Bhaktapur
Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara
– style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window
palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the
most charming valley as it highlights the ancient
of the kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the
guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries,
the wood carvings in very place – struts, lintels,
tympanums, gateways and windows – all seem to
form a well orchestrated symphony.
The main items of interest in
the Durbar Square are:-
The Lion Gate:
Dating as far back as AD 1696 this gate is guarded
on either side by huge statues of lions. Alongside,
there are two stone images of (the dreadful aspect
of Shiva) and Ugrachandi (the consort of the Shiva
in her fearful manifestation).
The Golden Gate:
The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and
richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire
world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the goddess
Kali and Garuda (the mythical man – bird) and
attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is embellished
with mythical creatures of marvelous intricacy. In
the words of Percy Brown, and eminent English are
critic and historian, the Golden Gate is the most
lovely pieces of are in the whole Kingdom; it is places
like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome
setting of its erected by King Ranjit Mala and is
the entrance of the main courtyard of the palaces
of Fifty – five windows.
The Palace Of fifty – five Windows:
This magnificent palace was built during the reign
of King Yakshay Malla in AD 1427 and was subsequently
remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth
century. Among the brick walls with their gracious
setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with fifty-five
Windows, considered a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.
The Art Gallery: The Art Gallery
contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu
and Buddhist traditions of various periods and descriptions.
This gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.
The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla:
This statue shows king Bhupatindra Malla in the act
of worship is set on a column facing the palace. This
is considered the most magnificent statue amongh the
many statues in the squares.
