Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Nepal, Tourist Attractions
Close to Kathmandu, lies the town of Bhaktapur. King Anand Dev established the town in the year 889 AD, and it is therefore steeped in tradition, culture and a rich history. The Mallas ruled Bhaktapur for many years. Most of the statues, temples and sanctuaries seen today were constructed during their rule. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is home to some of the most beautiful and breathtaking of these creations, complete with wooden carvings, gateways and idols.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is unique as it is one of the few sights
in Nepal that hosts a great variety of attractions at the same
location. One of these attractions is the Lion Gate. This spectacular gate
was constructed in the 17th century, in approximately the year 1696, by King
Bhupatendra Malla. The reason visitors are attracted to this gate, is the
two massive and beautifully crafted statues of lions that guard the gate.
Next to the lions are the images of goddess Ugrachandi and Lord Shiva carved from stone. As visitors start moving toward the center attraction of the
Durbar Square in Bhaktapur, the Fifty-Five Window Palace,
they will be greeted by the Golden Gate or Sun Dhoka. As the main entrance
to the palace courtyard, King Ranjit Malla spared no expense with the gate’s
construction in the 7th century. It is known as the most exquisite of its
kind in the world and is beautifully decorated. The doors of the Golden
Gate are adorned with Garuda (mythical half-man half bird) and goddess Kali,
both being cared for by heavenly creatures. The Palace of Fifty-Five Windows
was constructed in the year 1427 by King Yakshay Malla and renovated in the
17th century by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is considered an architectural
masterpiece, constructed from wood and brick. Its most significant feature
is the balcony that is home to the famous Fifty-Five windows. This is a
woodcarving feat that leaves visitors awestruck.
Ranking amongst the noteworthy sights in Nepal, the Durbar Square in
Bhaktapur has much more to offer than just a palace and two gates. Visitors
will also be able to visit the 17th century Vatsala Temple and the Pashupati
Temple. The pagoda temple, the temple of Nyatapola, was constructed in the
year 1702. Standing five-storeys in height, it is the tallest pagoda in
Nepal. The figurines on each floor are spectacular and each storey is
individually connected to the elements of sky, wind, water, fire and earth. The
art gallery displays various religious art pieces and the looming statue of
King Bhupatindra Malla pays tribute to a king that was not only a ruler, but
a creative mind and artist. Visitors can also look forward to viewing the
Stone Temple of Batsala Devi, the Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatraya Temple and
the Changu Narayan Temple. Visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a unique
and rare opportunity to relive history and touch the past.