Taumadhi Square | Bhaktapur

Information

Landmark: Taumadhi Square
City: Bhaktapur
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur, Nepal, Asia

Taumadhi Square is the second largest square in Bhaktapur and serves as a major religious and social center.

Visual Characteristics

The square is dominated by massive multi-tiered pagoda structures. It features heavy brick paving, stone guardian statues (lions, griffins, and wrestlers), and open-air markets. The architecture is characterized by dark wood carvings and high, narrow staircases.

Location & Access Logistics

Located at Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur 44800, Nepal.

Transit: 10-minute walk from the Bhaktapur bus park; central to the pedestrianized old city.

Access: Open public space. Entry is covered by the general Bhaktapur city entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours.

Historical Origin

The square was established as a religious hub during the Malla period. Its primary structures date back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It remained a vital center for the Bisket Jatra festival for centuries and survived the 1934 and 2015 earthquakes with varying degrees of damage and subsequent restoration.

Key Highlights & Activities

Nyatapola Temple: A five-story pagoda, the tallest in Nepal, dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi. It is famous for its structural stability and stone guardian statues.

Bhairavnath Temple: A three-story rectangular temple dedicated to the fierce form of Lord Shiva.

Til Madhav Narayan Temple: One of the oldest temples in the square, tucked behind the larger structures.

Cafe Culture: Numerous rooftop cafes surround the square, offering panoramic views of the temple spires.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The square is paved with traditional bricks. It is surrounded by shops selling handicrafts, curd (Juju Dhau), and local textiles. Basic tourist facilities and public restrooms are located in the vicinity. 5G/4G signal is stable.

Best Time to Visit

Evening: For the local atmosphere and illumination of the temples.

April: During the Bisket Jatra festival, when a massive chariot is pulled through the square.

Facts & Legends

A technical oddity is the Nyatapola's design; its five levels provide a perfect center of gravity, which allowed it to withstand the 8.3 magnitude earthquake in 1934 without collapsing. Legend states that the Nyatapola was built to appease the angry God Bhairav, whose temple stands nearby, by housing a more powerful goddess to keep his temper in check.