“Were there nothing else in Nepal, save the Durbar Square of Bhatgaon (Bhaktapur), it would still be amply worth making a journey halfway round the globe to see.”
Bhaktapur, literally the ‘City of Devotees’, is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances and the typical Newar lifestyle. Tourists visiting Nepal feel their visit incomplete unless they get a mesmerizing glimpse of this ancient ‘City of Culture.’ This conch shaped historic city, Bhaktapur, spreading over an area of 6.88 square kilometers and lying at 12 km. east of Katmandu, was founded in the 12th century by King Anand Dev Malla. Age - old dances and festivals are still observed by the locals with the same fervor and enthusiasm as their ancestors did in the past.
King Yaksha Malla (15th century) heavily fortified this city. Eight Mother Goddesses (ASTA MATRIKA) at eight geometrical corners of the city were installed for the divine protection.In spite of continual invasions by intruders and natural calamities, the historic city still boasts of its superb art and subtle culture so vividly depicted on the remaining palaces, temples, monasteries, Biharas and other monuments.
The Hindus and the Buddhists have coexisted in harmony and drawn inspirations from each other through the ages. Bhaktapur is predominantly comprised of the peasantry. Painting, carving, masonry, bronze casting, jewellery, pottery, etc. are other traditional enterprises still existing. Monuments and artistic carvings on wood, stone and metal are strewn all over the historical core of the city. Alleys and narThree main squares of the city are remarkably attractive in their artistic exposition of elegant temples, dignified palace, graceful monasteries and Biharas standing around these open public places and connected to one another with quaint streets.row and zigzagged lanes lead you to see the environment of Newar medieval settlements.
Three main squares of the city are remarkably attractive in their artistic exposition of elegant temples, dignified palace, graceful monasteries and Biharas standing around these open public places and connected to one another with quaint streets.
Top Three main squares of the city are remarkably attractive in their artistic exposition of elegant temples, dignified palace, graceful monasteries and Biharas standing around these open public places and connected to one another with quaint streets.
Durbar Square: The square, the most open public place of the city, is the most outstanding cluster of exquisite temples and the royal palaces ornamented with work of arts. It is one of the most beautiful sites in Nepal and is included under World Heritage Sites. Though few temples and patis have been destroyed by the 1990B.S earthquake, the square still shows its masterpiece through wood, stThe golden gate and the National Muesum is the center of attraction. The paved stones also holds religious importance and are inscripted. The 55 window palace is currently under renovation projected to last till 2064B.S.one, metal and clay carvings.
Taumadhi Square: It lies at just a minute walk to the south-east of Durbar Square. A standee in this square is pygmised by the towering five storied pagoda styled temple of goddess Siddhi Laxmi and that of god Bhairabnath. (Recently renovated by Bhaktapur Municipality with local participation at the estimated cost of 7.5 million nepali rupees). The Nyatapola, constructed in pagoda style, is the tallest temple in Nepal, also known as Panch talle Mandir. The position of beautiful stone statues at every step has it's own religious and traditional importance. It is believed that the succeeding statue is 20 times as powerful than the lower statue.
Dattatraya Square: The square has been nomenclatured from the name of the Deity of the temple itself. The temple is dedicated to the three - headed Deity of the Hindus. The Deity symbolizes three Deities in combination. Bramha (God of Creation), Bishnu (God of Protection) and Maheswara (God of Destruction), of the Hindus. The Square as whole can be regarded as a museum of wood carvings. One can smell environments of medieval period around the square.As for the crucial issues of preserving environment and monuments of historical significance, Bhaktapur Municipality has launched a campaign for the purpose. The Municipality has been undertaking various activities like brick- paving, renovating public shelters, spouts, ponds and temples. And in a bid to curb pollution, it has banned heavy vehicles from getting into the city.
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| The dates mentioned above are as according to the year 2007 A.D. Nepali Festivals are celebrated according to Nepali Lunar Calander; so, the festivals may fall 5-6 days ahead or after the dates mentioned above. |
