Bhaktapur Durbar Square



About 10 km east of Kathmandu is a town called Bhaktapur, meaning the city of devotees. It covers an area of 5 sq. km and was founded during 9th century A.D. in the shape of a conch shell, which is a sacred symbol.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the center of Bhaktapur. The Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. The main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate in the western part of Bhaktapur has two beautiful stone statues of Bhairav and Durga on either sides, built by king Bhupatendra Malla in 17th century A.D. Golden Gate is the main entrance to the famous fifty five window palace, built in 18th century A.D.

The statue of King Bhupatendra Malla, of a scholar and artist king, is seen atop a huge column. 55 window palace is the main structure of the entire Durbar Square, which is a magnificent edifice remodeled in 17th century A.D. Vatsala Temple, 17th century stone temple, dedicated to a mother goddess, is full of intricate works on stone.

The art gallery of Bhaktapur Durbar Square contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods. Pashupati Temple, according to a folklore, a Bhaktapur kind who was a great devotee of Lord Pashupati, had a dream in which lord Shiva told him to build a temple for him so that he could move into it. He obeyed this command and thus the temple came into existence. Nyatapola is the tallest and most famous pagoda of Nepal, which was built in early 18th A.D by Bhupatendra Malla.

This temple was dedicated to Siddhilaxmi, the tantric mother goddess of supreme power. Nyatapola in Newari means a five tiered symbolizing five basic elements - water, earth, fire, wind and sky.