Nyatapola Temple
न्यातपोल
A five-tiered pagoda about 30 m high on Taumadhi Square, built in 1702. It is Nepal's tallest pagoda temple and has survived several major earthquakes.
The temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla and is dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. Its inner sanctum is not open to the public. Along the steep stone steps on the front are five pairs of stone statues: strongmen, elephants, lions, griffins and goddesses. Legend says the guardians on each tier are ten times more powerful than those on the tier below. Climbing the steps gives you a view over Taumadhi Square, and sitting on the steps in the evening, watching people come and go, is the most authentic experience. Admission is included in the old-town ticket.
Opening hours
Open all day (inner hall not open to visitors)
Nearby sights
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Pottery Square
- Dattatreya Square & Peacock Window
- Siddha Pokhari
- Suryabinayak Temple
- Kailashnath Mahadev Statue
- Panauti