Bhaktapur Durbar Square

(World Heritage Site) Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every plae-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:

Nyatapola Temple

This five-storey pagoda was built by King Bupatindra Mall in 1702 A.D. It stands on five terraes on each of which squat a pair of figures: two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffings and Baghini and Sighini- the tiger and the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones immediately below, whiles the lowest pair, the two strong men Jaya Malla and Phatta Malla, were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagoda temples in Kathmandu Valley and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

Bhairavnath Temple

This is another pagoda style temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the dreadful aspect of Shiva. It stands a short distance away from the temple of Nyatapola and was originally constructed by King Jagat Jyoti Malla on a modest scale. It was later remodeled by King Bhupatindra malla, a zealous lover of the arts, into what is now a three-storey temple.

Dattaraya Temple

The temple of Dattraya is as old as the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. Consecreated by King Yakshya Malla in 1427 A.D., this temple, according to popular belief, was built out of the trunk of a single tree. It was subsequently repaired and renovated by King Vishwa Malla in 1458 A.D. Just beside the temple is a monastery (Math) with exquisite carvings.

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