
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the center of Bhaktapur.
The Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces
of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval
arts of Nepal. The main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar
Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate and the statues
of kings on stone monoliths. The Golden Gate was erected by
King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of
the Fifty-five Windowed Palace.
The Palace of Fifty-five Windows was built during the reign
of King Yakshya Malla in A.D. 1427 and was remodelled by King
Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeeth century. The art gallery
of Bhaktapur Durbar Square contains ancient paintings belonging
to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods. This
gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.
Some important monuments to see in this area are:
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| Golden Gate: This is the main entrance to the famous 55-window
palace, built by Ranjit Malla in 7th century A.D. |
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55 window palace: This is the main structure of the entire
Durbar Square, which is a magnificient edifice built by Yakshya
Malla and renovated by Bhupatendra Malla. |
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| Nyatapola: This is the most famous pagoda of Nepal, which
was built in 1702A.D. by Bhupatendra Malla. This temple was
dedicated to Siddhi-Laxmi, the tantric mother goddess of supreme
power. Nyatapola in Newari means a five tiered symbolizing
five basic elements - water, earth, fire, wind and sky. |
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Pashupati Temple: According to a folklore, a Bhaktapur King
who was a great devotee of Lord Pashupati, had a dream in
which Lord Shiva told him to build a temple for him so that
he could move into it. He obeyed this command and thus the
temple came into existence. |
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