Dattatreya Square - Tachapal Tole, Bhaktapur

A Cultural Event at Dattatreya Square; photo by Raj Shakya

The third dazzling gem of Bhaktapur, Dattatreya Square, located at Tachapal Tole, was the seat of royalty until the 15th century. The square is home to a great number of historic monuments including many wondrous Maths (residential mansions) and temples.

Dattatreya is a Hindu deity encompassing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, collectively known as Trimurti.

   

The Dattatreya Temple, believed to have been built from the stem of a single tree, is the main attraction of the Square. Constructed by King Yaksha Malla, the giant three-storied temple defied a series of calamities including the violent earthquake of 1934 and bears testimony to the incredible achievement made in those regal days of the Nepalese history.

On the south-western corner of the temple is the second Taleju shrine of Bhaktapur called Wane Layaku Complex. This Complex encloses a courtyard where a rare Water-Clock (Ghau-Batacha) is put on public display during the main festival of Nepal, Dashain. During the Malla Era, the water-clock was used by the then rulers and astrologers for fixing "propitious moments" for commencing and concluding various state and social ceremonies.

Dattatreya Temple; photo by Raj Shakya

A rare masterpiece in wood, the Peacock Window is called the ‘Mona Lisa’ of Nepal. This window lies in the Pujari Math which houses the wood carving museum which has a rich collection of unique pieces in wood. There are more than ten businesses that remain open throughout the day in this math.

The Brass & Bronze Museum, housed in the historic Chikanpha Math, is the next highlight of the Square. It has a wide collection of bronze and brassware including the ritual jars, utensils, water vessels, pots, spittoons and similar other household items.

The Wakupati Narayan Temple, a unique specimen of pagoda architecture dedicated to Lord Vishnu, lies near the Pottery Square, 150 meters away from Dattatreya Square.

Besides the squares, the recently-restored Ta-Pukhu (Siddha Pokhari), Ancha-Pukhu, Khancha-Pukhu, Barahi Temple, Lokeswor Mahavihar, Nava Durga Temple, the Terra-cotta Windows at Tuchhimala and Nepal’s largest Shiva Lingum at Hanumanghat are some of Bhaktapur’s monumental glories which tourists visiting this ancient city simply do not like to miss.

One can purchase art, artifacts, carved wooden items, handicrafts and many other unique items from this square. All parts of Bhaktapur including Nagarkot Dhulikhel and Changu Narayan are easily accessible from Dattatreya Square.

One can find a couple of guest houses in the Square that offer genuine B&B services with WiFi and Hot Shower facilities. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the most expensive and happening part of Bhaktapur, is just a 10-minute walk away from the Dattatreya Square.

The Pujari Math (on the background); photo by Raj Shakya

The Newars of Bhaktapur can be seen in Dattatreya Square playing musical instruments and offering prayers to the deities every day.

If you need any other information, please feel free to write to me.