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The Glossary
Nepal's Bhaktapur is often called the "City of Devotees," and it is a title it richly deserves as there are more temples and shrines per square kilometer than any other location in the country. Consequently, it has been the haunt of many "devotees" over the years.
The ancient city is in many ways almost timeless, having been able to preserve its medieval charm and cultural heritage. In fact, it has the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site for those reasons. It is, however, relatively obscure to the tourist world, primarily due to its reputation as an out of the way place.
Probably the first impression of Bhaktapur that a visitor gets is that of an open-air museum, as the sights literally scatter all over the landscape. Probably the highlight of any visit there is the Durbar Square, often referred to as the gem of the city. There, one can see the famed 55-Window Palace, a former seat of royalty that amazes with its intricately-carved windows and doors. Next to it is the Golden Gate, which leads the way to the Taleju Temple Complex, the repository of the unique Royal Bath and Golden Faucet. Standing out is the Yaksheswor Mahadev Temple, a two-tiered pagoda that is adorned with numerous erotic carvings.
One can also pay a visit to the Taumadhi Square, wherein one can find the colossal Nyataponla Temple. Five stories high, it is a masterpiece of Newar architecture dedicated to the goddess of female creativity, Siddhi Laxmi. There is also the Bhairavnath Temple, a three-tiered rectangular pagoda displaying an image of Bhairav, the vicious side of the god Shiva.
Last but not the least is the Dattatreya Square, considered as the third gem of Bhaktapur. It is noted for the Dattatreya Temple, which, according to a popular legend, was built out of the stem of a single tree. One can also glimpse the so-called "Mona Lisa of Nepal," the Peacock Window, which, as one may have guessed, is an exquisite wood carving of a peacock that dates back to the 15th century.
Bhaktapur Landmarks:
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