The Nyatapola Temple

‘Nyatapola Temple is the pride and masterpiece landmark of Bhaktapur. The Nyatapola Temple stands in the heart of beautiful old Bhaktapur city, a mere distance from the capital Kathmandu city. Nytapola Temple is one of the charms and beauty and a masterpiece and unique art of architectural craftsmanship. It is a famous landmark of Bhaktapur city and, as well as the country, with magnificent monuments to observe and experience.

The Bhaktapur city, also known by its ancient name Bhadgaon, means the city of devotees. At one time, Bhaktapur stood as the capital city of the Kathmandu Valley, although a semi-modern city. But retains its old-time glory of arts, craftsmanship, history, religion, and cultures of bygone days.

Bhaktapur City takes you to the medieval era, and the city itself is a living museum. Around the nooks and corners of Bhaktapur city from narrow alleys to beautiful squares. Visitors come across the shrines, temples, stupas, and lively cultures of the Bhaktapur Newari people.

Nyatapola Temple is the original form of Newari and Nepali architecture with pagoda roofed designs. Which, has flourished from Nepal around all parts of Asia, by the master artist and craftsman called Arniko.
He built the first White Pagoda in Beijing, China during the time of Kublai Khan in 1260 AD. The masterwork of intricate design and Nepali art still exists around the three cities of Kathmandu Valley. Especially, in Bhaktapur city, visitors can enjoy the great works of art, cultures, history, and masterpiece monuments.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the royal courtyard are regarded as the best UNESCO Heritage Sites of Nepal. Includes the famous landmark monument the temple of Nytapola dedicated to the Tantric Goddess Sidhhi Lakshmi. The goddess is considered the ancestral deity of former Malla Royals and the deity of the Bhaktapur Newars. Nyatapola Temple,
is located at Taumadhi Square close to the main Bhaktapur famous Durbar Square and the old palace courtyard complex.

The History & Culture Of Nyatapola Temple:

The magnificent Nyatapole is a five-tiered pagoda-roofed temple with pairs of stone images and statues. They each start from the floor amidst Taumadhi Square, with the idol of wrestlers, snow lions, griffins, and garuda. Each image represents the stronger of the strongest, apart from all the goddesses and the deities inside the temple. Symbolize as the supreme and strongest of them all, where visitors can climb up the steps to the main temple.

Nyatapole Temple is the tallest monument in Bhaktapur city and around Nepal. This temple was commissioned by early King Bhupatindra Malla, the construction of which took more than six months to complete. Which was around 1701 to 1702 AD, at 33 meters or 109 feet tall, stands in the heart of Bhaktapur city.

The Bhaktapur at one time stood as a major kingdom within the Kathmandu Valley. Populated by the indigenous Newar tribe, renowned for traditional architects and artisans. The builders of the famous temples, Stupas, monuments, and shrines as well as palaces of Kathmandu.

During the 10th to 16th Century the arts, sculptures, and intricate carvings flourished among the Newar people. Including wood and metal crafts, as well as pottery and paper production to metallurgy. In the last few decades, archaeologists and researchers have been keen and interested in the workmanship of the Nyatapole Temple. It is a great wonder of the crafts and masterpiece architecture of Nytapole Temple during the medieval period.

To Reach Bhaktapur City And Nyatapole Temple:

Bhaktapur the historical name is Bhadgaon, for the local is Khwopa, located east of Kathmandu city and the valley. At 14 km /8.5 miles driving distance takes less than an hour on the main Tibet and Nepal Friendship Highway.
Also called Arniko Highway, the legendary craftsman and artist, was the first Nepali to visit China. Bhaktapur is the smallest city in the country and densely populated surrounded by tiers of rolling green hills. Bhaktapur is at a height of 1,401 m or 4,596 feet high. After a short drive, the route diverts from the main highway heading uphill to enter the city gate of Bhaktapur. Enjoy visiting the masterpiece monuments around the great Durbar Square of Bhaktapur, steeped with historical and religious monuments. Including the palace of 55 windows the Great Golden Gate, after an exciting time walk towards Taumadhi Square.

An interesting short walk around the alley lined with fancy shops and stores then stand beneath the towering Nytapole Temple. Next to the Nyatapole Temple stands Bhairavnath Temple, the Taumadhi small square is full of life and human activities.

Besides Nyatapole Temple Other Places Of Interest Around Bhaktapur:

Places to visit in Bhaktapur:

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
• Bhaktapur Nyatapola Temple
• The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery
• Dattatraya Square with famous peacock window
• Pottery Square and market
• Old Changunarayan Temple.
• Picturesque Nagarkot hilltop for views

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is Rich in historical monuments, one of the world’s best Nepal heritage sites reflecting the city’s rich culture, art, and architectural design, it is also the central setting of the city for architectural monuments and arts.
Famous golden gate entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows; the gate is regarded as the world’s most beautiful and richly carved specimen of its kind.

Bhaktapur Nyatapola Temple:

One of the highlights of Bhaktapur and the landmark Nytapola Temple is the 5-story temple 30 meters high, the tallest temple in Kathmandu Valley. It was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 AD. Each of its five terraces holds a pair of figures, starting from bottom wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, and goddesses.

The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery:

Located within Bhaktapur Durbar Square treasures rare paintings and manuscripts with painted covers and illustrations are found in this museum. The gallery contains brass, bronze, stone, and wooden images of the medieval art tradition of Nepal. The gallery is closed on Thursdays and public holidays.

Bhairavnath Temple of Bhaktapur:

Originally built as a one-story pagoda during King Jagat Jyoti Malla’s period, later changed into a three-story temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla, this temple now stands for its artistic grandeur. Bhairavnath temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairab – the god of Terror.

Dattatraya Temple:

Built-in 1427 AD, the temple is said to have been built from a single tree visit a monastery having exquisitely carved peacock windows located near the temple area.

Pottery Square and market:

Around Bhaktapur, there are two main pottery areas, the first pottery square is at Suryamadhi east of Dattatraya Temple Square, which is the oldest pottery square, another pottery place leads south of the Nyatapola square at Talako’s Potter’s Square walking along interesting markets side streets the pottery is in full blaze, the wide open brick courtyard with a mix of small grey and brownish red clay pots, where each pot is examined by hand before being turned to face the sun at a new angle or dipped into a bucket of colored water. Observe the craftsman on wheels shaping the clay in a finely tuned system of human pottery rotation from past centuries of old tradition.