Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)
Brief introduction to Bhaktapur city:
Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgoan, stood the capital of Nepal Valley once during
the olden days. And today it is a treasure home of medieval arts and
architectures. According to a legend this city was founded in 889 A.D. by late
King Anand Dev who belonged to the famous Lichhabi dynasty. The whole city takes
the relevant shape of a 'Khat-Kon' of David's star. Bhaktapur signifies the
"City of Devotees", with the sole majority of Hindus. The urban sector covers an
area of 4 square miles. Pottery plus weaving form its traditional industries.
They make the best yogurt of the kingdom; so it is known as 'juju dhou' or'king
curd'. Nowadays numerous cottage factories produce masks and wooden handicrafts
as well. Bhaktapur is 13 km direct east of
Kathmandu and is accessible by public
taxi vehicles including the bus, mini-bus, trolley bus, cab and auto-rickshaw.
Some of the major spots to visit in Bhaktapur:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The main square of the city which used to be the capital part of old Bhadgaon
kingdom contains numerous temples and monuments of wonderful nature. The first
striking city mark would be the 55 Windowed Palace built by late King Vupatindra
Malla with which the three kingdoms of Kantipur,
Lalitpur and
Kirtipur envied a
lot. This jealousy often lead to some political strife as well. During the Malla
era Bhaktapur and Lalitpur particularly appeared as tough competitors. The 55
Windowed Palace is a unique type of structure, so it is the only kind in all
modern Nepal without a single imitation or duplication or replica appearing
elsewhere. The first ten windows decently face west, thirty-five face south and
the remaining ten face east. The Golden Gate, the Gigantic Bell, the stone
Pillar of late Vupatindra Malla and the Chayaslin Mandap (Octogonal Pagoda) look
gorgeous. The National Art Gallery although closed on Tuesdays expose a large
and detailed collection of marvelous stone-crafts and scroll-paintings. Entering
through the Golden Gate and behind the 55 Windowed Palace, we come across Taleju
Vawani Temple and the Royal Bath. Very obviously every city has a Taleju Vawani
Temple as She is believed to be the Protector of the city by the orthodox
Hindus. The Royal Bath yet looks glamorous with the image of the Serpent God in
the middle of the sanatorium although the water-spout has completely dried up.
Late King Ranjit Malla was the last of the Malla dynasty to take a holy bath.
The 17th century also saw the downfall of the Malla monarchy. The Durbar Square
is indeed a World Heritage Site.
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