Although Bhadgaon is only 12 km from Kathmandu, it still looks untouched
by the wild waves of western material culture. This old city also known
as Bhaktapur meaning the city of devotees has about 110 , 000 people. Majority
of the people here are the rice farmers who are very hard working yet always
looking very relaxed. This city has founded in 886 AD.
Lion's Gate : This gate has two beautiful stone statues of Hindu deities installed on it's either side. It is said that the hands of the artisans who produced these masterpieces were cut off immediately after he gave a finishing touch to them. A jealous Bhadgaon monarch did this because he did not want his artisan to produce any more of such work for others.
Golden Gate : This is the main entrance to the place. The craftsman
who worked on this wonderful gate must be from heaven. Such a beautiful
wooden window fixed in his living room that is believed to have been designed
and carved by himself.
55 Window Palace : This is the main architectural structure dominating
the entire Bhadgaon Durban Square. This magnificent monument was built
in 15th century AD.
Vatsala Temple : This 17th century temple dedicated to a mother goddess is full of intricate works on stone. This temple is known for its dog barking bell. This bell is believed to produced a death knell when it is rung up.
Mini Pashupatinath Temple : Some people call it a royal dream temple. A folklore says- once a Bhadgaon King who was a great devotee of Lord Pashupati had a dream in which Lord told the King to build a temple for Pashupati right in front his palace. He obeyed the divine command and immediately built one. Many call it replica of Pashupati Nath Temple of Kathmandu.
Nyatapola Temple: This is the most famous pagoda of Nepal. Nyatapola
in Newari language means five tiers-the symbolic of five basic elements.
This is the highest pagoda of Nepal ever built with such architectural
perfection and artistic beauty. This temple built exactly in AD is dedicated
to Siddhilaxmi, the tantric goddess of supreme power and success.
Bhairav Nath Temple : This temple dedicated to Bhairav, the god of terror and death, was built in 1702 AD. This temple was originally only one storied and later a Bhadgaon King rebuilt it into a three tiered structure to please this terrifying god.
Duttatrya Temple : This 15th century temple, said to have been built
in 1427 AD is dedicated to Hindu Triad-Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu all three
in one. Right next to this temple stands a very impressive priest house-
locally known as Pujarimath. This building is noted for most elaborately
carved screened windows and doorways including the famed peacock window.
Changu Narayan : This is the oldest temple of Vishnu built in
early
5th century. This temple situated in a very peaceful hill top commands
the most views of Kathmandu valley. This is also one of the most historical
place where one can see the largest number of finest stone sculptures dating
back to early Lichhavi period (5-9 century AD). Many archaeology rightly
call it a living monumental garden.