23/12/2019
Nyatapola Temple, one of the tallest pagoda-style temples in Nepal, is one of the major attractions of Bhaktapur. The 5-tiered pagoda-style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla during 1702 and 1703 in a 17-month period from when constructions started.
A legend has been passed down for centuries about an angry god Bhairava raging havoc in the society in 1078 AD. The king of the city summoned the aid of goddess Parvati to counter the wrath of Bhairava, and so Parvati transformed into Siddhi Laxmi and carried Bhairava in her hand. She built a more powerful temple in front of the Bhairab Temple in honour of Siddhi Laxmi. King Bhupatendra Malla, later, commissioned the construction of guardians in pairs on each level of the base leading to the temple. The first level displayed a pair of statues in likeness to Bhaktapur's strongest man, Jaya mal Pata. The second level had two elephants followed by two lions and two griffons. The final level showed the lion and tiger goddesses, Singhini and Baghini. Peace came to the city after Bhairava was finally subdued by the goddess.
Today, the magnificent temple, locally known as the Nyatapola Temple, is the tallest temple in the Kathmandu valley and is situated north of the Taumadhi Square in Bhaktapur. As mentioned in the legend, the temple is dedicated to the ta***ic Laxmi, Siddhi Laxmi, who is believed to bless her devotees with auspiciousness. It is the only temple that is named after the dimension of the architecture rather than the name of the deity it is dedicated to.
Photo Credit: Susheel Shrestha
