Bhaktapur City, a plaza in front of ancient Royal Palace of old Bhaktapur Kindom, is a home to a great numbers of historical monuments, temples, mansions and museums. It consists mainly of four distinct Squares namely Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square. Durbar Square is a gem to the city and an open museum of Nepal traditional ancient arts as well as architectures. It served as a royal residence and an important administrative center of the Kingdom in medieval period within 8th to 15th century. Locating at the center of the city, Durbar Square was once crowded with Shikhara-styled temples, pagodas and stone spouts dedicating to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Though many of them were unfortunately destroyed by 1934 earthquake and yet to restore until today, it is still the most charming architecture showpieces in Kathmandu Valley. Durbar Square was listed in UNESCO heritage sites in 1979.
The Lion gate that was guarded by two huge lion statues at both sides, was established in year 1696.
The two huge lion guardians at Lion Gate.
The multi-hands stone images of Bhairab and Ugrachandi at Lion Gate were the two different aspect of Hindu God Shiva. It was said that to avoid similar piece of the kind be produced again, the hands of the artisans were cut off by King Bhadgoun after the project of Lion Gate was completed.
The interesting ancient wood carvings.
The Information center.
Locating close to the entrance at the west side of Durbar Square is a two storey temple known as Bansi Narayan Mandir (also called Badri Narayan or Badrinatha locally). It was built in year 1757 during the reign of King Ranjit Malla to dedicate four major places of Hindu Pilgrimage. The column with stone Garuda in front of the Temple dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu.
Temple Bansi Narayan Mandir boasts fine carvings on doors, windows and roof struts. The elaborate carvings at roof struts are pieces of art heritage from 17th to 18th century.
Most of the portrayals focus Hindu God Vishnu in his many incarnations.
The carvings at the windows of the temple are splendid!
The elaborately carved front door panels of Bansi Narayan Mandir.
Many temples at the square have pair of animal guardians at the door steps and lions are most common.
There are many Pagoda-styled temples scattered within the main courtyard in Dubar Square. Most of them were originally constructed in 17th or 18th century. Among the outstanding are Vatsala Shikhara, Siddhilakshmi Shikhara, Chyasalin Mandap, Durga Mandir and Fasi Dega Mandir. Fasi Dega Mandir was a puny structure resting on a massive stepped platform built up with 5 tiers. The stairway was guarded by 3 pairs of different animals. The non-proportionally constructed temple was restored to the initial monumental scale of the origin.
Vatsala Shikhara dedicating to the terrified female deity Vatsala, at the center of the square, was a completely sandstone structure with many intricate carvings. It was built by King Jagat Prakash Malla in 1672. The structure was set on a triple tiered platform surrounded by a colonnade of 14 octagonal columns topped by 8 small pavilions.
Siddhilakshmi Shikhara also known as Lohan Dega or Stone Temple, is another temple pagoda built in late 17th century. It lies between the Palace and Mini Pashupatinath Temple. The steep steps that lead to the platform are guarded by substantial guard of horses, hippopotamuses, lions, camels and a pair of human figures. The stone relief in front of the shrine depicts the mother deity.
The golden effigies of the King Bhupatindra Malla in his praying posture, perched at the top of stone monoliths, is a master piece of metal work.
The reputed bronze bell next to Vatsala Temple that used to sound every morning when making worship to Goddess Taleju, was hung by King Ranjit Malla in year 1737. The colossal bell that used to sound the daily curfew was believed to produce death knell in the past when it rung.
Chyasalin Mandap restored in year 1990 was the original splendor Octagonal Pagoda that offered a favorite vantage point for the nobility to watch festivals and ceremonies in the olden days.
The mini Pashupatinath Temple which was built in 15th century to convenient the king in daily ritual is the oldest structure in The Square. It was a replica of the famous temple at Deopatan by Bagmati River. The enshrined image of a black stone with five faces, was also imitated and modeled from the original temple. Its front plain triple doors were installed later during restoration.
Mini Pashupatinath Temple with wild erotic carvings embellished at roof struts is a complex symbol of Hinduism dedicating to Hindu God Shiva. It represents energy and strength.
The 55-windows Palace with elaborately carved windows and doors, is the most fascinating structure at site.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square was hit by strong earthquake in 1934 and many medieval built structures were destroyed. The Palace Square was originally attached with 99 courtyards with three separate groups of temples but now only 6 courtyards remained and the site where the temples once stood became vast empty spaces in the square.
