Taleju Bhawani Temple

### **Taleju Bhawani Temple (तलेजु भवानी मन्दिर)** **Kathmandu Durbar Square's Crown Jewel** #### **Sacred Significance** - Dedicated to **Taleju Bhawani**, the royal deity of Malla kings - Built in **1564 CE** by King Mahendra Malla - Only opened to non-Hindus once/year during **Dashain** #### **Architectural Marvel** - **Nepal's tallest temple** (35.5m) at time of construction - Classic **Newari pagoda style** with 12 staggered roofs - Intricate wood carvings & gilded toranas (doorways) #### **Visitor Information** 📍 **Location:** Central Kathmandu Durbar Square ⏰ **Viewing:** Outer courtyard only (main temple restricted) 📸 **Best Photo Spot:** Southeast corner for full-height view **Did You Know?** The temple's design inspired Nepal's iconic multi-tiered pagodas! *Note: Maintain respectful distance as active worship continues*

Taleju Bhawani Temple is one of the most important temples in Kathmandu. The architecture is stunning, and the temple has a very peaceful atmosphere. It’s not as crowded as some of the other temples in Durbar Square, so it’s a nice spot to visit if you want to enjoy the culture without the crowds. The intricate carvings and the history behind it are definitely worth learning about. This temple holds a special place in Kathmandu's history and is dedicated to the goddess Taleju. It’s located within the royal palace complex, so it’s a bit more serene compared to the other temples in Durbar Square. The temple's unique design and the quiet ambiance make it a great place to visit for those interested in spirituality and culture. Taleju Bhawani Temple is a bit more tucked away compared to other temples, but it’s definitely worth the visit. The architecture is incredible, and it holds so much significance for the people of Kathmandu. It’s not as busy, so it’s a nice place to take your time and appreciate the details.

Taleju Bhawani Temple is a beautiful and sacred gem in the heart of Kathmandu! 🏯✨ This ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to the goddess Taleju, is a magnificent example of Nepalese architecture and religious heritage. The temple's intricate wood carvings, stunning courtyards, and rich history make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the Malla dynasty’s power and culture. The serene atmosphere, combined with the sound of chanting and bells, adds to its spiritual significance. Though it is located within the bustling Durbar Square, the temple offers a peaceful and introspective experience. The sacred aura and the beautifully decorated inner sanctum make it a perfect place to reflect and immerse yourself in Nepal’s vibrant religious traditions. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Nepalese culture, history, and spirituality! 🙏✨

This is a Hindu Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Taleju Bhawani. This temple is open to the public during the last few days of Dashain ( Vijaya Dashami). This temple is artistically very beautiful. It is decorated with wooden handcrafted arts and artefacts. It showcases pure Newari Culture and Tradition. It is really a beautiful temple which carries the history of the Kathmandu Valley. It was built and decorated with handcrafted materials.

Taleju Temple, situated within Kathmandu Durbar Square, is a magnificent testament to Nepal's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Constructed in 1564 by King Mahendra Malla, this temple is dedicated to Taleju Bhawani, the royal goddess of the Malla dynasty. Its architecture showcases a harmonious blend of Newar and pagoda styles, featuring a towering three-tiered structure adorned with intricate wooden carvings and a gilded pinnacle . The temple holds immense religious significance, being accessible to the public only once a year during the Dashain festival, when devotees gather to pay homage to the goddess . Throughout the rest of the year, visitors can admire its external grandeur and the surrounding historical edifices of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend speaks of the goddess Taleju appearing to King Mahendra Malla in a dream, instructing him to build the temple. This divine encounter underscores the temple's spiritual importance and its role in the cultural fabric of Kathmandu . A visit to Taleju Temple offers not only a glimpse into Nepal's architectural brilliance but also an opportunity to connect with the profound spiritual traditions that have shaped the nation's history.

The Taleju Temple is one of Hanuman Dhoka Darbar Square's oldest structures. A "great temple" was built in 1563, under Mahendra Malla's rule, according to ancient diaries (tyasaphus) (r. 1560-74). Four notable structures, including the Jagannath, Kotilingeswar Mahadev, and Mahendreswara temples, are known to have been constructed at Darbar Square under the reign of Mahendra Malla. The Malla period building spree was financed by the kingdom's efforts to issue Tibetan currency for export and increase trade with other Himalayan kingdoms. The temple's current design resembles a cosmic mandala. The main structure has three levels of roofing and is supported by a base with twelve steps that resembles Mount Meru's lower slopes. There are sixteen satellite shrines built as two-story Newar towers all around the sanctuary. Notably, the main structure's roofs are covered in gilt copper sheets and supported by wooden struts with carvings of many gods. The temple is accessed by four portals—one on each side—each of which has a true door and two false doors. With carved wooden colonnettes, toranas over the main doorways, and pointed blocks (bhailahkva) flanking the lower door jambs, each is elaborately articulated.

Taleju Bhawani Temple is located in Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu Darbar Square listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site which exhibit the Hindu culture and it opened only once a year for Hindu people on the Ocassion of Dashain festival. People belive that the temple was built in the shape of Yantra.

Taleju Bhawani Temple तलेजु भवानी मन्दिर: February/May 2025: Only seen it from the outside, but it's really beautiful even from only the outside. 🙏🕉️🙏