Bhaktapur Durbar Square
In addition to being a museum of medieval architecture and art, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is 15 km from Kathmandu and contains many statues, woodcarvings, and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. Around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood, there are pagodas and shikaras grouped together.
Additionally, the square serves as one of Nepal’s most beautiful architectural showpieces, as well as an opportunity to showcase Nepal’s ancient arts. There are golden effigies of kings on stone monoliths, guardian deities watching from their sanctuaries, and wood carvings can be found all around the city – on struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways, windows, and so on as well.
It is important to note that pottery is one of the most important traditional industries in the country, in addition to weaving.
About Bhaktapur
On the eastern side of Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur is known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa, Bhaktapur is the oldest city in Nepal. It is known for its unique arts in wood and potteries, as well as traditional Nepali culture and custom. Its historical monuments represent Nepal’s medieval tradition and culture, and the people who live here are indigenous Newaris.
A few of the main attractions in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are Nyatapola Temple, King Bhupatindra Malla’s statue, the Peacock Window, and Golden Gate.
Major Attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
We have compiled a list of some of the most important attractions that you should not miss when visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
55 window palace
When Yaksha Malla reigned over the Mallas in 1427 AD, the Palace of Fifty-five Windows was built, and during King Bhupatindra Malla’s reign it was remodeled. There is a balcony of fifty-five windows among the brick walls, which is regarded as one of Nepal’s oldest monuments and is set within a gracious setting and sculptural design. It is considered a unique work of woodcarving.
Nyatapola Temple
It is the highest and biggest pagoda ever built in Nepal with such a degree of architectural perfection and artistic beauty. Nyatapola in Newari language means five stories – the symbolic representation of five basic elements.
Bhairava Nath Temple
A temple dedicated to Bhairawa, the fiercest manifestation of Shiva, is also known as the Bhairab Nath Temple.
Golden Gate
It has been said that the Golden Gate is one of the most beautiful and elaborately molded in the world. Two heavenly nymphs adorn the door, which is adorned with Hindu mythical creatures such as monsters and other creatures of marvelous intricacy. It is topped by the goddess Kali and Garuda (mythical griffin) along with two heavenly nymphs.
“The Golden Gate is the most beautiful piece of art in the Kingdom; set like a jewel in its handsome surroundings, it flashes innumerable facets.” Percy Brown, a prominent English art critic and historian, described it as such. As the main gate to the palace with fifty-five windows, King Ranjit Malla erected it.
Fasi Dega Temple
Also located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the Fasi Dega Temple, dedicated to Shiva. It was home to several Hindu god sculptures. A 1934 earthquake collapsed this ancient temple; only the foundation remains. There are three pairs of animals guarding the stairs leading up the stepped base. In the April 25, 2015, earthquake, a modern dome-shaped shrine collapsed on top of the original base.
Lion Gates in Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Despite its current state of ruin, Bhaktapur Durbar Square’s Lion gate shows what the entrance once looked like.
Taleju Bhabani Temple
Among the most revered shrines of Nepalis is Taleju Temple, which is one of the most important parts of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. In the courtyard on the left of the Golden Gate you will find the Taleju Temple. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the Taleju Temple. Photos are not permitted.
Malla kings have their patron Goddess Taleju as their lineage goddess. She is not a Hindu goddess common to the rest of the Hindu pantheon.
Jagat Simha, the refugee prince who brought the Goddess to the Kathmandu Valley, is believed to have brought the Goddess’ original yantra to the Bhaktapur Taleju Temple.
Malla kings accepted the Newari cultures and rituals after settling in the valley. But Goddess Taleju had always remained separate after the kings had embraced its traditions.
The Mantra of Goddess Taleju, which represented her authority over the malla kings, was passed down to the heir on his deathbed by the Malla King.
Naga Pokhari or Royal Bath
In Bhaktapur Durbar Square, right behind the Taleju Temple, is the Royal Bath. A natural spring was used for the construction of the palace’s royal bath, which was constructed by Jitamitra Malla in 1678. In the local language, Hiti is the name used for the gilded stone water spout in a sunken basin.
Traditional water supply systems such as Hitis in Kathmandu valley contain attached spouts or taps (usually made of stone) that channel water from underground sources or reservoirs into public spaces.
A large number of serpent sculptures are found around the bath, including taps and other structures in the form of snakes. Snakes are considered to be the Nagas or water deities.
Bhaktapur Pashupatinath Temple
As part of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, there is a replica of the Pashupatinath Temple. The temple, also called Yaksheswar Mahadev temple, was built by King Yaksha Malla in the late fifteenth century. It features graphic erotic carvings on its pillars and roof.
Vatsala Durga Temple and Taleju Bell
When we visited Bhaktapur Durbar Square in April 2015, the Vatsala Temple was completely destroyed by the earthquake. The temple was built in 1672 by King Jagat Prakash Malla, but sadly it was destroyed completely by the earthquake. Located next to King Bhupatindra Malla’s statue, the temple is currently being restored.
There is still an intact Taleju Bell in front of the Temple. The Bell was used to mark the morning and evening prayer times at Taleju Temple. Looks like the structures related to the Goddess have not been damaged.
Chyasalin Mandap
It is a beautiful two-story wooden pavilion built by King Bhupatindra Malla as a protection against the Pashupatinath Temple on the eastern side of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
A powerful force was believed to emanate from Shiva temples and was believed that they could destroy other things in the vicinity. The Chusalin Mandapa created a barrier between his palace and the Shiva Temple that was directly opposite his palace.
Pashupatinath Temple produces forces that strike the palace, which is why Mandaps were originally constructed. Later, the Mandaps were used to entertain the people.
A wooden frame was used to rebuild Chyasalin Mandap to help survive another earthquake. It turned out this frame survived the 2015 earthquake without any damage.
Sunsets over Bhaktapur valley can be seen from the top story of the Chysalin Mandap.
Statue of Bhupatindra Malla
Bhupatindra Malla, who constructed most of the buildings in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is commemorated by a huge statue just next to the Taleju Bell. On a tall column stands a bronze-gilt statue of the King sitting cross-legged with his hands folded together in the form of an eternal Namaskar. As the king sits with his hands folded, the statue seems quite impressive.
It has been attributed to his cousin, the Malla King of Kathmandu, who suggested the idea of building the statue, to build the King Bhupatindra Malla column. As part of the statue, Bhupatindra asked for assistance from the artisan who built Kathmandu Durbar Square’s column, but Bhupatindra couldn’t resist raising the statue’s height.
King Kathmandu became angry when he saw that and ordered the artisans to remove the statue at night.
Siddhi Lakshmi Temple
The 55 Windows palace is directly adjacent to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple can be found. The staircase has two attendants, a dog, horses, rhinoceroses, camels, and many others. By 2018, this temple had been completely rebuilt after being destroyed in the 2015 earthquake.
Dattatraya Square
It is also known as Dattatraya Tole as the area has some old market stalls. Tole in Nepali means market area. Dattatraya Square is the oldest square in Bhaktapur and is located between Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Taumadhi Square.
A central area with many temples and beautiful windows, including the famous “Peacock Window,” and several museums make up the square. The oldest and most important temple is the Dattatreya Temple. The Dattatreya Temple was constructed using only one tree’s wood. A wrestler named Jaymal and Phattu can be seen at the temple’s foot.
The Peacock Window
There is a famous example of Newar art known as the Peacock window in front of the wood carving museum. The Peacock window is one of the most beautiful examples of Newar art.
According to tradition, this window was built in the 15th century and is considered one of Nepal’s most valuable treasures.
Pottery Square
There is an open courtyard behind Bhaktapur Durbar Square filled with earthen clay pots. On a sunny day, Pottery Square would be extremely busy with potters working on their pots. On any given day, Pottery Square would be buzzing with activity.
Local Market in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur’s local markets are a treasure trove of traditional Nepali craftsmanship. As you stroll through the narrow alleys, you’ll find a wide variety of handcrafted items, from pottery and wood carvings to metalwork and intricate hand-knotted rugs. The city is particularly known for its vibrant artisan community, where generations of craftsmen have preserved the ancient techniques of rug weaving.
For visitors looking to take home a piece of Nepal’s rich heritage, these markets offer high-quality handicrafts and locally made rugs. If you’re a foreign buyer interested in bulk purchases of authentic hand-knotted rugs, NP Rugs, one of Nepal’s largest manufacturers of handmade rugs, provides an excellent option for wholesale orders.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square Entry Fee
- For Nepali Nationals: Free
- For Foreign Nationals: US$ 15 or NRs. 1500
- For SAARC Nationals: NRs. 500
- For Chinese Nationals: NRs. 500
Who made Bhaktapur durbar square ?
Prior to Nepal’s unification, Bhaktapur was a separate kingdom ruled by Malla rulers. The Durbar square in Bhaktapur was built by Malla King.
How to Get Bhaktapur Durbar Square from Kathmandu?
Previously, There were two simple options to travel to Bhaktapur Durbar square from Kathmandu. Now, Thanks to Pathao for their services, An Individual can take a Pathao Ride to Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Bus
The bus to Bhaktapur leaves from Ratna Park Bus Park in Kathmandu, and the cost is 40 to 50 rupees. There are many buses that go to Bhaktapur.
Taxi
Taxis will take you to Bhaktapur, but you’ll have to bargain hard if you plan to go by taxi. You may have to pay Rs. 500 or more, depending upon the areas of Kathmandu.
Pathao Ride
If you take a Pathao from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, It may costs you Rs. 100- Rs. 200, and Believe Us, It is the best choice if you are alone because it will save your time, and you won’t get stuck at Traffic Jam, and Rider can easily pass you through the Crowd near Durbar Square.
Book Bhaktapur Durbar Square Tour with Us
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the UNESCO Heritages of Nepal. This is near Kathmandu, and easily accessible. So, We don’t have any package for Tour. Nevertheless, We are ready to help you out if you are confused about the Location.
Feel free to call us at +977-9863655576 or write us at ddmelamchi@gmail.com if you need any help or Guidance regarding your tour to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, or any other place of Nepal.