the best example of engineering and architecture of multi roofed temples and rectangular temples can be observed. Best craftsmanship of stone sculptures, stone spouts, traditional water tank and wood carving are proudly exhibiting their glorious history. The Nyatapola Temple, Bhairabnath Temple, Tilmadhav Narayan Temple and Stone sculpture of earthquake protector are the major monuments of the Square.
Taumadhi Square
Taumadhi Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Little is known about these impressive stone lions. however many believe that there was once a threetiered pagoda behind them. Today the lions still stand guard and do a very good job at making an impressive landmark when you look back into Durbar Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Taumadhi Square
Pottery Square
Bhairabnath Temple
The broad-fronted, triple-roofed Bhairabnath Temple is dedicated to Bhairab, the fearsome incarnation of Shiva, whose consort occupies the Nyatapola Temple across the square. Despite Bhairab’s fearsome powers and his massive temple, the deity is depicted here as a disembodied head just 15cm high! Casually stacked against the north wall of the temple are the enormous wheels and runners from the chariot used to haul the image of Bhairab around town during the Bisket Jatra Festival in mid-April.
The first temple on this site was a modest structure built in the early 17th century, but King Bhupatindra Malla added an extra storey in 1717 and a third level was added when the temple was rebuilt after the 1934 earthquake. The final version of the temple has a similar rectangular plan to the Bhimsen Temple in Patan’s Durbar Sq.
A small hole in the temple's central door (below a row of carved boar snouts) is used to push offerings into the temple’s interior, but priests gain entry through the small Betal Temple , on the south side of the main pagoda.
The temple’s facade is guarded by two brass lions holding the Nepali flag, the only national flag that is not rectangular or square. To the right of the door is an image of Bhairab painted on rattan, decorated with a gruesome garland of buffalo guts. Head here at dusk to hear traditional devotional music.
Bhairabnath Temple With the tall Nyatapola temple straight ahead the smaller triple-roofed Bhairabnath Temple should be standing to your right with a small little temple beside it.
Siddha Pokhari, The largest pond of the city
Little is known about these impressive stone lions. however many believe that there was once a threetiered pagoda behind them. Today the lions still stand guard and do a very good job at making an impressive landmark when you look back into Durbar Square.
Siddhi Lakshmi Temple (Lohan Dega) The stone temple with several attendants running up its central stairs in pairs is the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple. The attendants here are rather unusual compared to the “guardians” found on nearby temples staircases. Take note of the first pair showing a man on one side and woman on the other both with a dog on a leash and pulling along a child. The successive plinths have a pair of horses, rhinos, man-lions and finally a pair of camels.
Siddhi Lakshmi Stone Temple, 17th Century Bhaktapur’s impressive Durbar Square is surrounded by spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newari artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The square was serverely damaged by an earthquake in 1934 and hence appears very spacious when compared with the other ones located in Kathmandu and Patan.
Siddhi Lakshmi Temple (Lohan Dega) The stone temple with several attendants running up its central stairs in pairs is the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple. The attendants here are rather unusual compared to the “guardians” found on nearby temples staircases. Take note of the first pair showing a man on one side and woman on the other both with a dog on a leash and pulling along a child. The successive plinths have a pair of horses, rhinos, man-lions and finally a pair of camels.
Siddhi Lakshmi Temple (Lohan Dega) The stone temple with several attendants running up its central stairs in pairs is the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple. The attendants here are rather unusual compared to the “guardians” found on nearby temples staircases. Take note of the first pair showing a man on one side and woman on the other both with a dog on a leash and pulling along a child. The successive plinths have a pair of horses, rhinos, man-lions and finally a pair of camels.
Pair of huge elephants guarding Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Tole, Bhaktapur City
Nepal Quake Terror on Everest
A massive earthquake rocks Nepal on April 25, 2015. In Kathmandu, centuries of culture are destroyed. In Langtang, an entire village is wiped out of existence. On Mount Everest, base camps and climbers are buried in a tsunami of ice. Thousands are dead, untold numbers are injured, and half a million homes are lost. Witness it firsthand, through personal footage and accounts of the survivors. Then discover the science behind this deadly force, and what, if anything can be done to prevent such a disaster from happening again.
An Aerial View of Bhaktapur Durbar Square After Nepal Earthquake
A temple in Bhaktapur, Nepal. destroyed by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake. (Photo: Jack Board)
A street in quake-hit Bhaktapur in Nepal. (Photo: Jack Board)
Nepal After Earthquake, Bhaktapur
Major attractions
55 Window Palace: Built in the 15th century, the 55 Window Palace is the dominating architectural structure in the square.
Golden Gate: The main entrance to the palace, the golden gate is a masterpiece of artwork.
Lion's Gate: The magnificent and beautiful gate was produced from artisans whose hands were cut off after finishing touch to them by the envious Bhadgoun king so that no more of such masterpiece would be produced again.
Mini Pashupati Temple: The holy god Shiva temple, the mini pashupati, is believed to be built right in front of the palace after a Bhadgoan king dreamed of it.
The large Taleju Bell next to the Vatsala temple was built by King Jaya Ranjit Malla in 1737. It was rung out in the morning and evening for prayers at the Taleju Temple inside the palace opposite it.
Vatsala Durga Temple: The Vatsala temple is known for its dog-barking bell which is believed to producee a death knell when it is rung.
Nyatapola Temple
Nyatapola Temple
Nyatapola Temple: Nyatapola in Newari language means five stories — the symbolic of five basic elements. This is the highest pagoda of Nepal ever built with such architectural perfection and artistic beauty.
Taleju Temple (1553 AD) is presided over by Goddess Taleju, the lineage deity of Malla rulers. It used to have 99 beautiful courtyards, but because of earthquakes and time, the number has now been reduced to only seven.
Taleju, the largest temple of the Durbar Square, was built by Mahendra Malla in the sixteenth century. The shrine of Taleju is the most exquisite of all the temples in the square and for a reason. Taleju Bhawani was the clan goddess of the Malla royalty. In all three ancient kingdoms of the valley – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, Malla Kings have erected temples to Taleju, their tutelary deity. Since Bhaktapur is the original home of Malla Kings, the Taleju Temple of Bhaktapur is the oldest Taleju of the three.Standing on a 12-stage platform in Trishul chowk, the Taleju temple towers over the ancient Durbar Square. During the Malla era, and later in the Shah era too, it was forbidden to build a house taller in structure than Taleju for this, it was said, would insult the goddess and make her hostile and vengeful.
There are twelve miniature temples around the main pagoda, each dedicated to a different Hindu deity. These Lilliputian temples built around a main shrine are called Kacha Dewal – branch temples built as a group where other deities are installed. The temple is open to Hindus each year solely on the ninth day of the Dashain festival. The temple in its present state is mainly the work of Pratap Malla, for it is known that Pratap Malla made many renovations to Taleju during his time which significantly contributed to its appearance.
What is remarkable about the allure of Taleju in the ancient Kathmandu valley is that Taleju is in reality an imported goddess. She came to Kathmandu from South India, and by the 14th century had become the royal Malla deity. There are many folklores surrounding how Taleju inspired different Malla kings to adopt her and engage in different events. One such story tells that the temple was constructed in the shape of a Yantra (a form of mandala) on guidance of the goddess Taleju herself. In fact, it is also said that Taleju attended the dedication ceremony of the temple disguised as a bee.
Taleju Temple
The Fasidega temple is dedicated to Shiva and from the top of the staircase provides some good views of the immediate surroundings. Nothing much remains of this temple since the 2015 earthquake. Much had been made of the apparent ugliness of this temple. It is in fact a survivor from the 1934 earthquake. The white shrine at the top was meant to be a temporary building while the original temple was rebuilt. That never happened and it’s unlikely to make the priority list for rebuilding today.
Siddhi Lakshmi Temple (Lohan Dega) The stone temple with several attendants running up its central stairs in pairs is the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple. The attendants here are rather unusual compared to the “guardians” found on nearby temples staircases. Take note of the first pair showing a man on one side and woman on the other both with a dog on a leash and pulling along a child. The successive plinths have a pair of horses, rhinos, man-lions and finally a pair of camels.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square During Earthquake April 25, 2015
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Vatsala Durga Temple
Bhairava Nath Temple: The Bhairava Nath temple is dedicated to the god of terror and death: Bhairava.
Bhairava Nath Temple
Bhairava Nath Temple And Taumadhi Tole
DATTATREYA SQUARE (TACHAPAL TOL) As you emerge into Dattatreya Square take a moment to take it all in. If you look up the square from the road you just came from then the Bhimsen temple should be to your left and the three roofed building up ahead is Dattatreya Temple. The square itself is known also as Tachapal Tol and it was probably the first square used as the capital by royalty in Nepal until the 16th century.
Many of the buildings here are much older though. There are also many small side streets to explore from the square that still look as if they are centuries old.
DATTATREYA SQUARE (TACHAPAL TOL)
Dattatreya temple
As you walk towards the Dattatreya temple you’ll pass the tall stone pillar with garuda on top facing it. The two other pillars have a conch and chakr mounted at the top. On either side of the temple steps are stone statues of the two wrestlers we saw earlier - Jayamel and Phattu.
The temple was built in 1427 by King Yaksha Malla, then restored in 1458. It’s said to be the only temple in Nepal dedicated to Dattatreya who is part of the trinity of Vishnu, Shiva and Brama.
Legend tells of the temple being built using the timber from a single tree. Astute observers will notice that the front area is a little different from the rest of the temple as it was added later. The base of the temple has several erotic carvings.
If you come by here at about 7pm the front porch area is usually filled with local musicians on traditional instruments.
Dattatreya Temple
Dattatreya Temple With Garuda Column In Front
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmanud Valley, Nepal
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Royal Bath (Naga Pokhari) With your back to the taleju temple you’ll see a small nondescript gate in the upper left corner. This leads through to the elaborate royal bath known as Naga Pokhari.
Built in 1678 by Jitamitra Malla from a natural spring it is also considered a hiti as the water pours from a stone water spout into a basin.
Two gilded Naga’s (serpents) guard over the bath along with more serpents carved from the stone surrounding it. If it’s not flooded (monsoon season) follow the steps down into the hiti area above bath (don’t worry it’s allowed). Pause in front of the stone and semi-gilded water spout. Where you are standing is where the ritual bathing of the Taleju statue takes place.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Siddhi Lakshmi Temple (Lohan Dega) The stone temple with several attendants running up its central stairs in pairs is the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple. The attendants here are rather unusual compared to the “guardians” found on nearby temples staircases. Take note of the first pair showing a man on one side and woman on the other both with a dog on a leash and pulling along a child. The successive plinths have a pair of horses, rhinos, man-lions and finally a pair of camels.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Vatsala Durga Temple
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Nyatapola Temple
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Nyatapola Temple
Taumadhi Square is home to the five-tiered, heaven piercing Nyatapola Temple (left) and the smaller three-tiered Bhairab Nath Temple (right), as well as many other fine buildings.
Peacock Window in Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Temple In Bhaktapur, Nepal
The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Batsala Temple and the Bell of Barking Dogs, the replica of Pashupatinath Temple, etc.
The Lion Gate which was built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla is adorned with the lovely stone figures of Hanuman, Bhairav and Narasingh Narayan. The statue of Malla King in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues available in Nepal this is considered to be the most magnificent.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Nyatapola Temple at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Nyatapola Temple at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Nyatapola Temple at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A Temple at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Map of Bhaktapur City
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Watercolor of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the royal palace complex, in 1854, painted by Henry Ambrose Oldfield
Watercolor of Nyatapola Temple at Bhaktapur
Watercolor of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the royal palace complex, in 1854, painted by Henry Ambrose Oldfield
Watercolor of Bhairavnath Temple at Bhaktapur
Watercolor of "The Golden Gate in the Durbar, or Royal Palace, Bhatgaon (Nepal)", in 1854, painted by Henry Ambrose Oldfield
Watercolor of "Temple of Ganese (Ganese-Than) near Bhatgaon", in 1854, painted by Henry Ambrose Oldfield
Watercolor of "Temple of Bhimsen, Bhatgaon (Nepal)", in 1853, painted by Henry Ambrose Oldfield The Temple of Bhimsun at Bhatgaon (Bhaktapur) indicates that the ground floor of the temple is open and the shrine is situated up on the roof of the building.
Watercolor of Changu Narayan Temple complex at Bhaktapur, in 1854, painted by Henry Ambrose Oldfield
This painting of the Changu Narayan Temple complex at Bhaktapur (Bhatgaon) is inscribed on the verso by Oldfield: 'Narayn-Chok, Bhatgaon'. As described by the British Library, "Bhaktapur was founded in the 9th century and rose to prominence under the Malla dynasty. It remained a valley kingdom until the late 15th century when it became a sovereign state, together with Kathmandu and Patan. All three have similar architecture and were built around Durbar Squares containing Palace and Temple complexes.
The Changu Narayan temple is the oldest site in the valley which is dedicated to Shiva. The pillar in front of the temple is topped by a statue of Garuda, Vishnu's vehicle, in the shape of a man with wings and a cobra around his neck. This pillar is now broken and the statue stands on the ground, still in front of the temple. To the right of the pillar is a statue, in a niche, of Vishnu, in his incarnation as Narasimha, the man-lion."
Built in 1696 the Palace of 55 Windows is one of the most eye catching buildings in the square. In 1936 much of the lower floors were destroyed by the earthquake, however, the ornate wooden windows and outer walls survived. I’ve counted them and there really are 55 windows. Though some of the narrow slats seem to have been counted as full windows.
Typical souvenirs from Bhaktapur
Nyatapola Temple - Built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 the five-storey, 30m-high stone building.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Map of Taumadhi Square ( Click at the image to view the larger version ) The second most visited square in Bhaktapur, after Durbar Square, Taumadhi Tole contains the tallest temple in the Kathmandu valley - the Nyatapola Temple The square itself is quite spacious with several places to eat or relax back with a coffee and enjoy the area from great vantage points.
A masterpiece of artwork at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
