Taumadhi Square is one of the four main distinct squares in Bhaktapur ancient city. The site is notable for the architecture of rectangular and multiple-roofed temples. The remarkable craftsmanship of its stone sculptures, stone spouts, traditional water tank and wood carving of all the existing structures that survived from 1934 earthquake, unveil its glorious period in the history. Nyatapola Temple, Bhairabnath Nath Temple and Tilmadhav Narayan Temple are the main symbolic monuments in the square.
The 30 meters high 5-storey Nyatapola Temple is the tallest Pagoda-styled temple in Kathmandu Valley and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It rests on a base of 5 levels with four Ganesh Shrines on each corner. Along the flight of steps that lead to the platform top has pairs of figures at both sides of each level including wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, Baghine (tiger goddess) and Singhine (lion goddess). It was said that each pair of idols were 10 times stronger than the ones immediately below it. The lowest pair of two men known as Jaya Malla and Phatla Malla were the strongest men in the city.
Nyatapola Temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in year 1702 to subdue the angry God Bhairab whose destructive behavior had caused great havoc in the society. The King ordered to build a more powerful temple with bricks and woods, in front of Bhairab Temple with pairs of guardians placed at each terrace. The construction took only 5 months to complete but it was so well designed and labored that it survived from the 8.3 earthquake in 1934. The temple enshrined An Image of Siddha Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of prosperity, which was now locked within the temple allowing only priests to enter and worship.
Nyatapola Temple is the only temple at site that named after the design of the structure instead of the name of residing deity. In Newari language, Nyatapola means 5-storey. The Temple is a lovely example of immense workmanship of the same kind from 17th century.
Bhairavnath Nath Temple stands short distance away from Nyatapola Temple. The 3-storey temple was originally built by King Jagat Jyoti Malla (1613-1637) on a modest scale but later remodeled into the existing 3-levels structure by King Bhupatindra Malla (1696-1722). It was built to dedicate to Bhairab, a dreadful aspect of God Shiva.
Foreign visitors, travelers and photographers like to gather at the top level of cafeteria, either to experience a different medieval moment, to admire its arts and to capture the best views of its extraordinary monuments.
Next to Taumadhi Square is Pottery square, a site where earthen pots are made in a traditional way.
During 18th century, Bhaktapur was reputable for its production of quality pottery pieces, stone and wood sculptures with beautiful artworks. Today, at this part of the city, making clay pots are still the major earning skill of the locals.
Potters carried on from their ancestors, following the ancient method by using traditional wooden wheels to create shape and size to the clay.
Potters working at site.
Finished products
Talakwo and Suryamadhi are the two well known clay working sites in Pottery square.
There are many interesting items at the stalls along the alleys of Taumadhi Square like their beautiful straw shoes. While strolling around the square, do not miss to allow their specially made curd Ju Ju Dhau to stimulate your tongue bud.
Farmers selling their produce to end users and supplying crops sprout for small growers, business were done by road side at Taumadhi Square, easy and simple!
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