Nyatapola is one of the most recognizable temples of Nepal. Learn more in this Essay on Nyatapola.
Essay on Nyatapola
The Nyatapola is a five-storied pagoda-styled temple and the tallest standing temple in Nepal. It is one of the most iconic and impressive structures in the country, and it has become a symbol of Nepalese architecture and culture. Nyatapola meaning “something with five-story” in Nepal Bhasa. The temple is also called Panch Tale Mandir meaning, five stories temple. It is located in Bhaktapur, Nepal, and has been said to be built by Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 A.D. It is a whopping 33-meter-tall temple that is beautifully designed and shows the architecture of that time.
Nyatapola is one of the two five-storied temples in Nepal. The five floors of the temple represent earth, water, fire, air, and the sky respectively. This temple is dedicated to the Tantric Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, who is regarded as the ancestral deity of the Malla royal family and the mother goddess of the Newaris of Bhaktapur. It is said that the temple was built because God Bhairav gave trouble to the locals. It is built taller than the Bhairavnath temple meaning that Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi prevails over God Bhairav. Or, it is also said that the king wanted to see the temple from his palace.
The temple has a unique architectural design. Stairs that go up to the temple have five pairs of guardians. Each of them is said to be ten times stronger than the pair below. First comes the wrestles Jai and Pratap, followed by a pair of elephants, and lions, then a pair of griffins, and finally the Tigress and the Lioness; who are said to be the strongest of all guardians. The temple was built in a short amount of time, about around five months. It was possible due to the coordination of the king and the public and the support of the surrounding kingdoms.
Also read: Essay on Pashupatinath
The Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi’s true form is not known to the public and is only known to a few priests allowed to enter the temple. One can only see her through the interpretations of her around the temple. It is said that she has a beautiful and artistic face with nine heads and eighteen hands. As her statue was made using Trantic methods, her main form isn’t shown to the public. All the carvings of the deities show the skill and craftsmanship of the artists in that times.
Nyatapola has survived several earthquakes and other natural disasters over the centuries, which is a testament to the skill and engineering required to make this temple. The durability of the temple has been shocking as there were many earthquakes that it faced, while the other temples in the area got destroyed it persisted. However, the temple has undergone numerous renovations and rebuilt over the years, as the effects of the weather and disasters took place. The most recent renovation was in 2015 when a devastating earthquake struck Nepal that year.
Nyatapola is a popular tourist attraction when visiting Nepal. It is located in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is one of the World Heritage Sites enlisted by UNESCO. Visitors from all over the world come to visit and marvel at its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, and learn about the rich culture and history of the Nepalese people. The temple is open all twenty-four hours of the day, and tourists can come and click photos and videos of the beautifully designed temple.
Nyatapola is an amazing structure that has stood the test of time and remains an important part of Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage. Its impressive architecture and intricate carvings are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of Nepalese builders and artisans, and the temple is a symbol of the country’s rich history and culture. Whether you are a tourist, a historian, or a devotee, Nyatapola is a must-see destination that should not be missed.
Hopefully, you’ve learned more through the essay on Nyatapola!