|
Valley Tour
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE:
Durbar Square is an assortment of pagoda and shikhara-style temples
grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The
square is part of a charming valley as it highlights the idols of
ancient kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities
looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place
- struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows - all seem to
form a well orchestrated symphony.
Places to Visit
-
The Lion Gate
The massive gate that dates back to 1696 AD is guarded by two
huge statues of lions at the either sides. The dreadful stone
image of Lord Shiva and the fearful image of Ugrachandi attract
the tourists from far off.
-
The Golden Gate
(Sun Dhoka)
The Golden gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded
specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is a embellished
with monsters and mythical creatures of marvellous intricacy.
The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance
to the main courtyard of the Palace of fifty-five windows.
-
The Palace of
Fifty Five Windows
This magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshay
Malla in 1427 AD and was subsequently remodeled by King Bhupatindra
Malla in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls with their
gracious setting and sculptural design, is considered as a unique
masterpiece of woodcarving.
-
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.
-
The Statue of
King Bhupatindra Malla
This statue depicts King Bhupendra Malla in the act of worship
and is located on a column facing the palace. This is considered
the most magnificent statue among the many statues in the squares.
-
Nyatapola
This is the most famous pagoda of Nepal, which was built in 1702
A.D by Bhupatendra Mala. This temple was dedicated to Siddhilaxmi,
the tantric mother goddess of supreme power. Nyatapola in Newari
means a five tiered symbolizing five basic elements - water, earth,
fire, wind and sky.
-
Pashupati Temple
According to a folklore, a Bhaktapur native 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.
-
Vatsala Temple
This 17th century stone temple, dedicated to a mother goddess,
is full of intricate works on stone.
|
|
