Bhaktapur, the famous city of Nepal, situated at an altitude of 1401 meters is a home to medieval art and covers an area of 4 square miles. Bhaktapur means the city of the devotees. The city lies about 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transportation. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur include:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square contains countless temples and architectural showpieces. The Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the picture Gallery, the golden Gate, the 55 Windows Palace, and the Batsala Temple etc are the primary attraction of this Square. The Lion Gate adorned with stone figures of Hanuman, Bhairav and Narasingh Narayan was built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla. The golden Gate built by King Ranjit Malla is an entrance to the main courtyard and the palace of 55 windows which is the most beautiful carved specimens. You can also see the Picture Gallery which includes paintings of Hindu and Buddhist schools of Tantrism.
The famous Palace of 55 Windows was built by King Bhuptindra Malla in the seventeenth century. It is a masterpiece of wood carving with its gracious setting and sculpture deign.
Nyatapola Temple
Nyatapola Temple, a five story pagoda built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 A.D, stands on a five storey terraced platform. There are squat pairs of figures, two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and Baghini and singhini, the tiger and the lion goddeses on each of the terraces.
Bhairavnath Temple
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda during the reign of King Jagat Jyoti Malla, and later changed into a three storied temple in 1781 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the god of Terror.
|
