All you need to know about Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal

Who does not love traveling? Traveling to beautiful places without burning holes in your pocket to witness amazing architecture is a treat to the eyes and lets you learn the history of the place. Whenever you are in Nepal, ensure to visit Bhaktapur, which is an ancient city in Nepal. You have to stay at this place to view beautiful places and go street shopping.

Bhaktapur is the most famous attraction in Nepal. The place is known as A living museum where you can witness Newari art and architecture that is beautifully etched. The place is also known for Newari traditions, where Nepali men wear a black cap while women wear a traditional black saree with a red border. You can find a lot of women and men walking around the alleys.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a major attraction known for the beauty of stone and great metal arts. Many wood carvings, beautiful terracotta art, and architecture you can witness at this place. During the Nepali new year, the cultural part of the city can be witnessed in every corner of this place. The monikers of the place, like the Living Heritage and the ancient Newari town, are where you can enjoy the culture of Nepal.

Bhaktapur is called Khwopa and is one of the vast Newari Kingdoms. The place will be in the shape of a pigeon, with an area spread across 6.88 sq km. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a place where you get to view wonderful art and mythology. Majority of residents living in this place either practice Hinduism or Buddhism. All of them will live in harmony. Every religion will follow the custom of each other and make you feel like a unity in the culture.

The ancient architecture of this place has been inherited from its previous generations. Many places to visit are pagoda temples, Shikhar-style temples, Vihars, Buddhist monasteries, Chowks, Dyochhens, and palaces. These are the best monuments you find in the city. Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square will be amidst the city.

The history behind Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur is the place that King Ari Malla ruled in the 12th century. King Ari is the first person to add Malla to his name. The meaning of Malla is Wrestler.

Must-see attractions in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal:

1. Durbar Square

It is undoubtedly the most crucial place to visit when you are in place and Bhaktapur. The main square of the city is known as Bhaktapur Chowk. The whole place is etched with metal, terracotta, and wood. The grand entrance of this place gives a welcoming environment to the Bhaktapur Chowk.

The courtyard with eye-catchy architecture has many palaces, royal bath places, and temples backed by exciting history. The courtyard of the place makes you feel royalty in every inch. Indeed, Bhaktapur royal palace is one of the old palaces in the city.

2. Lion Gates in Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The lion gate has a grand entrance. When you see the beautiful gate, the first few words that come to your mind are majestic and royal.

3. The Golden Gate

Golden Gate is the most beautifully decorated gate. The gate is also known as Lu Dhowka. You can witness the golden shining gate that is appealing to your eyes. The female picture you see on the gate is the Goddess Taleju.

Malla Kings offers prayers to this deity. She has a lot of heads and ten hands and is encompassed by a lot of attendants. There is also a sculpture of Goddess Garuda. You can see above this female sculpture.

4. Palace 55 Windows

The palace will be amidst Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a masterpiece with a lot of woodwork and cravings. The palace is known as Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar. The building was built by the great King Bhupatindra Malla and finished in 1754 during Jaya Ranjit Malla times, who was the last King of Bhaktapur.

The beautiful ornate windows on the upper floor will improve the palace’s appearance. The western wing of this palace is now converted to the National Art Gallery. There are many courtyards to which you can gain access through this entrance. Non-Hindus are also allowed into the temple.

5. Taleju Bhawani Temple

It is the most important temple that you should visit when you are in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is a respected shrine by the Nepali people. The temple is in the courtyard to the left. Goddess Taleju is the Goddess who Malla Kings worships.

The original Yatra will be done from the Kathmandu valley by the prince, Jagatsimha, the doting son of Devaldevi and Harisimha. The Yatra has all the power of the Goddess. Malla kings have accepted the rituals of Newari and have always worshipped the Taleju deity. Even on the deathbed, the King chanted the mantra of this Goddess.

6. Royal Bath

It is another attraction in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, outside the Taleju temple. The bathing place was built way back in 1678 from the natural spring. The water will flow from the sprout into the basin called Hiti. Snake structures surround the bath area. These structures will be in the form of taps or other structures.

These are a few attractions that you can see around Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Further Reading:

All you need to know about Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal

The history behind Bhaktapur Durbar Square