Nyatapole Temple in Bhaktapur, Nepal
The
Kathmandu Valley, the political and cultural hub of Nepal is the first
stop for the majority of visitors to the country. It has separate
kingdom itself, it contains three fabled cities- kathmandu, Patan, and
Bhaktapur. Each cities is an artistic exposition of graceful temples,
elegant palaces, brick-paved courtyards and quaint streets. There are
seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Valley. The history of the
Valley begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who slashed a passage
through the surrounding hills to drain out the primordial waters and
make it inhabitable. Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization
emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism Dynasties
came and went. Trade and the arts flourished. Its deeply-religious Newar
inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted
devout pilgrims as well as rampaging invaders.
Changu Narayan Temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley
about 12 km to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god
Vishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture,
the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square. As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by
feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the
spatial layout here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, situated to
the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The
National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The entrance to the palace,
the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse art.
Taumadi Square lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved lane. The towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the square. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.
Dattatreya Square takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three headed combination of the Hindu Deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Square is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The 15th-century Pujari Math is the most famous among the nine here and the building is decorated with the finest wood carvings, including the celebrated Peacock Window. The National Wood working Museum is also housed here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street.
Taumadi Square lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved lane. The towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the square. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.
Dattatreya Square takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three headed combination of the Hindu Deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Square is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The 15th-century Pujari Math is the most famous among the nine here and the building is decorated with the finest wood carvings, including the celebrated Peacock Window. The National Wood working Museum is also housed here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street.
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