The ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square was listed as a UNESCO cultural world heritage site in 1979, and it is located 17 kilometers eastwards of Kathmandu, is translates to the place of Devotees or the city of glories, with elegant wood carving, or Bhadgaun, the city of rice fields. Bhaktapur is populated with the Newar ethnic community among the 3 cities in Kathmandu Valley. Bhadgaun became an independent city under King Anand Malla in the 12th century and had made its own Durbar Square with several temples replete with features of erotic carving. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley, as it highlights the ancient arts of the Medieval Malla Dynasty. The golden effigies of kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place—struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways, and windows —stone and metal artworks, pagoda-style temples; these all make Bhaktapur a well-orchestrated symphony. Also, it has very interesting cultural traditions with several festivals, pottery, and weaving industries. The German Government had funded the restoration and preservation of the uniqueness.
Newari culture, tradition, and unique and elegant wood carving are major attractions; besides that, “JUJU DHAU” yogurt is also very popular in Bhaktapur. The city was also badly damaged by the earthquake in 2015. So many historic temples collapsed. The archaeological department and UNESCO are frequently rebuilding the damaged temples and sites.
Ancient Origins and historical facts about Bhaktapur
- Pre-Malla Period: While chronicles suggest its foundation in the 12th century, Bhaktapur has been a site of settlements since at least the Licchavi dynasty (roughly 400-750 CE). A Sanskrit stone inscription from 594 CE found in central Bhaktapur is the oldest in the city.
- Mythological Origins: Folklore suggests the Kathmandu Valley was once a large lake, drained by the Bodhisattva Manjushri, who is believed to have entered from the east, and his resting place is a pilgrimage site for Bhaktapur residents.
The Malla Dynasty - A Golden Age (12th - 18th Century)
- Founding: According to many accounts, Bhaktapur was founded in the 12th century by King Ananda Malla (or Ananda Deva, around 1147-1156 AD).
- Capital of Greater Malla Kingdom: Bhaktapur served as the capital of the Greater Malla Kingdom until the 15th century.
- Division of the Valley: After the death of King Yaksha Malla in 1482, the Kathmandu Valley was divided into four kingdoms: Bhaktapur, Kantipur (Kathmandu), Patan, and Banepa (though Bhaktapur soon annexed Banepa). This marked the beginning of the Independent Kingdom of Bhaktapur.
- Prosperity and Trade: During the Malla period, especially after the division, Bhaktapur remained a wealthy and powerful Newar kingdom, largely due to its strategic position on the ancient India-Tibet trade route.
- Architectural Marvels: The Malla kings were great patrons of art, architecture, and culture. This era saw the construction of many iconic structures, including:
- Fifty-five Window Palace: Originally built by Yaksha Malla and renovated by King Bhupatindra Malla.
- Nyatapola Temple: A five-tiered pagoda temple built in 1702 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla, dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Laxmi.
- Dattatreya Temple: Constructed by King Yaksha Malla, believed to be built from the trunk of a single tree.
- Big Bell: Erected by Ranjit Malla, the last Malla ruler, in 1737 AD.
- Vatsala Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Vatsala Devi (an incarnation of Durga), built by King Jitamitra Malla.
- Notable Malla Rulers: Key Malla rulers who shaped Bhaktapur include Yaksha Malla (1428–1482): Responsible for significant constructions.
- Jitamitra Malla (1663–1696): Known for building the Vatsala Temple.
- Bhupatindra Malla (1696–1722): Renowned for renovating the Fifty-five Window Palace and building the Nyatapola Temple.
- Ranjit Malla (1722–1769): The last Malla king of Bhaktapur.
- Conquest by the Gorkha Kingdom:
- Unification Campaign: In 1768-1769, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Gorkhali king, launched a conquest campaign to unite the Kathmandu Valley.
- Battle of Bhaktapur (1769): This was the final campaign in the Gorkha conquest of Nepal, resulting in the Gorkhali victory and Bhaktapur's annexation into the expanding Gorkha Kingdom (present-day Nepal). This marked the end of the independent Malla rule in Bhaktapur.
- Earthquakes: Bhaktapur has been affected by several major earthquakes throughout its history, notably in 1833 and 1934, and more recently in 2015, which caused significant damage to many historic structures. Restoration and preservation efforts have been ongoing.
What to see in Bhaktapur
- Royal palace:including a 55-window palace (built in the 15th century). Golden Gate, Bhupatindra Malla stone statue, Pashupati temple ( full of erotic), Royal bath center, Taleju Bhavani temple, a national art gallery with an extensive collection of tantric cloth paintings. Most of them were destroyed by earthquakes and were continuously rebuilt up again.
- Pottery Square: potters are doing this work from generation to generation, which you can see here in pottery square. Different items of pottery and grain were laid out to dry in the sun. Also, you will see locals are weaving baskets and strings for local skills and the backing side of Pottery.
- Nyatapola Temple:Nyatapola Temple (Siddhi Laxmi) is a 5-story pagoda design temple that was erected by King Bhupatindra Malla 5 months after the end of the 16th century. This temple was never damaged by a strong earthquake. And has 10 different signified guards guarding the main door. Bhairavnath temple, Bhairav is the dreadful aspect of Lord Shiva, built by King Jagat Jyoti Malla. Occasionally, Hindus are sacrificing animals in this temple. This temple has been damaged many times by earthquakes.
- Dattatraya Temple:The temple of Dattatraya is as old as the Fifty-five Windows Palace. Consecrated by King Yakshya Malla in 1427 AD, this temple, according to popular belief, was built out of the trunk of a single tree. It was subsequently repaired and renovated by King Vishwa Malla in 1458 AD. Only this temple has a balcony among several Hindu temples. On the balcony, Goddess Parbati is gazing at the outer activities. This temple also preserves some simple erotic statues.
- Peacock windows: These famous windows were carved during the reign of King Vishwa Malla. Also in the same clustered building, there is the Bhaktapur wooden carving museum.
- Ta Pukhu (Siddha Pokhari):Ta Pukhu is a big rectangular water pond near the main city gate. It was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in the early 15th century.
