Architecture sights in Bhaktapur
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Nyatapola Temple
The five-storey, 30m-high Nyatapola Temple ( M0458) is not only the highest temple in Nepal, but also one of the best examples of traditional Newari temple architecture. The temple appears to soar above Bhaktapur's rooftops, with the snow-capped Himalaya as a dramatic backdrop.
Built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702, its design and construction were so solid that the 1934 earthquake caused only minor damage. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by guardian figures at each plinth level. The bottom plinth has the legendary Rajput wrestlers Jayamel and Phattu, said to have the strength of 10 men. On the plinths above are two elephants, then two …
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Bhairabnath Temple
The well-restored, triple-roofed Bhairabnath Temple (also known as the Kasi Vishwanath or Akash Bhairab; M045A) has an unusual rectangular plan and a somewhat chequered history. It was originally built as a one-storey temple in the early 17th century, but was rebuilt with two storeys by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1717. The 1934 earthquake caused great damage to the temple and it was completely rebuilt and a third floor added.
Casually stacked by the north wall of the temple are the enormous wheels and temple chariot runner on which the image of Bhairab (a fearsome form of Shiva) is conveyed around town during the Bisket festival in mid-April. Bhaktapur celebrates Bisket Ja…
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Til Mahadev Narayan Temple
It's easy to miss Taumadhi Tole's third interesting temple, as it is hidden away behind the buildings on the southern side of the square. You can enter the temple's courtyard through a narrow entrance through those buildings, or through an arched entrance facing west, just to the south of the square.
This double-roofed Vishnu temple has a Garuda kneeling on a high pillar in front, flanked by pillars bearing Vishnu's sankha and chakra symbols. Some of the temple's struts also depict Garudas. A lingam in a yoni (female equivalent of the phallic symbol) stands inside a grilled structure in front and to one side of the temple. A plaque to the lower right of the door depicts t…
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Dattatreya Temple
The tall, square Dattatreya Temple was originally built in 1427, but alterations were made in 1458. Like some other important structures in the valley it is said to have been built using the timber from a single tree.
The temple is dedicated to Dattatreya, a blending of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, although the Garuda-topped pillar and the traditional weapons of Vishnu (conch and a disc) on their pillars indicate the strong influence of Vishnu. The temple is important to Shaivites, Vaishnavites and Buddhists.
The three-storey temple is raised well above the ground on its base, the sides of which are carved with some erotic scenes. The front section, which was a later additio…
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Bhimsen Temple
The two-storey Bhimsen Temple, variously dated to 1605, 1645, 1655 or 1657, is squat, rectangular and open on the ground floor. It's fronted by a platform with a small double-roofed Vishnu/Narayan Temple and a pillar topped by a brass lion with his right paw raised. Steps lead down behind it to the deeply sunken Bhimsen Pokhari.
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Jeth Ganesh Temple
This is one of two small temples in Potters' Sq - the other being the solid-brick central Vishnu Temple - and is an indicator of how long the activity around the square has been going on. A wealthy potter donated the temple in 1646 and to this day its priest is chosen from the potter caste.
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Chyasilin Mandap
This octagonal temple was one of the finest in the square until it was destroyed by the 1934 earthquake. Using some of the temple's original components, it was totally rebuilt in 1990; note the metal construction inside this outwardly authentic building ( M0464).
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Jyotirlingeshwar
The Jyotirlingeshwar is a shikhara-style temple that houses an important lingam. Behind the shrine is an attractive hiti, one of Bhaktapur's many sunken water conduits.
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Sukul Dhoka
The Sukul Dhoka is a math (Hindu priest's house), with superb woodcarving on its façade.
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