Temples in Bhaktapur

Nyatapola Temple is an 18th-century temple located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is the tallest building in the valley and the tallest temple in the country. The temple was built in 1702 and is dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The idol of the Goddess, which is installed in the sanctum sanctorum, is believed to be extremely fearsome. Although only the temple priests enter the sanctum sanctorum, visitors can explore the rest of the temple. The monument has survived two major earthquakes in the region and has suffered minor damages. It is also, therefore, known for its structural strength.

Changu Narayan is a synonymous word with both the old Nepalese temple and the village that surrounds it. Located in the Bhaktapur district some 12 km east of Kathmandu, Changu Narayan is the oldest temple in Nepal and has an authentic Newari style architecture very true to its roots. With its two-storey brick-red edifice, the beautiful temple perches atop a hill which is also called Changu or sometimes Dolagiri.

Distance from Bhaktapur: 6 km

The Doleshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Bhaktapur, 20 kilometres away from Kathmandu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is believed to be 4000 years old. It is believed that visiting Doleshwar Mahadev, Pashupatinath and Kedarnath will wash off one’s sins by receiving blessings from Lord Shiva.

Distance from Bhaktapur: 6 km

Bhairavnath temple is one of the temples in Bhaktapur Durbar Square and is built in the pagoda style. The entry ticket to Bhaktapur also guarantees a visit to this temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, which is supposed to be the most ferocious form of Lord Shiva. Originally, the temple had just one storey which was built by King Jagat Jyoti Malla. However, in 1717, two more storeys were added to this temple by King Bhupatindra Malla.

Standing like a silent sentinel of the Durbar Square, Taleju Bhawani Temple is among its most auspicious and stunning attractions. It is dedicated to the Goddess Bhawani and was built by the Malla Kings to ward off evil. The highlight of the temple is the fact that it has been built in the style of a 'Mandala'.

Distance from Bhaktapur: 14 km

Situated in the middle of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, this temple dates back to the 15th century and has still withstood the test of time. This three-story pagoda style temple has intricate erotic carvings around the temple and two statues which guard the entrance of the temple.

It has a stairway which is lined with statues of lions, elephants and cattle.The stairway leads up to the white domed shrine. After two earthquakes, all that remains is the base of the temple.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of Bhaktapur's most popular temples. Many followers and devotees visit the temple to pray show their reverence to Lord Vishnu.

Built in the 17th century, the Chandeshwari temple is dedicated to godess Parvati(Chandeshwari) in honour of her victory over the demon Chanda. There is also a mural on the wall of the temple which depicts the fight between the godess and the demon. Devotees of Durga flock to this temple to pay their respects to the godess.

Arguably Nepal's most famous temple that draws in devotees and tourists from all over the world to marvel at it's beauty. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this temple has numerous rituals conducted on a daily basis.

A small and pious temple that is dedicated to Indrayani, who is the consort of godess Indra. The idol is bathed in the blood of different animals as a sacrifice to godess Indrani. On festival days the temple is done up with much pomp, colour and lights which is the perfect time to visit.

The 2015 earthquake tarnished much of the temple, however the steps remain unscathed with statues of horses, rhinos, camels dogs and griffins that stand as silent guardians.