Nyatapola Temple

Nyatapola Temple ( न्यातापोला प्यागोडा) is a 5-roofed temple in pagoda style dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi (the tantric Lakshmi) constructed during the seventeen month period of late 1702 to 1703 by Nepali King Bhupatindra Malla located in Bhaktapur district of Nepal. The beautifully sculptured building of temple was built in 1702 and is considered to be one of the tallest pagodas in Nepal and a good example of huge workmanship. This five-storey temple with a five-tier roof presents statues on either side on every step which stands at the height of about 30 meters and can be reached by walking up in steps which will lead to the top of the temple premises.

The beautiful and well-structured Nyatapola temple was built and dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi with many religious significances and hence providing her devotees with a place to worship her. Nyatapola in Newari language refers “five-story temple” and the image of the goddess that is contained within the temple of Nyatapola is under controlled by the priests only same like so many other temples. The temple rests on a base of five levels with four Ganesh shrines in each of the corners.

Moreover, the Nyatapola temple is well-architected framework and for making the brick and wood temple strong and powerful, King Bhupatendra Malla ordered guardians be placed in pairs on each level of the base leading up to the temple. On the first level is a pair of likenesses of Jaya Mal Pata (Bhaktapur’s strongest man) and also a famous wrestler and in the next second level, two elephants followed by two lions, two griffons and finally Baghini (the tiger goddess) and Singhini (the lion goddess).