Bhaktapur is not only known as Bhadgaon but also “the City of Devotees” in the past. But now it is known as museum of medieval art and architecture. There are medieval art with many fine examples of sculpture in Bhaktapur.
There are medieval art with many fine examples of woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses in this city. Visitors to this ancient town are treated with myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements.
Although it is in Kathmandu Valley, It lies 15 km. to the east of Kathmandu city. It is 1,402 metres above sea level. It is said that Bhaktapur was founded by King Ananda Deva in A.D. 889.
The past glory of the Malla rulers continue to be reflected at the There are medieval art with many fine examples of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries.
Bhaktapur – A City of Museum of Medieval Art and Architecture in Nepal
Bhaktapur is known to the place of the devotees. Also known as Khwopa, an ancient city of Neva in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, about 13 kilometers from the capital, Kathmandu.
Advertisement
Located in the Bhaktapur district of the third province of Nepal, it functions as the headquarters. Administratively it is divided into 10 wards.
Khwopa was the largest of the three newest kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley and was the capital of Nepal during the great “Kingdom of Malla” until the late fifteenth century.
Advertisement
The population is more than 81,728 people, most of whom are still sticky. Bhaktapur, historically more isolated than the other two kingdoms, Kathmandu and Patan, has a distinctly different form of Nepalese bazaar.
Bhaktapur has the most preserved palace courtyard and old town in Nepal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich cultural, temple, wooden, metal and stonework of art. This is supported by efforts to repair and preserve the Bhaktapur Development Project (BDP) financed by Germany.
Advertisement
The fifty-five-window palace was built during the regime of King Yakshamala in 1427 BC. and was rebuilt by King Bupatin Drumlar in the 17th century.
The craft exhibition at Bhaktapur Durbar Square includes ancient works of art that incorporate Hindu and Buddhist customs from different eras. This screen is normally open except Tuesdays.
Advertisement
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located at the convergence point of Bhaktapur. Square is the champion among the most fascinating planning gems in the Valley because it contains some of the best medieval claims about Nepal’s fame. The essence of Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the master statue at the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, and the stone monument.
The Bhaktapur gem is located in Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The enclaves of the palace, scattered around wonderful royal homes, sanctuaries and religious communities that are best valued for their beautiful art in wood, metal, and stone, have attracted explorers and travelers for a long time.
Advertisement
Read Also: – Bhaktapur Durbar Square Nepal – Places To See | Things To Do | Attractions
However, not all. In addition to the fascinating environment, there are the heavenly Himalayas that create the city’s background. The Himalayas that surrounds everything that extends above and below the city rests on the horizon as to carefully preserve the happiness and wonders of the city.
Bhaktapur, the capital of the Great Kingdom of Maga until the fifteenth century, was founded by King Anandamara in the twelfth century, but it was in the mid-eighteenth century. At that time, many of Bhaktapur’s most notable landmarks were created by the rulers of Mala.
Regular workmanship and design, real landmarks and professional works, magnificent windows, crockery and weaving companies, incredible sanctuaries, wonderful lakes, rich traditions nearby, cultures, religions, celebrations, melodic hometown of the spiritualists.
Bhaktapur is not yet affected by modernization and is very well protected as an old city. It is a world that polls travelers. Since ancient times, it has been in an exchange course between Tibet / China and India.
This position in the main course of the army made the city rich and prosperous. From ancient cities, obvious spirituality and the friendliest people in the world. Nepal is a place where many people cannot get enough (including myself).
The Kathmandu Valley is one of the best regions in the country and is full of incredible cities, temples, and culture. One of my favorite places in Bhaktapur, a small town located one hour from the huge mixed capital of Kathmandu.
Advertisement
Bhaktapur is the third new medieval city in the valley, the other two are Kathmandu and Patan. Despite the damage of the 2015 earthquake, it is the best-preserved of the three. Walking along the cobbled streets is a lot of fun because you can’t access the center of the old city.
The whole city is like a living museum, with temples in every corner, where lively street markets and crafts are produced everywhere. If you are interested in the culture and heritage of Nepal, this is the place you should visit for a trip to Nepal.
What is Bhaktapur Famous for
Bhaktapur is an ancient city of Newar in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, about 13 km from the Kathmandu Valley. It is also known as an open museum and houses some of the best preserved historical monuments, including palaces, courtyards, temples, pagodas, monuments, handicrafts, handmade peacock windows, etc., which largely reflect Hinduism.
Bhaktapur is also known as the “city of followers”, “city of culture”, “living heritage” and “the cultural jewel of Nepal” and so many renowned base. It is one of the 3 imperial cities in the Kathmandu Valley.
The others are Patan and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Bhaktapur is full of monuments, most of them terracotta with carved wooden pillars, palaces and temples with ornate sculptures, golden roofs and open courtyards. The city is full of pagodas and religious shrines.
It has two of the seven monumental areas in the Kathmandu Valley, which have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here is also a rich concentration of culture and richtradition among the Newars of Bhaktapur. We have our own festivals, music and dances. The whole city is full of historical masterpieces.
Bhaktapur is in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Darbar Square is a very nice place where people feel peace in this place. Bhaktapur is at the elevation of 1400 m above sea level. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the current city of Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, 13 km east of Kathmandu. While the complex consists of at least four different squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Ceramic Square), the entire area is informally known as Bhakapur Durbar Square, and is a very popular place in the Kathmandu Valley.
The main attraction of this place are 55 windows, the Batsala Temple, the Bhupatindra Malla Statue, the Nyatapola Temple, the Bhairava Nath Temple, the Golden Gate, the Lion Gate and the Mini Pashupatinath Temple.
Bhaktapur is also famous for its wonderful craftsmanship, which includes pottery, weaving, thanksgiving and masks, and is popular for its masked dances, which reflect the lives of various gods and deities.
The name Bhaktapur literally means “city of devotees,” therefore, one can expect to find a variety of religious places, monuments and events in Bhaktapur. The place is known as the city of the gods.
Bhaktapur, one of third of the medieval states in the Kathmandu Valley, has always been described as the best preserved. Tragically, however, the 2015 earthquake caused terrible devastation and death.
However, few temples have been destroyed, there is still much to see and tourism is crucial for the community. Many Nepalese use the old name Bhadgaon (pronounced incipient tunic) or the name Newari Khwopa, which means “city of followers.”
The name fits: Bhaktapur has three large squares full of imposing temples that encompass some of the most beautiful religious buildings in the country. Proud is also the cultural life to see.
The artisans weave fabrics and chisels in narrow streets, the pots are dried in the squares, and the locals gather in the courtyards to bathe, collect water, play cards and make contacts. To see this tapestry of Nepalese life, the visitor must pay a city fee, which helps finance the repair and maintenance of the temple.
Bhaktapur is located on the old trade route between India and Tibet, surrounded by mountains and offers magnificent views of the Himalayas.
Bhaktapur is famous for Temple:
Among the three capitals of the Kathmandu valley Bhaktapur is still the living representation of what the entire Kathmandu Valley would have looked like in the Middle Ages.
The city is famous for its magnificent architecture; Pagoda-style towering temples, believed to be the stairs to the sky, fine pottery and huge royal courtyards dating back to the 12th century, where devotees still celebrate their prehistoric festivals with equal taste and passion.
Bhaktapur is famous for UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
The city is considered a decent city compared to two other cities where tradition and modernization rely on sustainability. The city of Bhaktapur is one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal.
Bhaktapur is famous for History:
Bhaktapur is famous for its legendary history. Bhaktapur was founded in the twelfth century by King Ananda Malla (after several chronicles) and was until the fifteenth century the capital of the Great Mesh Kingdom.
From then on Bhaktapur was an independent kingdom until the eighteenth century. The last three rulers Mesh of Bhaktapur were Jitamitra Malla, Bhupatindra Malla and Ranjit Malla. These rulers played a key role in the construction of the palaces and temples of Durbar Square.
Bhaktapur was the reigning throne of the Kathmandu Valley until King Yakshya Malla divided the kingdom among his three sons in 1482, fading the unit’s strength and losing the nation of the Shah dynasty of Gorkha.
However, before Bhaktapur lost the kingdom to the kings of Shah, he was known for his Yuddha net. A fierce fight between two fighters.
Therefore, fearful muscular fighters, such as the registered trademark of the city, can be observed in various temples such as the Guardian of the City and the Gods.
In 1744, Prithvi Narayan Shah, a descendant of Draqsa Shah, the founder of the Gorkha dynasty, began a conquest march in the Kathmandu Valley, conquering and uniting Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and the smallest towns in the valley Time of instability and a bloody coup in 1846, Jang Bahadur Kunwar Ranaji took control of Nepal.
His Rana dynasty remain in Nepal for Nepal until 1951, when the Congress Party formed a new government. In 1960, King Mahendra took control, banning political parties and initiating agrarian reforms.
The political unrest continued at the end of the 20th century. In 1934, a major earthquake destroyed more than 2,000 houses and damaged more than 2,000 homes. More than 1,000 people died in this earthquake. Many buildings have been restored over the years, including efforts funded by the Federal Republic of Germany in the late 1980s and by the United States in the 1990s.
Bhaktapur is famous for Culture:
Bhaktapur is full of Hindu and Buddhist religious sites and art. Although the population is mainly Hindu, there are nineteen Buddhist monasteries (Vihars).
In Indra Varna Madavihar, built in 1671 and located between Durbar Square and Dattatraya Square, visitors can see two lion statues, a Patinga Hiti (water peak), carved tantric wooden windows and prayer wheels.
There are also many Buddhist monuments and shrines, including Lokeswor Mahavihar, Prasannasheel Mahavihar, Chatu Brahma Mahavihar, Jaya Kirti Mahavihar, Sukra-Varna Mahavihar and Dipanker Mahavihar.
People of Bhaktapur are proud inhabitants of their city and culture. Most women wore their traditional dress, Newari, who was doing laundry in public, but artisan faucets here and there saw peasants carrying vegetables as the city is also known as Bhadgaon. The City of Rice.
This city has preserved the Newari value because a mother would protect her children, so it would not be difficult to feel the fragrance of the ancient Newari culture as soon as it reaches Bhaktapur.
Many festivals take place throughout the year to mark the seasons, to pay tribute to the gods and to remember historic and legendary events. Some of them are:
* Dashain, the longest festival of the year, lasts 15 days. This celebration is a tribute to the goddess Devi Durga, who is said to have killed the demon Durga, the son of Ruru. Celebrities make many bids (offerings) during this festival, including thousands of animal sacrifices. (September October)
* Gai-Jatra, the Cow Festival. This festival focuses on grieving families. Any family that has lost a relative in the past year is participating in a procession with a cow or a cow-clad child. It is believed that the cow helps the deceased to reach the sky. (July August)
* Bisket Jatra, In the Nepalese New Year celebrations normally 14th or 15th of April, where carts are pulled through the streets and ultimately tug-of-war over them, determines who will be blessed with luck next year. This celebration is also watched with picnics and other private gatherings.
* Tihar, the festival of lights, honors Laxmi, goddess of wealth. The Nepalese light their homes with candles, oil lamps and other lights to invite the goddess Laxmi. They also worship crows, dogs and cows during this festival and reserve a day to honor the brothers. The Mha Puja, a day to rejuvenate body and life, is celebrated on one day of this festival. (October)
Bhaktapur is famous for Arts & Crafts:
Tourists can see how potters create works of art on ceramic fields. The native arts of Newar comprises of Paubha and Thanka scroll paintings, paper masks, cotton cloths, wood carvings, metalwork, jewelery and ceramics, haku patai (black sari), black beanies and juju dhow (yoghurt).
- pottery
Bhaktapur residents still use utensils made of clay in their daily lives. For some years Tonutensilien are widespread. However, plastic and metal materials have now dominated the market, resulting in a low use of clay materials.
The good news is that the ceramics business has seen technological progress with electric machines that replace handheld devices. Especially the Prajapati community is active in the ceramics industry. Its strengths are the Bolachhe area, Chhyamasingh and the central areas of Madhyapur.
Bhaktapur is famous for Museums
⊕ The National Art Museum – Art Exhibition
The National Museum of Art is located right in the middle of Durbar Square. It is easy to recognize, but this is just the art exhibition. Inside you will find thangka paintings and some stone carvings.
You will also see tapestries with thangka art. My favorite part, however, is the section on kings. For each king a drawing with a short description is presented.
Read Also: – Bhaktapur Museum, Nepal
We are obsessed with the crazy stories of the British rulers, but the rulers of Nepal have really crazy stories. Most were poisoned, captured or shot down. The drama of everything is better than a great hit movie.
⊕ The National Art Museum – Wood Exhibition
The wooden exhibition is located on Dattatreya Square. It is a little harder to locate because there is no signal. This building has exquisite wood carvings.
Unlike other museums, you will not find much of an “exhibition”. This is because the building itself is displayed. Look at the fine details on windows, doors, arches and columns. All are good examples of the famous woodcarving style associated with Nepal. The Pujari Math building was built in the 17th century.
⊕ The National Art Museum – Bronze Exhibition
The bronze exhibition is located in front of the wooden exhibition on Dattatreya Square. We enjoyed the exhibition, but found the lighting a bit problematic. Since the screens are dimly lit, it was a bit difficult to see what we saw. You can watch the various pots serving beer and wine.
Bhaktapur is famous for Ponds
⊕ Kamal Pokhari
Kamal Pokhari is the most popular pond among tourists, but we believe it is a bit overrated. One of the interesting things is the little temple next door. The locals bring children who do not speak here and pray to Ganesh to give them a voice.
⊕ Siddha Pokhari:
Siddha Pokhari (Ta-Pukhu) is a rectangular pond near the miniature park in Bhaktapur. During the reign of King Yaksha Malla in 15th century, it was built. It is associated with a number of myths and for many a common meeting place.
Hundreds of devotees gather around Indra Jatra the next day around this pond and worship the goddess Indrayeni. While Kamal Pokhari may be the most popular pond in Bhaktapur, Siddha is the largest. It lies at the bottom of the city, hidden from most tourist attractions.
Do not be discouraged by the short walk, because this pond is in my opinion the most beautiful. Nearby there are local shops selling delicious local delicacies and it is a quiet place to sit and think.
⊕ Guhya Pokhari
Not far from Siddha Pokhari lies Guhya Pokhari. Although this pond is not so big, it is also a beautiful place to enjoy the tranquility on the edge of the bustling city. The few times we go by this pond are usually some locals on the other end washing the clothes.
Friends sit by the side talking and drinking tea from Nepal. It is a great place to experience the simple moments of life.
⊕ Other small Pokhari
Everywhere in the city there are a number of small ponds. You will not find them in such task lists, but they are my favorites. You can catch swimming or trying children while fishing.
You can see a peaceful with a perfect reflection. These small ponds are a center for local life and small ponds often have the best personalities.
Bhaktapur is famous for Foods
Bhaktapur is famous for their cutlery art. Do not leave Bhaktapur without tasting some of their famous yoghurts with local honey: juju dhow, literally the “king of all yogurts”.
It is made from fresh buffalo milk (or sometimes cow’s milk) and thickened in clay pots like the famous ones of Bhaktapur. Small local restaurants are located on the main street into the city, but they probably serve only Dhal Bhat Takari (lentils, rice and soft vegetable curry) or Newari food that is flattened rice, marinated meat (usually buffalo and often offal).
Lentils, pickled vegetables, potatoes, bamboo shoot curry, tea and momos. In almost all buildings around the main squares are tourist restaurants. Here are some well famous food of Bhaktapur:
⊕ King Curd- Juju Dhau
Bhaktapur is not only famous for its wood and ceramic carving. Interestingly, he is also known for his yogurt. In fact, it’s so famed that some local friends and we travel the time to Bhaktapur and return just to taste a small cup of King Curd.
The quark is made from buffalo milk and served in a terracotta pot. Juju Dhau is an excellent brand of the nation and also popular in the international arena.
Bhaktapur Quark travels the nation with this name. The literal meaning of this word is “king of the club”. It is made with high quality milk. This is an inevitable ingredient in all the functions and rituals of the Newar community. Even pregnant women receive this high-calorie food.
10 Facts about Lord Shiva Statue at Sanga Bhaktapur Nepal
While cow’s milk is used to make plain yoghurt, Juju Dhau traditionally uses fresh buffalo’s milk (Bhaisi), resulting in a richer taste and richer texture. For the production of Juju Dhau, the milk is boiled, sweetened, mixed with cultivation and poured into a decorative and natural red clay pot called Maato Ko Kataaro.
It is then placed in a warm place on a bed of rice hulls (the rice grain paper wrapper), covered with another kataaro, and wrapped in several thick cotton blankets to keep the temperature warm.
The yoghurt cures. Because the clay pots are porous, the excess liquid in the yogurt evaporates slowly leaving behind a delicious, thick, smooth and creamy yoghurt. Then it is transported in the same clay pots and sold on the market.
A visit to Bhaktapur is not complete without tasting a Juju Dhau dish. Having some curd cheese in Bhaktapur is like eating ice cream in Italy. You can find it everywhere and it’s great to have it while taking breaks for sightseeing. We made quark at least twice a day.
At 50 rupees ($ 0.50) per boat, you really can not go wrong. It’s also a great way to calm your mouth after eating spicy food.
⊕ Newari food
The city is a great place to sample a variety of great Newari dishes. The dominant ethnic group in the Kathmandu Valley is Newar. It is better to dive and taste the local cuisine.
My favorites are Choila and Chiura (spicy chicken and whipped rice) and Samay Baji (like a Newari Dal baht). If you do not like spicy food, order it without chilli, as the Newari food is incredibly spicy.
Bhaktapur is famour for Classes and workshops
In addition to visiting Bhaktapur, where you can convince a potter to share your skills with you, there are several workshops where you can learn these skills for free or for a small fee.
The Backstreet Academy in Chandol, Kathmandu, is a good place to learn this nice craft.
⊗ Pottery class:
On the popular pottery square, you can try your luck pottery. If you are very interested in making pottery, you can stay at Pottery Home at Pottery Square. Here you can learn the art of pottery for a week.
A one-day course on the course costs between $ 10 and $ 15 and you can keep the item you’re making. Learn from a master potter and take home your own creation as a souvenir.
Not only will you have fun with the ceramic wheel, but also the art of doing something will make your creative juices flow. And those who have taken ceramic lessons say that it is also quite therapeutic!
You learn how to design your own pot, and after you have forged your basic shape, you can even decorate your creation with beautiful patterns and inscriptions. However, you must be patient with this art form, as it takes two days to dry the ceramic.
However, wear an extra shirt as it can be quite dull and may need to be changed after class. Making a clay bowl is an old art, but you can easily learn it if you have some spare time. The techniques are not that difficult to master, but learning pottery will be fun, even if you can only think of a deformed vessel.
⊗ Wood Carving Class:
Wood carvings are everywhere in Bhaktapur. Since the beginning of the Licchavi period (300-789 AD), sculptures are present everywhere in Nepalese architecture. Wood carving is mostly a Newari art and Bhaktapur is one of the most famous places to carve wood.
In the Bhaktapur district alone, there are about 500 active woodworkers.That is why this workshop takes place in the heart of the wood carving of Bhaktapur.
The workshop itself is organized in a real and active wood carving workshop. You will learn the skills of a master of wood, at the beginning of the workshop you will get an introduction to wood carving and the different techniques and instruments.
After this introduction, the carver will demonstrate the use of various instruments and guide the proper use. Once you understand the basics, start working on your own woodwork.
Depending on whether you opt for a one or two day workshop, you can carve your own name or create the “om”. Creating your own memory will be a remarkable reminder of this wonderful day.
Bhaktapur is famour for Forward in hygiene
In 2068, a campaign was launched to declare the district free from open bowel movements. From Katunje VDC, the campaign was successfully implemented in the 16 VDCs and the 2 communities.
As a result, Bhaktapur became the first ODF (Open Defecation Free) district in Kathamandu Valley. Around 48 211 households have access to modern drinking water supplies. A total of 33,956 houses have unique private taps. Almost all houses have bathrooms.
Bhaktapur is famour for Developed Infrastructure:
The manageable road has reached all VDCs and almost all areas in the 2 communities. The district has a total of 96.04 kilometers of black-traveled roads, including a 15-kilometer section of the Araniko highway and 217.32 kilometers of gravel roads. The 9.1-kilometer road between Tinkune (Kathmandu) and Suryabinayak (Bhaktapur) has been improved from two to six lanes.
There are 10 hospitals, 2 primary health centers, 14 health posts and 5 secondary health posts to provide district health care services. There are also 155 vaccination clinics, 45 rural clinics and 279 volunteer health workers. The telephone service is well connected throughout the district. Mobile services have further facilitated communication.
There are 1,124 telephone lines in 4 exchanges. Thus, the number of customers using ADSL, CDMA, prepaid mobile, and postpaid is 3000, 579, 19600, and 483, respectively. Nevertheless, the postal service functions well with 8 regional post offices and 13 additional postal services under the district post.
Bhaktapur is famour for Sour berries farm in every village
As part of the One Village One Production government program, Bhaktapur is selected for acidic products. 12 VDC farmers have begun to grow their sourberries as an additional crop that partially replaces cereals and vegetables.
A total of 202 hectares were cultivated with acid plantations. Bageshwori, Nagarkot, Chhaling, Sudal, Tathali, Nangkhel, Chittapol, Sipadol, Gundu, Dadhikot, Changu and Jhaukhel have taken over the cultivation of sour berries.
Bhaktapur is famour for Green everywhere
The district has a huge vegetation. Local plant species such as Chilaune, Katus, Khotesalla, Painyu, Kafal and Uttis dominate forests and farmland. Around 1923.79 hectares (14.44% of the total area) cover forest areas. 58 community forests were delivered to consumer groups.
Woodland is also the source of anti-wood production such as Sugandhwal, Sunakhari, Timur, Gurjo, Laikopodiyam, Dhasingare and Nigalo. Bhakatpur has 1 religious forest, 1 leased forest and 2 private forests.
The forest of Chittapol offers huge tree trunks needed for the Lingo Uthaune Jatra (Pole Lifting Festival) in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur.
Bhaktapur is famour for Holidays and festivals
Bhaktapur is famous for various parties and festivals that have been held over the years. Bisket Jatra, Gaijatra, Navadurga Nach, Nilbarahi After by Bode, Jibro-Chedane Jatra (Festival of Language Piercing), Siddhiganesh Jatra, Balkumari Jatra by Thimi and Sindhure Jatra are the most important.
Holidays Tours in Nepal During Bisket Jatra Bhaktapur Nepal
Bisket Jatra is celebrated in all VDCs and communities. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Bhaktapur to study art, culture and festivals that are celebrated here.
Bhaktapur is famour for Toursim centre
Tourists from almost every country in the world visit Bhaktapur to observe ancient art and cultural practices. The number of visitors has increased due to the new six-lane motorway. Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square are World Heritage Sites.
The fifty-five-windowed palace, the Datatraya Temple, Nyatapole, the Bhairab Temple, the Suryabinayak Temple, the Doleshwor Mahadev Temple and Nagarkot are the major tourist attractions of Bhaktapur.
Also, the huge statue of Shiva in Shanga, the Pancha Mahalaxmi Temple, Saraswotikhel of Duwakot, Baghhiti of Bageshwori, the stone engraving of Tathali, the Saraswoti Temple of Sudal, Asapureshwor of Sipadol and Ranikot of Gundu are popular tourist destinations. Ponds in municipalities, fountains and alleys, clay products, etc.
They are the main attractions for tourists. The art of ceramics enchants many tourists. Tourists seem to have been inclined to visit suburban and rural areas as well. A detailed master plan for tourism development was written in 2067 BS.
A large number of monuments such as temples, religious platforms, palaces, taps and ponds as well as a large number of festivals, dances and prayer exercises make this district a great tourist center.
Bhaktapur is famour for Musical instruments
In the Newar community, it is common to play different musical instruments depending on the season. Newars is considered a working group. They therefore require constant entertainment. They also play instruments in religious practices.
The art of instrument play seems to have been handed down to younger generations. It is assumed that every household in Newar has instruments. They have special trusts to train this practice of playing musical instruments.
Bhaktapur is famour for Sports
Bhaktapur is also known by sports. It has a good reputation in the production of good players. Bhaktapur seems to have provided international players for the most popular games. The biggest sporting event in the district is the Workers Cup Volleyball Tournament.
The tournament, which started in the year 2056 BS, has been an international event so far. Sahid Smirti Khel Maidan organized the first beach volleyball tournament in 1995.
In addition, the district has huge Sanothimi Ground and Maheshwori Ground for football, Bekhal Covered Hall for table tennis, Kamal Binayak Boxing Hall and Jaganath Hall for Karante. Cricket and athletics are played on the school grounds of Birendra Sainik.
Bhaktapur is famour for Capital of dance and music.
In the history of the development of the civilization of Nepal Mandal, every place in Bhaktapur has established at least one of the goddess gods related to their place, who are considered to be the saviors of the people living there.
Then, at least once a year, people organize processions and dances to worship these goddess gods. Not only are they entertainment media, they have also played an important role in civilization, sociability, and association of societies. There are various cultural dances in Bhaktapur and Madhyapur.
Bhaktapur is famour globally for Hakupatasi
Hakupatasi is the traditional Newari dress that has made the identity of this community known. Together with Hakupatasi a white cloth belt (patuka) and a white scarf with a black border are used. It is complemented with a garland of Mugas.
Some even prefer Shirbandi while wearing Hakupatasi. All women married or single in Newar have a number of Hakupatasi in their homes. Soak sweat in summer and warm in winter. It is woven manually with Tan, the traditional weaving apparatus.
Bhaktapur is famous globally for Bhadgaunle Cap
Bhaktapur’s old name is Bhangaon. The bhangaunle cap is relatively thick and provides the head with sufficient security. Do not use it in front of Bratabandha.
There has been a tendency to give this cap on several occasions, such as marriage, birthday, Father’s Day, Mha Pooja (body worship) and Dashain. It is a local product. A certain community with the surname Chulyadhyo basically makes this hat.
Bhaktapur is famous locally for lighting candles
If you spend the night in Bhaktapur, you should take a walk at 19 o’clock. Nepal is extremely safe, so you do not have to worry about going out at night. Go to the nearest temple and watch the puja night.
You will see groups of older men and women singing and praying. It’s really nice to be a witness. The younger generations light candles with their families in temples. The temples are really magical at night.
Bhaktapur is famous globally for Architectural Gems
Bhaktapur is a city which is rich in various architectural beauty, full of ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious sites, as well as palaces and courtyards where tourists can easily spend days indulging in the traditions and culture of the Newars.
37 Popular Tourist Attraction Places to Visit & Things to in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Durbar Square (‘Real’) in Bhaktapur was added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1979. All monuments in Bhaktapur are awesome in their artifacts, and these are some extra magnificent in their architect.
Here are some namelist of places in Bhaktapur that shows that Bhaktapur is really a city of museum of medieval art and architecture in Nepal.
- Siddha Pokhari
- Taumadi Square
- Dattatreya Square
- Bhimsen Temple
- Kamal binayak
- Lion Gate
- Art gallery
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Wakupati Narayan Temple
- Statue of King Bupatindra
- Yakshwar Mahadev Temple
- Hanumanghat
- Nava Durga Temple
- Surya Vinayak
- Bai Ravnath Temple
- Nyatapola Temple
- Thiel Maha Devon Narayan Temple
- Talejubani
- 55-window palace
- Doleshwor Mahadev
- Golden Gate
- Nagarkot
- San Gabanjan
- Nyatapola Temple
- Changu Narayan Temple
- Thimi
1. Siddha Pokhari
Siddha Pokhari, also called Ta-Pukhu, was built under the control of the medieval king Yakshya Malla in the early fifteenth century. This artificial pond is 171 m long, 73 m wide and about 3 m deep.
Located near the gates of the main city of Bhaktapur, Siddhapokari is associated with many myths and is a favorite meeting place for many. Also known as Indra Daha, a large trade fair is held every year on Ashwin Krishna Dowitiya Day (the day after the Indra Jatra Festival).
Believers dive into the pond and worship the goddess Indrayani. The goddess voluntarily believes in giving happiness and blessing to the family. During this festival, oil lamps are shown around the border.
The denominations of Shiva, Shakti, Buddhism, and Baishnab are found around the temple during the period of Lichavi to Malah and have a tradition of worshiping the Baskinag (snake gods) in a Tanski way with a drought that seeks rain.
It is one of the ancient and traditional ponds in Bhaktapur that is very popular among the Nepalese. Also, note the presence of many national and international tourists. The pond is a popular place to relax with friends, and parents bring their children here to enjoy the joy of feeding much fish in the pond.
The perfect place to get people away from the noise of the city. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the pond relaxes and feeds the fish, so you can enjoy the silence with ease. A small shop next to the entrance to the pond offers a variety of fish food. Prices vary from Rs 10 to Rs 50, depending on the package size.
It is a great place to relax while enjoying the silence. On a clear day, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the mountain from here. While feeding the fish in the pond, you will enjoy one of the most attractive feelings. It is an interesting sight to see when the fish jump and eat.
2. Taumadhi Square
The Nyatapon Temple It is led by Taumadi Square. The giant five-story building dates back to 1702 and is the sanctuary of the tallest tower in the United States.
The struts, entrances, windows and eardrums, each adorned with attractive figures of amazing cut, perfectly represent the innovative habits of Newar experts.
The sanctuary is dedicated to the appearance of the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, the power and innovation of women. The last significant redesign of this milestone was carried out in 1997 by the city of Bhaktapur using the income collected from tourists.
Next to the Naitaponra Temple is the rectangular Biravnath Temple. There is a floating bust of Bailav, a signal of the Shiva field indication. The three-story pagoda was annihilated by the 1934 earthquake, and its last redesign was accepted by the city of Bhaktapur in 1995.
The complex wrapped in front of the Nata Pongla Temple is dedicated to Tirmadah Narayan, the appearance of Vishnu, one of the highest Trinity of the Hindu Pantheon.
There are some companies to the southwest and the popular Ceramics Square. Here you can see the fine potters of the city making various shapes and alleged stoneware.
The main striking feature of this square is the Jesganesh shrine dating from the fourteenth century. Taumadi Square has a variety of shrines such as the Nya Tapon La Temple, the Bairav Temple, and the Thiel Maha Devanarayan Temple.
3. Dattatreya Square
It was originally thought that the striking Dattatreya temple at the eastern end of Tachupal Tole was built in 1427 with only one wood. Subsequently, a slightly uneven front porch was added.
This temple is dedicated to the curious hybrid god Dattatreya, where elements of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are mixed. Judging by the statue of Garuda and the snail and chakra discs attached to the pillars supported by the stone turtle in front of the temple, Vishnu seems to have appeared.
The three-story temple is on a brick and terracotta base, engraved with an erotic scene that includes an unexpected mood in which a bored woman performs multiple tasks while washing her hair while her husband satisfies her.
The main steps to the temple are guarded by the same two statues of Mara Wrestler that overlook the first pedestal of the Nyatapola temple.
4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
It is considered as a cornerstone of traditional Nepalese culture, wood and ceramic customs and unique art. The surrounding historical monuments represent the culture and medieval traditions of Nepal, and there are a large number of New Zealanders in the old town.
The main fascinating monuments are the Nyatapola Temple, the statue of King Bupatin Dramara, the peacock window, the Golden Gate and the 55-window palace at Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
The fifty-five-palace palace was built in 1427 during the reign of King Yala Shala and remodeled by King Bupatin Dramara in the 17th century.
Inside the brick wall, there is an elegant stage and sculpture design, with a balcony with 55 windows, considered a unique masterpiece of wood carving. It is also known as one of the oldest monuments in Nepal.
Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changu Narayan Temple Bhaktapur Durbar Square Bhaktapur is an ancient city of Newar located in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, about 13 km (8 miles) from the city of Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur is also a place where you can see the glory of the Newar community, so there are rich cultures and traditions among the people of Bhaktapur Newar. Perhaps this is the only place where there are two specific places listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is in front of the old Royal Palace of Bhaktapur.
It consists of four different squares, which include Durbar Square, Taumadi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. Mainly 16th and 18th-century architecture and beautiful works decorated this wonderful Durbar square in Bhaktapur.
Admission to this estate is subject to SAARC and the Chinese national NPR 500, plus an entry fee of $ 15 per person. ChangunarayanTempleChangu Narayan Temple is located on a high hill, also called Changu or Dolagiri. Surrounded by several plants.
Temple is probably the oldest myth in Nepal, and there are many myths that I can hear as its incarnation and its importance. This is the best of the best samples of stone crafts that the world can see, and we are very proud to offer such a fascinating place.
It is about 12 km east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur. The Manahara River flows next to the hill. This shrine is dedicated to Vishnu and is especially worshiped by Hindus. Admission fees apply, NPR 240 for Indians and 340 per person for others.
In the territory of the temple, you can visit museums, information centers and community areas of New Ali. It is up to you and offers tickets for lunch and pass in the city of Bhaktapur. Our team will assist you during your visit. After taking the client to the hotel, the tour ends.
Durbar square door:
While most people focus on the main architecture on the city squares, we can not help but love the architecture that surrounds the city. There is a wall around Bhaktapur since it was a sovereign country until the 18th century.
Every street that leads into the city has a big door, and we love how dramatic they are each time they arrive at a checkpoint in the city. Durbar Square is probably the most popular as it leads directly to the city’s most visited square. This is the main entrance to the palace.
The craftsman who worked on this wonderful door must come from heaven. It is an eternal beauty in itself. The magnificent Golden Gate is a visual highlight of Durbar Square. It is located on a bright red front door surrounded by white palace walls.
On the fabulous golden portal are some of the best metal coins of Nepal. The golden Torana shows a fabulous battle of Garuda with a series of supernatural snakes, while below it is a figure with four heads and ten arms of the goddess Taleju Bhawani, and she was the family deity of the Malla kings.
The construction of the gate began during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla (1696-1722), and his successor, Jaya Ranjit Malla, completed the project in 1754. The death of Jaya Ranjit Malla lead to the end of the Malla dynasty and the end of The Golden Age of Newari architecture in Nepal.
The door opens to the courtyards of the Royal Palace, a complex once so large that the earthquake of 1934 affected only a handful of its 99 courtyards. During the earthquake in 2015, more walls were demolished.
5. Bhimsen Temple
Bimsen, one of Mahabharata’s great heroes, is known for his super strength and courage. In traditional Nepalese sculptures and paintings, a giant cobra observes its feat with great respect while always lifting the horse in the air and pushing the elephant under its knees.
This image is very popular, especially in the Nepalese merchant community. Interestingly, he is revered here as a god of commerce and commerce more than any other form.
Nepal has many temples dedicated to Bhimsen. One of the most beautiful things you can see here is Patan Durbar Square. Known for its fascinating three golden windows overlooking the square, this magnificent temple was built by King Shrinivasmara in the early 18th century.
6. Art Gallery
At the western end of the Royal Palace of Bhaktapur is the best of the three museums of Bhaktapur. Inside, you can see an extensive collection of 12th-century objects, such as paintings of Hindu Buddhist Tanka Tandu cloth, palm leaf manuscripts, votive offerings of metal, stone and wood. This covers the Tachupal Tole woodcarving museum and the bronze and bronze museum, so keep your tickets.
Next to the entrance of the gallery, there are two giant guardian lions, male and female. Next to the lion is an impressive 17th-century statue in the shape of a 4-arm tantra of Hanuman, the god of monkeys, and Narshinga Vishnu, which breaks the intestines.
In the gallery, Shah 2008 has an incredible number of weapons and remembers the Kama Sutra scene.
7. Bhairabnath Temple
The Bhairabnath temple with a wide roof and the triple roof is dedicated to Bailab, the terrifying incarnation of Shiva, whose spouse occupies the Nyatapola temple on the other side of the square.
Despite Bailab’s terrible power and huge temple, God is represented here as a head without a body, only 15 cm tall! Substantially stacked on the north wall of the temple are the huge wheels and the corridors of the tanks that were used to pull the image of bilab through the city during the Biscuits Jatra Festival in mid-April.
The first temple on this site was a conservative structure built in the early 17th century, but King Bupatin Dramala added the floor in 1717 and 3 when the temple was rebuilt after the 1934 earthquake. A floor has been added. The final version of the temple has a rectangular plan similar to the Bimsen temple in Durbar Square in Patan.
A small hole is used in the central door of the temple (below the nose row of the carved wild boar) to push the offering into the temple. Before the 2015 earthquake, the priest accessed the interior through a small temple of Betal on the south side of the main pagoda, which was completely destroyed and repair work is ongoing.
The front of the temple is guarded by two bronze lions bearing the flag of Nepal, the only flag that is not rectangular or square. On the right side of the door, there is an image of bilab drawn on the hair, decorated with a terrible crown of internal buffalo organs. Listen to traditional prayer music at sunset.
Next to the temple is a sunken hithi with a particularly thin beak shaped like a Makara (a mythical crocodile beast).
8. Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan is a 2-hour walk outside of Bhaktapur. You can also take a short bus ride to the temple. The Changu Narayan Temple is known as the oldest temple in Nepal. Parts of it were built in the 7th century.
It is a bit far from everything and we have read that every year only 150 foreigners are visiting. This number seems a bit low, but is less touristy than most temples in Kathmandu Valley.
The town itself is super cute and has several guesthouses and restaurants. It overlooks the valley in almost all directions and has a village atmosphere that is so hard to find so close to a big city. You can find more information in my posts about Changu Narayan and in my hiking descriptions!
The temple was surrounded by a small town known as the forest of Chanpak and Changu. This temple is located in Changunarayan VDC in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal. The hill is about 7 miles or 12 km east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur.
The Manahara River flows next to the hill. This shrine is dedicated to Vishnu and is especially revered by Hindus. This temple is considered the oldest temple in the history of Nepal. King Kashmir married his daughter Chanpac with the prince of Bhaktapur.
The Changu Narayan Temple is named after him. In ancient times, Guwara, or a cowherd, brought cattle from Brahman, Sudarshan. Cows were known to produce large quantities of milk. Gwala was bringing cattle to Changu to graze. At that time, Changu was a forest of Champak trees.
During the pasture, the cows always went behind a certain tree and the boy came to drink milk. At night, when Gwala took the cows home and began milking, he only gave her some milk.
This lasted several days. He became very sad, so he called Baramon, who said the cow was not giving enough milk. After observing this with his own eyes, Sudarshan agreed with Gwala. While grazing in the forest, you should observe the daytime activity of cattle.
Both Brahman and Guwara were hidden behind the tree. Surprisingly, a black boy left the tree and began to drink milk. The two men were furious because they thought the boy was a demon and that the tree should be his home. Then Brahman cut the Champak tree.
When he cut it, fresh human blood came out of the tree. Both Baramon and Guwara were worried that they committed a great crime and began to cry. Vishnu emerged from the tree and told Baramon and Cowherd that it was not his fault.
Vishnu talked about how he murdered Sudashan’s father without knowing it while hunting in the forest and committed a violent crime. Later, under a criminal curse, he wandered the Earth on the “Garuda” mountain and finally descended to Changu Hill. Then he lived anonymously and survived with the stolen milk of the cow.
When Brahman cut the tree, Vishnu was beheaded, which freed Lord Vishnu from his sins. After hearing these words from Vishnu, Braamon and Gwala decided to worship the place and founded a small temple in the name of Vishnu. Since the site became sacred.
Even today, we can see that Sudarshan’s descendants are temple priests and Gwala’s descendants are Gutyars (conservatives). There is another legend. About 400 years ago, there lived a powerful warrior named Anjar. He is still alive. He was the strongest in the whole country.
Another warrior known as Chang, known throughout Nepal, challenged Plunger. As Chang defeated him and grabbed the hearts of the Nepalese, this temple was a tribute to him.
The Changu Narayan Temple is located on top of a hill surrounded by the forest of Chanpac trees. The main path to the temple courtyard is to find human settlements. The people of the Newar community live in the area of Changu Narayan and its surroundings.
With the development of tourism in this place, you can find many small and medium hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc. There is an ancient stone tap on the road to Chang Unaran, which seems to have existed since the days of Rehihabi.
Changu Narayan is considered the oldest temple in Nepal. The architecture of the Nepalese temple is a landmark with a rich relief. The two-story roofed temple is perched on a high stone pedestal.
According to Professor Madan Rimal, Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Tribhuvan, the temple is neither Shikara nor Pagoda. It has an architectural style that you want to describe as a traditional Nepal temple.
Gokarna Mahadev has many similar characteristics. The temple is surrounded by sculptures and art related to Vishnu. Temples of Shiva, Ashta Matrica, Chinna Master, Kireshvor and Krishna are in the main courtyard.
The temple has four entrances, and these doors are protected by couples of life-size animals such as lions, thoroughbreds, faucets, and elephants on each side of the entrance. Ten incarnations of Vishnu and other idols are carved into the pillars that support the roof.
The entrance door has a Naga sculpture (snake). At the main entrance door (west entrance door), there are a chakra, sangka, kamal and Kaga at the top of the stone pillar. These stone pillars have an inscription in Sanskrit. This inscription is considered the oldest inscription in Nepal, and the pillar of the monument was built in 464 by King Manadeva, Ricavi.
The next monument is placed when you visit the temple from the right side after entering the courtyard from the main entrance (East Gate).
- Historic pillars built by Mandeva in 464.
- Garuda: -A flying vehicle of Lord Vishnu, who has a human face and is a believer of Vishnu.
- Statue of King Bhuparendrara
- Chandanalayan (Gardanalayan): -Garuda’s Vishnu 7th century stone statue. This sculpture is represented by a 10-rupee paper note issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank.
- Sridar Vishnu: -Stone statues of Vishnu, Lakshmi and Garuda from the 9th century on pedestals with different motifs.
- Baikunta Vishnu: -Sixteenth-century Vishnu sculptures sitting in the position of six armed Garudas sitting on Vishnu’s knees and Laritasan in Lakshmi.
- Chinnamastra: -The temple dedicated to Chinnamastra Devi dedicated his blood to feed hungry Dakini and Varnini.
- Vishwarap: 7th century stone sculpture: A beautiful sculpture of the scene of Bhagwat Gita where Krishna Road is showing universally to the universal Arjun respected.
- Vishnu Vikrant: -7th-century sculpture by Trivikram Vishnu depicting Vishnu’s popular Hindu mythology and his beloved Bali Raja scene.
- Narashinha: -7th-century sculpture of Narasinha, the incarnation of Vishnu. He killed the demon king Hiranaka Shapa to save his beloved lover Praharad.
- Kileshwor: -A small two-story temple is Shiva. This place seems to protect the hill.
9. Navadurga Temple
Navardurga has been translated into nine durgas and refers to the great goddess Durga in nine different ways. In most of the Indian subcontinent, Durga is the Virgin, a warrior who is ruled, oppressed, alienated, and liberated throughout his life and death and birth.
Often drawn with 8-18 arms, each producing a different weapon. Most Hindu gods have certain elements that can be easily identified. However, Durga has other weapons from other gods, such as Ziva’s Trident and Visnu’s disk, improving his character as a warrior and liberator.
Durga’s power represents the Cosmos feminine principle known as Shakti. Goddess Durga is said to have the same number of forms as the earth. Many forms of it have different qualities and include many female gods of the Hindu Pantheon. Such goddesses include the prosperity goddess Lakshmi.
Goddess of creativity Saraswat. Goddess of light, Ralita. Goddess of Vajra Yogin. The goddess of transformation and death Kali. Durga is not mentioned in the Vedic scriptures of early Hindu literature.
The Vedas talk about the goddesses Baku and Ratri, neither of which has anything to do with the battles and blood sacrifices that are important aspects of today’s Durga.
Vedic is not an expression of Durga’s anger but represents some aspects of the great goddess. Goddess Vac is considered an early expression of Saraswat Goddess, an expression of the great goddess mentioned above. Durga refers specifically to the Pula literature that emerged after Vedic.
Prana tried to gain the fifth Vedic position, but failed and is now considered secondary Hindu literature. DevīMahatmya was born from Markandeya Purana and is the story of Durga’s victory in the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
DevīMahatmya is the most important literary work about the goddess Durga. Durga was not mentioned in the Vedas but became an important Hindu character throughout the Indian subcontinent.
The most famous festival in Banaras in India is the goddess Durga Navarratra (9 nights). The festival lasts 9 nights and each night introduces a trip to one of Durga’s 9 different temples. Every year, more than 50,000 Hindus attend the festival.
The Bhaktapur tradition is very different from the banana tradition. The big difference is that the Nabadurga Festival lasts months instead of 9 nights. Another difference is the use of iconography.
In Banapur, full images are created and displayed for worship, but the Bhaktapur tradition uses masks that are worshiped when stationary, in addition to being used and moved. The use of masks in the Durga tradition is a unique habit of Bhaktapur.
However, the use of masks is not unique. Balinese use masks in various traditions and rituals, especially when drawing Ramayana. The mask used by the Balinese Hindu epic is a sacred relic treated as a god. When not in use, it is placed in the temple next to the main image of the gods to be worshiped and receive daily offerings.
The use of masks in Bali and Bhaktapur has some similarities mainly with respect and respect and their ritual use. The difference in the use of masks is that Balinese masks are an inheritance that will be transmitted to the next generation, while the Bhaktapur tradition begins by building new masks every year and ends with cremation.
The use of Bhaktapur masks is a unique Hindu practice and is deeply established in the community of Bhaktapur.
This document begins to present a complete description of the Bhaktapur Nabadurga tradition, as it introduced the areas, themes and provided a brief contextual explanation of similar traditions. First, I will explain the method used in the study to generate information for this work.
This is followed by a historical explanation of the origins of the tradition and describes the traditions practiced today. Specific aspects of the tradition that are discussed include membership, management, activities, and relationships. Some people in Bhaktapur know the history of the origins of the Nabadurga tradition.
When talking with the locals, many are familiar with the use of their procession, masks, and dances through the streets of Nabadurga, Bhaktapur. But many are not familiar with the story behind the tradition. It excludes the community of Nabadurga and citizens seeking education on topics.
Robert I. Levy is an important scholar in the city of Bhaktapur and explains the history of the origin of his book “Mesocosm”. This section of the document presents the important differences and distinctions among Bhaktapur informants who follow the story that Levi told. The following is a summary of the origin story presented by Levi.
Navadurga lived in the Juwara forest located northeast of Bhaktapur. As people pass by, Nabadurga will capture them, kill them and drink their blood as a sacrifice for them. One day, Nabadurga caught a man named Skanda. Sunanda was Akaju (a peasant priest).
Unlike most Akaju, Sundana is an expert in knowledge and mantras of Tantra (sacred observations), can restrict Nabadurga and restrict movement with the use of mantras. Embarrassingly, Nabadurga begged Sunanda to forgive them.
Instead of releasing them, Sundana shrugged them into baskets, took them to their home in Bhaktapur, where they were placed in their chests for regular worship.
After a while, the amount was unknown, and one day Sunda Guru, Somara Raj Upadhyaya (Balamon) visited. Somara Raj Upadhyaya told Tanuda that he had a deep and complex understanding of Tantra and that he did not properly worship Nabadurga.
Nabadurga was forced to dance and tell a story with hand movements. Some time ago, Nabadurga told Sunanda and Somala that if someone else saw them, they would be released from the spell. This caused Somara Raj Upadhyaya to act in secret. He told his wife not to look at the room where Nabadurga was trapped.
One day, Somara Raj Upadhyaya left the house and saw his wife peeking into the room and dancing nabadurgas. The story depends on what happened to Somala’s wife.
Some say that Nabadurga killed her as a tribute to sacrifice, while others say she was simply scolded by her husband. Anyway, Nabadurga, who was released from Tantra’s bond, fled from Baramon’s house.
About the tradition history, which is not included in the genesis, can be some additional points. The Navadurga tradition began in the 12th century with the Common Era under the Malla dynasty, which ruled Nepal for six hundred years.
The Malla were followers of the Shakti gods (women) because they believed that the gentleness of male deities could not protect their nation, their king, and their countrymen, while dangerous tantric goddesses could protect all three.
Bhaktapur built temples at each of the Navadurga’s most important points in the city, replicating the Navadurga Yantra, thus increasing tantric power as a means of protecting the city. Presented a drawing by Dr. med. Purushottam Lochan Shrestha of the design of the individual houses of God of Navadurga with that of the Navadurga Yantra.
Every point on the periphery is a house of God and the middle point. During Malla’s reign over Nepal, Tantric practitioners knew that divinity could turn into wood, stone, and stone. So, they did experiments to find out if the divine can be transferred to the human body.
These experiments took place in the 12th century and proved to be very successful. From this point on, the Navadurga tradition as it is known today began. An interesting part of the Navadurga tradition is the use of sacrificial pigs.
Slaughtering pork is not a common practice in Hinduism. Typical slaughter animals are sheep, goats, chickens, and buffaloes. The central use of pigs in the tradition and the history of origin also began in the 12th century.
10. Bode:
This city, about a 20-minute walk from Thimi, is home to the sanctuary along the Nile Barahi River. Every year, on the second day of the Nepalese New Year, the city celebrates the boring festival in which a villager has a thin metal point that the temple priest pricks into his tongue.
After a ramble through the city with a bamboo shelf made of oil lamps, the thorn is removed from the temple floor and filled with mud. If no blood flows, the villagers earn great respect for themselves and the city. However, when blood flows, it is considered a bad omen for the next year.
11. Surya Vinayak shrine:
Surya Vinayak is only a 10-20 minute walk from Bhaktapur and attracts visitors and locals who pray for god Ganesh for happiness. The sanctuary is located in a forest on a hill.
Surya Vinayak, located about 2 km south of the city, is the sacred sanctuary of the god Ganesh, the Hindu god of good start and successful completion of the work. Ganesh’s temple is placed to catch the first rays of the rising sun. It is a good picnic area flanked by many attractive landscapes.
12. Pottery Square:
Pottery Square is an area south of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where people make several clay pots. The most famous is the “Khutruke”, which is basically a piggy bank.
The visit to the ceramic square is like a journey through time, because the locals make traditionally spun and cooked clay pots. Everyone has their own role, whether they bring clay, turn pots, take care of them or bake them in the sun. It is very refreshing to see generations of families working together.
13. Handicrafts:
Bhaktapur is an important center of pottery. You will see it everywhere, drying in the sun, on tables and shelves in front of shops and houses. The city is also famous for its artful black clay masks with colorful décor.
The masks represent various gods and deities and have a special meaning at festivals. Thanka, a traditional style of painting, is also made in the city. You can also find jobs in metal and jewelry, but there is more choice in the back streets of Patan.
14. Pharping
A sacred site, about forty minutes from Bhaktapur. Pharping is located in the southern part of the Kathmandu valley on the way to Dakshin Kali. It is an important pilgrimage site for Vajrayana Buddhists.
Outside the city, on the hillside, there are three very important sacred sites: an important Vajrayogini temple, a cave where Padmasambhava meditated with his footprints (or those of Vishnu according to his beliefs) on a stone in front of the cave and a wall, which arises by itself.
Tara under the cave complex. Because of this wealth of sacred tradition, a number of new Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are being built throughout the region, including one with a 30 meter high Padmasambhava towering above one of the slopes.
It is believed that Padmasambhava is a manifestation of the great Guru Rinpoche and has attained the status of Mahamudra here in Pharping. There are a number of reasons why Vajrayogini is worshiped in Pharping.
The first is that Padmasambhava visualized it here when he stopped in Nepal on his way to Tibet and meditated for about 12 years in several caves. He ordered the construction of a sanctuary for his vision of it. Then he came from here at 11 ° C Phamthingpa.
Pharping can be derived from his name. He was a Buddhist scholar and is mentioned in the Blue Annals, the main source of Tibetan Buddhist history. He was invited to Tibet to give initiations to the Mandalas Vajrayogini, Kalachakra and Chakrasambhava.
He was a teacher of Marpa for three years and initiated the famous translator and teacher of Milarepa in the rites of Chakrasambhava. He also began the inaugurations of Chakrasambhava in Kathmandu Valley. His Sanskrit name is Bagiswarkirti.
There are two monastic styles in the Kathmandu Valley, Bahi and Baha; The Bahi must have a temple for Vajrayogini who is considered a goddess who fulfills wishes. In addition to the locals, the Newari Bajchacharyas come to the Vajrayogini of Pharping to practice their mantras.
Pharping is important not only for Buddhist Vajrayana practitioners, but also for Hindus. Dashain Kali, the most popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus, is located in the lower half of the Asura Cave, about one kilometer from the village of Pharping.
Dakshinkali is one of main temples of Nepal dedicated to the goddess Kali. Goddesses are worshiped by animal sacrifices, and this is especially seen during the Dashain festival. Pharping is one of the many holy lands in Kathmandu valley.
The legends, larger than life around the city, testify that great things happened here. Pharping is a must for anyone who traverses Kathmandu to immerse themselves in centuries-old traditions and customs.
15. Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and magnificent specimen of its kind in the world. The door is crowned by a figure of the Hindu goddess Kali and Garuda (mythical rooster) and accompanied by two sky nymphs.
It’s adorned with monsters and other mythical Hindu creatures of wonderful complexity. Percy Brown, a major critic and historian of English art, described the Golden Gate as “the most enchanting work of art in the entire kingdom, placed as a jewel and displaying countless facets in the beautiful surroundings of its surroundings.”
The door was built by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance to the main courtyard of the palace with fifty-five palaces.
16. Self-sufficient in agriculture
Of the 11,900 hectares of land in Bhaktapur, 11,106 hectares are suitable for agriculture, but only 8,077 hectares have been farmed. 2,620 hectares of land are irrigated throughout the year, while the land, which has a partial irrigation system, covers approximately 3,271 hectares.
The land without irrigation system is about 2,186 hectares., Bageshowri, Nagarkot, Gundu, Dadhikot and Tathali are the pocket areas for wheat crops. In maize, Sudal and Nagarkot play a prominent role.
For basic rice crops, Gundu, Dadhikot, Jhaukhel, Bageshwori, Sudal, Nagarkot, Tathali and Changu VDC are at the forefront. Likewise, Madhyapur Thimi, Bageshwori, Jhaukhel, Duwakot, Sipadol, and Dadhikot are considered pockets for commercial vegetable production.
Nagarkot, Bageshwori, Sudal, Tathali, Nangkhel, Sipadol, Gundu, Dadhikot, Madhyapur Thimi, Jhaukhel and Changunarayan are considered to be central areas for grain production. Nagarkot, Sudal and Nangkhel have developed their image for organic farming.
Livestock is one of the main sources of income for rural areas. Farmers seem to have domesticated cattle for milk production rather than meat. The milk for the famous quark (King Curd) comes from rural areas as well.
There are four livestock centers, 7 sub-centers (under the Livestock Farming District Office), 1 Livestock Fertilization Center, 39 Livestock Groups / Committees, 39 Cooperatives for Milk Production, 2 Milk Frost Centers, 6 Milk Processing Industry and 11 Livestock Feed Industries.
There are also 10 hatcheries, 24 veterinarians, 2 private veterinary clinics and 124 activists trained in rural health.
17. Kumari – Living Goddess
Kumari has been revered as a living goddess since the Malla period in the Newari tradition. It is believed that Gagatjyoti Malla, the then king, in Kumari Chowk adopted the tradition of Kumari Pooja, in particular to maintain relations with Navadurga and Taleju.
The tradition began in Sambat 611 in Nepal. Thus, a girl from the Shakya family is proclaimed before her time as Kumari. It is now believed that the tradition of “Kumari Chhen” in Kathmandu goes back further.
This tradition is seen as an instrument for promoting religious tolerance between Hindu and Buddhist communities. Bhaktapur Kumari is believed to have lived only during the Dashain in his official residence (Kumari Ghar) and may at other times remain in his own residence.
Bhaktapur Kumari is collected among Shakya girls between the ages of 7 and 9 who have no wounds and all have their teeth in their mouths.
18. Taleju Temple
The temple of Taleju is located inside the old palace. This is one of the few temples only for Hindus. Although you cannot enter or take pictures, you can enter the golden door.
From there you can see the pond of the kings where there is a serpent statue. You can also admire the incredible carvings in front of the temple entrance to the left of the pond.
19. Peacock Window
The illusory peacock window is a hidden gem. It is so famous that there is a restaurant and a hotel that bear the name of the window. The peacock window, one of the most symbolic places in Nepal. The Peacock Window, also called “Mona Lisa of Nepal”, is a rare wooden masterpiece.
The unique lattice window dates from the early fifteenth century and has an intricately carved peacock in the center. It is an excellent example of woodwork throughout the Kathmandu valley. The window adorns the Pujari Math, which is equally attractive with rows of exquisitely carved windows and doors.
The building currently houses the Woodcarving Museum. The museum has a rich collection of unique pieces of wood. It is located right next to Dattatraya Square.
The very nice man in the gift shop opposite will allow you to go to the first floor of his shop to get a better picture of the window, “no purchase obligation”, but he will do anything to sell you something when you go !
A stone’s throw from Nyatapola Temple, Pujari Math features a famous carved peacock window, an intricately sculpted wooden sculpture. The old monastery, which now houses the wood carving museum, was built in the 15th century by King Yaksha Malla, rebuilt in 1763 and renovated in 1979 by German experts as a wedding present for the then King Birendra.
The building was damaged by the earthquake in 2015, but its most famous feature is the magnificent 15th century peacock window, which is widely regarded as the best carved window in the valley, despite the damage to the adjacent wall.
The Newar window is a feature of the style of the valley, in which the windows of each floor of a multi-storey house are designed differently depending on their function.
20. Bhairav Nath Temple: –
Originally built by Jagat Jyoti Malla as a one-storey mall, King Bhupatindra added two more floors in 1718 AD. The Bhairabnath Temple with its broad roof and triple roof is dedicated to Bhairab, the dreaded incarnation of Shiva, whose wife occupies the Nyatapola Temple on the other side of the square.
Despite the fearsome powers of Bhairab and his huge temple, the deity is depicted here as a 15 cm disembodied head! Casually stacked on the north wall of the temple are the huge wheels and carriage corridors that transported the image of Bhairab through the city during the Bisket Jatra festival in mid-April.
The first temple on this site was a modest building constructed in the early 17th century, but King Bhupatindra Malla added an additional floor in 1717 and a third floor was added when the temple was rebuilt after the 1934 earthquake a rectangular layout similar to the Bhimsen Temple on Durbar Square in Patan.
21. The Nyatapola Temple:
The Nyatapola Temple is one of the oldest temples that exist today. It is a five-storey pagoda-style temple of the goddess Siddhi Laxmi, built by King Bhupatindra Malla for a period of 7 months from late 1701 to 1702.
The huge staircase of this temple contains several pairs of unique stone sculptures one on each side. The two lower statues are the fighters Rajput Jayamal and Phattu. The temple is well built, surviving the earthquakes of 1934 and 2016.
22. Pujari Math: –
The house of the priest “Pujari Math” was built in the 15th century by King Yaksha Malla. Now the house is a woodcarving museum. The world famous peacock window is located on the east side of this house.
23. 55 Windows Palace: –
One of the best architectural gems in Bhaktapur is the 55 Window Palace on Durbar Square. It was built during the Malla dynasty, known as the Golden Age in Kathmandu Valley. The kings of Bhaktapur, Patan and Kathmandu were all brothers and there was a rivalry for the most beautiful city.
During this time, the most beautiful temples and buildings of Bhaktapur were built. The Durbar was originally 1427 BC. Built by King Yakshya Malla and beautified by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century.
The palace with 55 windows, which is a main attraction of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, was built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla. He ruled from 1696 to 1722 AD The King was also a great composer and has 17 works attributed to him.
In 1702, this great master builder laid the foundation stone for the magnificent five-story temple of Bhaktapur, Nyatapau. His son Ranjit Malla became the last king of his dynasty in Bhaktapur.
The palace of fifty-five windows is one of the most beautiful architectural features of Durbar Square. King Bhupatindra Malla built this palace in 1677. This palace is called the palace of the fifty-five windows, with fifty-five wooden windows carved on its façade.
This palace is built around several interconnected courtyards. It is said that there were originally 99 courtyards, of which only nine are present today. It is rumored that the building had 55 windows for kings, 55 women (or concubines).
24. Bharwacho Gate:
The door of Durbar Square is beautiful, but we could not help but love the unique style of the door next to the Bharwacho entrance.
Its white color really stands in contrast to all the other architectures of the city, and we like the only thing that is compared. We wish we had more time to explore all the other unique doors around Bhaktapur.
25. Lion’s Gate
This door has two beautiful stone statues of Hindu deities installed on each side. The huge gate from 1696 is guarded by two huge lion statues on both sides.
The terrible stone image of Lord Shiva and the fearful image of Ugrachandi attract tourists from far away. It is said that the hands of the craftsmen who made this were cut off immediately after the final touch.
A jealous King of Bhadgaon did so, so that the craftsman could no longer produce such arts. The Lion Gate on Durbar Square in Bhaktapur contains two stone images of Bhairav (the terrible aspect of Shiva) and Ugrachandi (the wife of Shiva in his frightening manifestation).
26. Mini Pashupati Temple
Some call it a royal temple of dreams. Folklore says: Once upon a time, a king Bhadgaon, who was a great follower of Lord Pashupati, had a dream in which the Lord commanded the king to build a temple for Pashupati right in front of this palace.
27. Thimi
If you spend a few days in Bhaktapur, we strongly recommend that you make a day trip nearby. Thimi is a 20-minute bus ride or an hour’s walk from Durbar Square. It is located in Bhaktapur district, but tourists do not frequent it.
If you are in Nepal in high season, this is a much better way to take a closer look at the ceramics manufacturing process. Thimi is a traditional city in Newar, characterized by its garden and crafts. It is located about 5 km west of Bhaktapur. Thimi, historically known as Madhyapur, was once the fourth largest city in the Kathmandu valley.
Today it is a sleepy oasis, but the winding cobblestone streets are lined with medieval temples. The city has derived its modern name from the Newari phrase for “capable people”, which is appropriate, as the city is an important center for making thanka, ceramics and masks.
You pass a series of mask shops on the road that crosses the northern end of the city towards Bhaktapur. Thimi: a city between Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, which is known for its pottery.
In addition to ceramics, Thimi is known for making colorful masks of various deities, demons and animals. Thimi also produces many fresh vegetables in the Kathmandu valley. Like Bhaktapur, Thimi is made up of many historical monuments and temples such as Siddhikali, Balkumari, Dachhin Barahi, etc.
28. Nargakot
Nagarkot is the perfect trip for a night from Bhaktapur. You can walk there, which takes between 6 and 8 hours depending on the way, or you can take a local bus.
Although the city itself does not have much to do, the prospects are. Spending a night here is important because the best views can be seen at sunrise or before 10am. On a clear day you can see from Annapurnas to Everest (although Everest will be very small due to the distance).
The true beauty is Langtang seen from afar. The second highest point on the edge of the Kathmandu valley, Nagarkot, is located at an altitude of 2,175 meters and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and the mountains. Everest Nagarkot is located 20 km northeast of Bhaktapur.
The area offers trails that lead to the villages of Tamang. Nagarkot is located on a hill at 2,195 meters altitude northeast of Bhaktapur at a distance of 18 km. It is famous for its panoramic views of the mountains, the sunrise and the sunset.
Nagarkot offers various types of accommodation, from five-star hotels to small cabins. It is one of the most picturesque places in the district of Bhaktapur and is famous for its spectacular view of the sunrise in the Himalayas when the sky is clear. It also offers great views of the Indrawati River Valley to the east.
By Shishir Acharya & Sudip Dhakal
Advertisement