Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Durbar Square is an assortment of pagoda and shikhara-style
temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square
is part of a charming valley as it highlights the idols of ancient kings
perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their
sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place - struts, lintels, tympanums,
gateways and windows - all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony.
|
Location |
Kathmandu Valley |
|
Importance |
UNISCO World Heritage
Site |
|
UNISCO Category |
Cultural |
|
UNISCO Listed |
1979 |
|
Major Attractions |
The Golden Gate |
Fast Facts
Places to Visit
The Lion Gate
The massive gate that dates back to 1696 AD is guarded by
two huge statues of lions at the either sides. The dreadful stone image of Lord
Shiva and the fearful image of Ugrachandi attract the tourists from far off.
The Golden Gate (Sun
Dhoka)
The Golden gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly
moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is a embellished
with monsters and mythical creatures of marvellous intricacy. The Golden Gate
was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance to the main courtyard of
the Palace of fifty-five windows.
The Palace of Fifty
Five Windows
Keshav Narayan Chowk is the Northern-most part of the Patan
Darbar palace complex, with the dominating Degutale temple next to it. This
magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshay Malla in AD 1427
and was subsequently remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth
century. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural
design, is a balcony with fifty-five Windows, considered a unique masterpiece
of woodcarving.
The Art Gallery
The Art Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to the
Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods and descriptions. The gallery
is particularly famous among researchers on Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Statue of King
Bhupatindra Malla
This statue depicts King Bhupendra Malla in the act of
worship and is located on a column facing the palace. This is considered the
most magnificent statue among the many statues in the squares.
Nyatapola
This is the most famous pagoda of Nepal, which was built in 1702
A.D by Bhupatendra Mala. 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.
Pashupati Temple
According to a folklore, a Bhaktapur native 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.
Vatsala Temple
This 17th century stone temple, dedicated to a mother
goddess, is full of intricate works on stone.
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