Visiting Nepal

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square is situated in the center of Bhaktapur. The Sq uare is one of the most delightful architectural showpiece of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal.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 by King Anand Dev (889 A.D) in the shape of a conch shell, which is a sacred symbol. Bhaktapur was once ruled by the Malla's who built superb temples, statues, etc. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a accumulation of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The golden effigy of kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian divinity looking out from their refuge, the wood carvings in every place-struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows-all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are There are many monuments of historical significance here, like:

The Lion Gate:

This 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:

The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace.It was built in 7th century A.D. The Golden gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world, erected by King Ranjit Malla. The door is a embellished with monsters and mythical creatures of marvellous intricacy

The statue of King Bhupatendra Malla :

This figure, of a scholar and artist king, is seen atop a huge column.

55 window palace:

The Palace of Fifty-five Windows was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in 1427 A.D and was remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeeth century. Keshav Narayan Chowk is the Northern-most part of the Patan Darbar palace complex, with the dominating Degutale temple next to it. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with fifty-five Windows, considered a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.

Vatsala Temple:

This 17th century stone temple, dedicated to a mother goddess, is full of intricate works on stone.

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.

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.

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