The Golden Gate of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Golden Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is a beautiful and intricately decorated gate that leads into the courtyard of the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. The gate is made of pure gold and features exquisite carvings and designs that showcase the skill of Nepalese artisans.

The Golden Gate is considered to be a masterpiece of Newari architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in Nepal. It was built in the early 18th century by King Ranjit Malla and is the main entrance to the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. The gate is decorated with various figures and deities from Hindu mythology, including Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.

The gate is a symbol of the wealth and power of the Malla dynasty, who ruled over Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century. The intricate carvings on the gate are said to represent the four elements of nature - earth, water, air, and fire - as well as various Hindu deities.

The Golden Gate is considered to be one of the most beautiful and unique works of art in Nepal and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Exploring the Golden Gate of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

The Golden Gate is an intricately designed, gilded doorway in Bhaktapur's Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built-in the 18th century, the gate is adorned with carvings of gods and goddesses, and is considered one of the most stunning examples of metalwork in the world.

While the gate is a popular tourist attraction, it also serves as an important cultural and religious symbol for the people of Bhaktapur.

If you ever find yourself in Nepal, don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the beauty and history of the Golden Gate.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The Durbar Square is a unique blend of ancient art, culture, and architecture, and is one of the major tourist destinations in Nepal. The square is also known as the "City of Devotees" and is considered one of the best-preserved historical sites in Nepal.

History

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 12th century when it was founded by King Anand Dev Malla. The square served as the royal palace for the Malla kings of Bhaktapur, and the city prospered as a center of art, culture, and religion.

Over the centuries, many temples, palaces, and courtyards were added to the square, making it one of the most remarkable examples of traditional Newari architecture. The square has been the center of Nepali art and culture for centuries and is a testament to the rich heritage of the Nepalese people.

Architecture and Design

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a perfect example of Newari architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist styles. The square is full of intricately carved wooden temples, shrines, and palaces that are richly decorated with exquisite artwork and carvings.

The most notable architectural structure in the square is the 55-Window Palace, which was built in the 15th century by King Bhupatindra Malla. The palace has a beautiful facade with 55 windows, each of which is adorned with intricate carvings of deities, mythical creatures, and other symbols.

Another impressive structure in the square is the Nyatapola Temple, which is a five-story pagoda-style temple that was built in 1702 by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, and it is the tallest temple in Nepal, standing at 30 meters high.

Other notable structures in the square include the Bhairava Nath Temple, the Golden Gate, the Taleju Temple, and the Vatsala Temple. All these structures are richly decorated with intricate carvings, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of Nepal.

Tourism

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The square offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of Nepal, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the country.

Visitors to the square can explore the ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards, and marvel at the intricate carvings and artwork that adorn the structures. The square also offers an opportunity to experience the traditional Newari culture of Nepal, with local vendors selling traditional crafts, jewelry, and food.

Conclusion

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a true gem of Nepal and a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the Nepalese people. The square is a unique blend of ancient art, culture, and architecture, and it offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Nepal. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable travel experience, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a must-visit destination.

Discover the beauty and history of Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Nepal.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the finest examples of Newari architecture in Nepal. 

With its intricate carvings, temples, and artistic displays, it's a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, religion, and culture.

If you want to immerse yourself in Nepalese history and culture, then Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the perfect place for you.

Background and Indroduction of Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, the city of devotees.  Bhaktapur is one of the royal city in the Kathmandu valley. It is the smallest district of Nepal. It is located 20 KM east to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Bhaktapur is an open museum. It has gems in the Durbar square. It is listed as UNESCO in the world heritage site. Bhaktapur is founded on 12 th century by King Ananda Mall but it was only in the 18 th century that Bhaktapur took its present shapes. Bhaktapur has an area of just 6.88 square kilometers. and It is 1,401 meters above sea level.

Bhaktapur Durbar square

Bhaktapur is the capital city of Malla Kingdom till 15 th the century. Many Malla kings rule over Bhaktapur in ancient era. Some of the Malla kings that rule over Bhaktapur are Ananda Malla, Bhaupatendra Malla, Jay Prakash Malla.

It is filled with unique palaces, temples, monuments, terra-cotta with carved wood, stones, clays and metals. There are lots of ancient people that work on woods, stones and metals. Shilpakar gives arts on wood, Shilakar works on stones, Prajapati makes arts on clay.

Bhaktapur is also known as Nepal's Gems. It is a city of culture and the "Living Heritage". Bhaktapur is famous for its elegant art, ancient lifestyle and culture. There are many templates that have pagoda styles. Nyatapola (5 stories temple), Bhairab Temple, Dattatraya Temple etc are the famous temples. Golden gate, 55 windows palace, Royal Bath, etc are the famous palaces to visit.

Many ponds, pati and pawas etc are present on Bhaktapur since ancient times. Different square is also present in Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadi Square, Pottery Square, Dattatraya Square etc are the famous squares of Bhaktapur. Siddha Pokhari, Bhajya Pukhu, Na: Pukhu, Kamal Pokhari, Tekha pukhu etc are the famous ponds of Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur is surrounded by high hills around the city. Changu Narayan temple, Nagarkot, Suryabinayak etc are the nearby hills for trekking. Ganesh Himal, Gauri sankar Himalayan range and Makalu Himal can be seen from Bhaktapur. 

All the months of the year is full of festivals and Jatras. not a single month is left behind without celebrating the festivals and feasts. Some of the Jatras and festivals celebrated on Bhaktapur are Biska Jatra, Siti Nakha, Ghanta Karna, Gai Jatra Indra Jatra, Dashain, Tihar, Holi etc.

Note: Ju Ju Dhau is the most famous in Bhaktapur. Ju Ju Dhau (the famous king curd/king yogurt) is the most famous and delicious curd. It is the rich taste among the curd.

5 Stories Temple. Photo capture at the time Biska: Jatra 2017