Bhaktapur

Overview

 Bhaktapur is a city in the east corner of Kathmandu, about 13km far. Bhaktapur is also locally known as Khwopa and is the smallest city of Nepal. During the first half of the Malla dynasty, in the 15th century, Bhaktapur served as the capital city of Nepal. It is also a very ancient city that has preserved its art, culture, indigenous lifestyle of Newar community, and tradition for several years. Bhaktapur is a major highlight of Nepal as many national and international tourists visit the place every day.  

• Bhaktapur Durbar square– It is a beautiful Royal Palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom. It is located in the town of Bhaktapur at 1400m above sea level. The Bhaktapur Durbar square actually consists of 4 distinct squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square) the whole area, however, is known as Bhaktapur Durbar square. There are many ancient buildings, temples, ponds, and statues in the surrounding of Bhaktapur Durbar square. It is extended to an area of 6.88 sq. km and lies on a height of 1401m. Many monuments and statues of Bhaktapur were built by Malla rulers. Sadly, all these buildings including Bhaktapur Durbar square were severely damaged by the earthquake of 2015. Nevertheless, Bhaktapur is one of the major attractions and highlights of Nepal. Many national and international tourists visit Bhaktapur yearly. Some of the finest places you do not want to miss when you visit Bhaktapur are listed below. 

• Vatsala Temple– It is situated directly in front of the palace and beside the King’s statue. It is dedicated to vatsala Devi, a form of the Goddess Durga. Originally built by Jitmitra Malla and reconstructed by King Bhupatindra Malla this temple is similar to the Krishna temple of Patan and is completely constructed in the sandstone. 

• Statue of Bhupatindra Malla– Out of the many statues in Bhaktapur Durbar square, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla is considered to be the most magnificent. The statue is an act of worship and can be seen on the column facing the palace. 

• Siddhi Lakshmi temple– This temple is dedicated to tantric Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi and was built in the 17th century. This Sikhara style temple is guarded by camel, rhinos, and horses at the entrance. 

• Rameshwor temple– It is on the right side of the gate, in front of the gopi Nath temple, and is a Gum Baja style. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which has an open shrine and 4 pillars.    

• The palace of 55 windows – A masterpiece in woodwork and carvings, the palace of 55 windows is situated right in the center of Bhaktapur Durbar square. This palace is also known as Panchpanna Jhyale Durbar and was built by King Bhupatindra Malla, but was only finished at the time of the last Malla King, Jaya Ranjit Malla, in 1754. The interior of the Panchpanna Jhyale Durbar is closed for visitors. However, Kumari, the Living Goddess of Nepal sometimes attends the ceremony in this palace. There is a Talegu Temple near the palace where non-Hindus are not allowed. 

• Changu Narayan Temple– Besides the historical Bhaktapur durbar square, there is also another popular and religious temple in Bhaktapur. Changu Narayan temple is an ancient temple located on the hilltop of Changu or Dolagiri. The hill itself is 7 miles away and from Kathmandu while it is a few miles north of Bhaktapur. The oldest temple of Nepal, Changu Narayan is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is named after a daughter whose father gave a Champak, in marriage to the prince of Bhaktapur. The temple is also surrounded by Champak trees. It is said that this temple is made very unique and different. It is neither a pagoda-style nor a Shikhara style but has a traditional Nepali style. The temple is surrounded by sculptures and arts of Lord Vishnu, along with the temples of Lord Shiva, Krishna, Ashta Matrika, etc. The temple is beautifully decorated and preserved by people. It is also one of the finest attractions of Kathmandu or even Nepal. 

• Siddha Pokhari– Siddha Pokhari is one of the oldest and the largest ponds situated in Bhaktapur. This place is probably the most visited place by people around Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. Almost every age of people goes there as its beauty is something one cannot resist without going. This artificial pond was built in the 15th century during the rule of King Yakshya Malla. Siddha Pokhari is also known as Ta Pukhu or Indra Daha locally and is a very traditional pond for Nepalese. During the festival of Ashwin Krishna Dwithiya, a large fair takes place and many devotees come here to take a dip in this holy pond. It is believed that by doing so, people will be blessed with good health and happiness.