Bhaktapur
Durbar Square :
Bhaktapur’s
Durbar Square is the gem not only of Bhaktapur, but also
of the entire nation. The most fascinating structure here
is the world-renowned 55-Window Palace. The elaborately
carved windows and doors are something that visitors simply
cannot help admiring. The seat of royalty before 1769 AD,
the building now houses the National Art Gallery—the museum
better known for its rich collection of paubha scroll paintings
and breathtaking artworks in stone.
The world famous Golden Gate rubs shoulders with the 55-Window
Palace. An unparalleled specimen of repousse art dating
back to 1756 , it is the entrance to the marvelous Taleju
Temple Complex. Getting into it leads to a number of artistica-lly
designed chowks (courtyards) including the Royal Bath, which
is adorned with the well-admired Golden Faucet among others.
Another artwork that unfailing-ly bewitches visitors in
the 
Square
is the Big Bell. Big enough to match its name, the bell
was erected by Ranajit Malla (r. 1722-1769), Bhaktapur’s
last Malla king. It wasused in those days for paying homage
to Goddess Taleju, the lineage deity of Malla rulers, as
well as to call assemblies of the citizens to discuss on
given subjects concerning the state. Today, it is rung twice
a day as a mark of tribute to the goddess. Right next to
it is a smaller Barking Bell. To one’s surprise, all dogs
around it start whining the moment it is rung by its caretaker.
The Yaksheswor Mahadev Temple equally adds to the Square’s
unparallaled beauty. Named after its builder king, Yaksha
Malla (r. 1428-82), the two-storied pagoda was constructed
after Kathmandu’s world famous Pashupatinath temple. It
is noted for its wooden struts full of erotic carvings.
Other notable monuments in and around the historic Durbar
Square are: the octagonal Chyasin Mandap, Siddhi Laxmi Temple,
Shiva Temple (Fasi-dega), Vatsala Temple, Bhandarkhal Complex,
Chatu Brahma Mahavihar, Indrayani Temple, Balakhu Ganesh
Temple, Tripura-sundari Temple and the Char Dham symbolizing
the four greatest Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Taumadhi Square:
The Nyataponla Temple presides over the
Taumadhi Square. Dating back to 1702 AD, the colossal five-storied
edifice is the country’s tallest pagoda temple. The struts,
doors, windows and tympanums—each embellished with attractively
carved divine figures—perfectly portray the creative tradition
of Newar craftsmen. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Siddhi
Laxmi, the manifestation of female force and creativity.
The latest major renovation of this monument was carried
out in 1997 AD by Bhaktapur Municipality using the revenue
it collected from tourists.
Next to the Nyataponla Temple is the rectangular shaped
Bhairavnath Temple. It houses a gilded bust of Bhairav,
the ferocious manifestation of Lord Shiva. The three-storied
pagoda was razed to the grounds by the 1934-earthquake,
and its latest renovation was undertaken by Bhaktapur Municipality
in 1995 AD.
The enclosed complex facing the Nyataponla Temple is dedicated
to Tilmadhav Narayan, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, who
is one of the Supreme Triumvirate of Hindu pantheon. A few
steps ahead it, to the southwest, lies the famous Pottery
Square, where visitors can see the city’s well-known potters
making variously shaped and sized earthenware. The major
monumental highlight of this square is a temple of Jeth
Ganesh, which dates back to the 14th century.
Temples in Taumadi Square:
Nyatapola Temple, Bhairav Temple, Teel Mahadeve Narayan
Temple and many more.
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Dattatreya Square:
The Dattatreya Square is Bhaktapur's
third dazzling gem. The seat of royalty till the 15th century,
the area still houses a great number of historic monuments
including many wondrous Maths (residential mansions) and
temples.The Dattatreya Temple is the main attraction of
the Square. Constructed by King Yaksha Malla, the giant
three-storied temple is believed to have been built with
the stem of a single tree. Having defied series of calamities,
it still bears testimony to the incredible achievement made
in those regal days of the Nepalese history.
The Wane Layaku complex, which lies to the south-western
corner of the Dattatreya temple, is noted for Bhaktapur's
second Taleju shrine. Enclosed with old houses, the courtyard
sees throngs of people, especially during the Mohani ( Dashain
) festival, when a rare Ghau-batacha (Water Clock) is put
on public display. During the Malla Era, the water-clock
was used by the then rulers and astrologers for fixing "propitious
moments" for commencing and concluding various state and
social ceremonies.
The Peacock Window , which is also called the " Mona Lisa
of Nepal ", is a rare masterpiece in wood. Dating back to
the early 15th century, the unique latticed window has an
intricately carved peacock in its center. The window adorns
the Pujari Math which, with rows of exquisitely carved windows
and doors, is equally appealing. The building presently
houses the Woodcarving Museum . The museum has a rich collection
of unique pieces in wood.
The Brass & Bronze Museum
, housed in the historic Chikanpha Math , is the next highlight
of the Square. It has a wide collection of bronze and brasswares
including the ritual jars, utensils, water vessels, pots,
spittoons and similar other household items.Near the Dattatreya
Square is the Wakupati Narayan Temple . Dedicated to Lord
Vishnu, the two-storied structure is a unique specimen of
pagoda architecture. Next to it is bhaktapur's second Pottery
Square .Besides Bhaktapur's three well-acclaimed Squares,
there are many other spots within the expanse where visitors
can experience a lot more. The recently-restored Ta-Pukhu
(Siddha Pokhari) , Ancha-Pukhu , Khancha-Pukhu , Barahi
Temple , Lokeswor Mahavihar , Nava Durga Temple , the Terra-cotta
Windows at Tuchhimala and Nepal's largest Shiva Lingum at
Hanumanghat are some of Bhaktapur's monumental glories which
tourists visiting this ancient city simply do not like to
miss.
Temples in Dattatraya Square:
Dattatraya Temple, Bhimsen Temple,
Pottery Square:
Bhaktapur has two famous pottery squares.
One is ocated at Talac towards the southern part of he Durbar
Square and another one located ate Suryamadhi, to the east
of the Dattatraya square. Many potters can be seen working
ont their traditional wheels and thousands of finished and
semi-finished clay produts lie about in beautiful rows under
the sun.Potters and their families can be observed busy
in preparing the lumps fo black clay for the final shaping,
mending some fo the row clay products or adding finer craftsmanship
onto the half sone ones. If one is luck , one can even see
how they burn these clay products in teh open traditional
kilns for days before the final products are ready. Winthin
the Talaco pottery square, two important temples of Vishnu
and Ganesh can be seen in a very traditional way. Where
as in the other portery square, the shrine of Wakupati Narayan
with its beautiful wood carved windows, stone sculptures
and a sample piece of the pagoda tempel can be obseved.
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The National Art Gallery
:
Contains ancient and medieval paintings
belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrism
of various periods and descriptions.
Nyatapola Temple :
This five-storey pagoda was built in
1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced
platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures.
This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its
massive structure and subtle workmanship.
Bhairavnath Temple :
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda but
was later changed into a three storey temple in 1718 A.D.
by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic
grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the god of terror.
Dattatraya Temple :
Built in 1427 A.D., this temple is said to have been
built from the trunk of a single tree. Near this temple
is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock window.
Hanuman Ghat:
It is religious site for Hindus and
Buddhists alike. River banks often used by the local people
to burn dead bodies called 'Ghat'. People have the practise
of visiting such ghats areas in teh early mornings to wash
themselves purifying their body and then to go about visiting
temples and images of gods and goddesses, a process of purifying
one;s mind and soul. Ghats usually have one or more crematories
where the dead bodies are burned to ashes and the ashes
in turn are thrown into the rive as a part of Hindu/Buddhist
culture. There are several such Ghats in around Bhaktapur.
Hunuman Ghat is very popular Ghat in Bhaktapur, it spreads
to a larger area with many religious images, objects and
structures scattered around in such array that even a non
religious perosn would start feeling differently once visiting
there. For tourists it is like alking about in an alien
land. The largest Shiva Lingam in nepal, temple of Ram ,
numerous store sculptures, small stupas, shiva lingams,
more can be observed in this Ghat area. Visiting this place
in the early morning is recomanded. One can observe how
a day begins for a religious traditional Newar in Bhaktapur.
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Nava Durga Temple:
Ffrom a religous point of view, the shrine of Nava Durga
the nine manifestations fo Goddess Durga has a high place
in Bhaktapur. Nava Durga is also the combination of nine
protective mother Goddess of the city. The three storied
shrine which lies in Kwathando-4, Bhaktapur also popular
for the its elaborately carved windows and doors. It seems
huge crowd of devotees during Dashain (October), the greatest
festival of Hindu in nepal. A wood carved window and the
nothern facade displays the Chariot of Bhairav which has
its own importance and significance.
Kancha-Pukha:
Kanchu-Pukha located to the south of the Dattatrya square
is one of hte most amazing architectural pond. The unique
improtance of the pond lies in the fact that it perfectly
displays the image of the Nayatapolea Temple. Despite being
situated at the distance of over 500m from the temple and
densely packed tall houses standing between them, the beautiful
reflection can still be viewed and enjoyed.
Wakupati Narayan temple:
At a little distance on teh eastern side of the Dattatraya
Square, a loverly specimen in the metalwork, the Wokupati
Narayan Temple is enclosed within a stone paved coutyard.
This two sotried pagoda style temple is dedicated to Lord
Vishnu dates back to 1667 AD. No where else other than here
would one see four Garudas, the bird vehicle of Lord Vishnu,
at a single place in a row.
Changu Narayan:
The temple of Changunarayan is said to be the oldest
in the Kathmandu Valley. Listed in the World Cultural Heritage,
it is also a scenic spot situated at the altitude fo about
1700m and 4 KM to the north of Bhaktapur and 22 KM east
of Kathmandu. The most authentic iscription located in the
precinct of Changu Narayan is dated 464 AD and is accredited
to the Lichhavi King Mandeva. Changu Narayan Temple , located
high in the hill just to the north of Bhaktapur, is the
oldest existing pagoda temple in Nepal . The temple was
dedicated to lord Vishnu by the Lichhavi King in the Fifth
Century. It is said to be the oldest temple in the Valley.
It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List
in 1979.
Surya Vinayak:
Situated at the walking distance fo about 2 KM to the
south of the city is the holy shrine of god Ganesh ( God
of well beginning and successful completion of work) . The
temple of Ganesh is placed in a sylvan setting to catch
the first rays of the rising sun. It is a good picnic spot
flanked by many attractive landscapes.
Thimi:
The town of Thimi is well known for its pottery work.
In addition to pottery, Thimi has made a name for itself
in the age-old art of making colorful masks of various deities,
demons and animals. Thimi also produces much of the fresh
vegetables for the Kathmandu valley.
NAGARKOT:
Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of capital city
Kathmandu and about 18 Kilometers from historic city Bhaktapur.Nagarkot
is located high on the hill (approximately 7500 ft. above
sea level) to the north east corner of Bhaktapur, is famous
for its panoramic view of mountains, sun rise and sun set.
Nagarkot has availability of different types of accommodations
of Five star hotels to small cottage lodges.
Its one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and
is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya
when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot
from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there
for the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot has become famous
as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as
other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern
Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati
river valley to the east. With an elevation of 2,195 meters,
Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and
is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures
year round. MORE
And many more tourist
spots ..........
For further information
regarding reservatin of hotels in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur &
Nagarkot and Trekking all over NEPAL call or write us at
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