Vatsala Durga Temple

Bhaktapur


Beside King Bhupatindra Malla's column and directly in front of the Royal Palace, this stone temple was built by King Jagat Prakash Malla in either 1672 or 1727 (depending on which inscriptions you trust) in the Indian shikhara style, but it was completely destroyed in the 2015 earthquake.

Beside the temple is an ornate sunken hiti containing a fine stone dhara in the form of a makara, topped by a crocodile and a frog.


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Nearby Bhaktapur attractions

1. Taleju Bell

In front of what once was the Vatsala Durga Temple is a large bell, which was erected by King Jaya Ranjit Malla in 1737 to mark morning and evening…

2. Chyasilin Mandap

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'Chyasilin' refers to the eight-cornered roof of this pavilion. It was rebuilt in 1990 using old photos and paintings and components from the original…

3. King Bhupatindra Malla’s Column

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With hands folded in a prayer position, the bronze statue of King Bhupatindra Malla sits atop a column in front of the Vatsala Durga Temple. The statue…

4. Golden Gate

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The magnificent Golden Gate is a visual highlight of Durbar Sq. Set into a bright red gatehouse surrounded by white palace walls, the fabulous golden…

5. Pashupatinath Temple

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Behind the Vatsala Durga Temple, the Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Shiva as Pashupati and is a replica of the main shrine at Pashupatinath…

6. 55 Window Palace

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East of the Golden Gate is this palace featuring 55 intricately carved wooden windows stretching along its upper level.

7. Siddhi Lakshmi Temple

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The attractive 17th-century stone Siddhi Lakshmi Temple stood by the southeastern corner of Bhaktapur palace until it collapsed in the 2015 earthquake…

8. War Drums

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As you enter the Royal Palace complex there are two enormous war drums, which were used to rouse the city in the event of attack. They are hard to see…