Siddha Pokhari Bhaktapur

Siddha Pokhari is a historic pond located in the city of Bhaktapur, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The pond, also known as Ta-Pukhu, was built during the reign of King Yaksha Malla in the 15th century.

Siddha Pokhari is a significant historical landmark in Bhaktapur, and it is considered to be one of the largest man-made ponds in Nepal. The pond covers an area of approximately 171,427 square feet and is surrounded by a stone wall. The water in the pond is believed to have healing properties, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

In the past, the pond was used for various religious and cultural activities, including the Gai Jatra festival, which is a festival celebrated in Nepal to commemorate the dead. The pond is also believed to have been used for bathing and washing clothes in the past.

Today, the Siddha Pokhari is a peaceful spot in the midst of the bustling city of Bhaktapur, and it is a popular place for people to relax and enjoy the scenery. The pond has been restored and renovated several times over the years to maintain its historical significance, and it remains an important cultural landmark in Nepal.

Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the town of Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The temple was built in the 4th century and is considered a masterpiece of Nepalese architecture. It is a two-story pagoda-style temple made of wood and stone, with intricate carvings and statues adorning its walls.

The main shrine of the temple contains a statue of Lord Vishnu in his Narayan form, which is said to be one of the finest examples of Nepalese metalwork. The temple also houses many other sculptures and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

Changu Narayan Temple is surrounded by a beautiful forested area, and there are many other smaller shrines and temples nearby that are also worth visiting. The temple is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Overall, Changu Narayan Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Nepalese culture and history, as well as for those looking to experience the country's rich religious traditions.

Changunarayan Temple, Bhaktapur

Changunarayan Temple, Bhaktapur

Wakupati Narayan Temple

Wakupati Narayan Temple is a two-story pagoda-style temple located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The temple dedicated to a form of Changu Narayan was established by King Jagat Prakash Malla in 1667 A.D.

There is an interesting legend regarding the emergence of the Wakupati Narayan. There was once an ardent devotee of Lord Changu Narayan in Bhaktapur and he used to go to the temple in Changu Village on a daily basis. One day, due to some circumstances while harvesting paddy, he was unable to go to his aradhaya's temple for darshan. After going to his home depressed with a huge sack of paddy, to his amazement, he found a dazzling murti of Changu Narayan appears inside the paddy sack. The murti later was established and a temple was built.

In Nepalbhasa, “Wa” means Paddy, and “Ku” means “Storage”. Since it was found within the sack of paddy, it was named Wakupati Narayan. As a result, the practice of offering new paddy to this Narayana has not changed since then. Also, there is a belief among the locals that if people sit in the courtyard while visiting the temple, the back pain will be cured. So the people of Bhaktapur, still sit there at least once while visiting the temple, even if they are in a hurry.

A peculiarity about the temple is that there are five statues of Garudas supported on pillars on the backs of turtles. This is the only place where one would see five Garudas standing back to back in a row. There are also murtis of Ganesha, Dash Avatara and a temple of Chinnamastha in the temple premises.

Wakupati Narayan Temple

Wakupati Narayan Temple

Bhairab Nath Temple

Bhairab Nath Temple is a significant religious site located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and is considered one of the most important temples of Bhaktapur.

The temple was built during the Malla dynasty in the 17th century and is situated in Taumadhi Square, which is the largest square in Bhaktapur. The temple's architecture is a beautiful example of the Newar style of architecture, with intricate carvings and woodwork.

The main deity of the temple is Bhairava, who is depicted with eight arms, each holding a weapon. The temple attracts a large number of devotees, particularly during the annual Bisket Jatra festival, which is celebrated in April. During this festival, a large wooden pole is erected in front of the temple, and people from two different parts of the city try to bring it down.

The temple complex also includes a smaller temple dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani, who is considered to be a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Durga. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings as well as experience the spiritual significance of the site.

Overall, the Bhairab Nath Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu and Buddhist religious sites and the beautiful Newar style of architecture.

Bhairavnath Temple, Taumadi Bhaktapur

Old Bhairavnath Temple, Taumadi Bhaktapur

Nyatapola Temple

Nyatapola Temple is a five-story pagoda-style temple located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is considered one of the most famous temples in Nepal and is a popular tourist attraction. The temple was built in 1702 by King Bhupatindra Malla and is dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, who is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

The name Nyatapola means "five stories" in the Newari language, and the temple stands 30 meters tall. The temple's base is a square shape, with each side measuring 10 meters. The design of the temple is unique in that each level is slightly smaller than the one below it, giving it a graceful, tapering appearance.

The temple is known for its impressive wooden carvings, which depict various deities, mythical creatures, and animals. The carvings are considered to be some of the finest examples of traditional Newari art in Nepal.

Visitors can climb the temple's steep stairs to reach the top, where they will be rewarded with panoramic views of Bhaktapur and the surrounding area. The temple is also a popular spot for local festivals and celebrations, including the Indra Jatra festival, which takes place in September and is dedicated to the god Indra.

Overall, the Nyatapola Temple is a stunning example of traditional Nepalese architecture and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bhaktapur.

Nyatapola temple of Taumadi square at Night, 2017

Nyatapola temple, from bottom view

Dattatraya Temple

Dattatreya Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the historic city of Bhaktapur, which is one of the three medieval cities in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. The temple is believed to have been built during the 15th century, and it is one of the oldest and most important temples in Bhaktapur.

The temple is located in Dattatreya Square, which is a public space that surrounds the temple. The square is known for its traditional Newari architecture, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bhaktapur. The square is surrounded by traditional Newari houses, and there are several other temples and shrines in the area, including the Taleju Temple, which is another important temple in Bhaktapur.

The Dattatreya Square is also known for its lively atmosphere, especially during festivals and celebrations. The square is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, and there are often street performers, musicians, and vendors selling food and souvenirs.

Overall, the Dattatreya Temple and Dattatreya Square are important cultural and religious landmarks in Bhaktapur, and they offer visitors a unique glimpse into the traditional Newari way of life.

Dattatraya temple, Tachapal 2008

55 Windows palace of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The 55 Windows Palace is a historical palace located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It was built during the reign of King Yaksha Malla in the 15th century and later renovated by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century.

The palace is named after its impressive facade, which features 55 intricately carved wooden windows with unique designs. The windows are arranged in five rows and eleven columns and are considered to be one of the finest examples of traditional Nepali architecture.

The palace was used as a royal residence and administrative center during the Malla dynasty. Today, it serves as a museum and houses various historical and cultural artifacts, including statues, paintings, and thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings on silk).

The 55 Windows Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Bhaktapur Durbar Square and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore the palace and its exhibits, as well as enjoy the views of the surrounding square and temples.

55 Windows palace of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, 2015 AD

 

55 Windows palace of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, 2015 AD