About the Taleju Temple (Mul Chowk)


Once you pass through the Golden Gate, you'll find the Taleju Temple in a courtyard to your left. There will be guards outside the main doorway. The temple was virtually untouched during the 2015 earthquake, with all the shrines inside intact.

Taleju Temple Bhaktapur
Taleju Temple Bhaktapur in Bhaktapur

However, it was not completed until 1754, during the reign of Jaya Ranjit Malla, who was the last of the Bhaktapur Malla kings. Today, the 55 Window Palace still stands as Bhaktapur's Royal Palace on ceremonial occasions.

It is not prohibited for any non-Hindu to enter the Taleju Temple, or for anyone to take photographs inside. The guards are so protective of it, you probably won't even be able to take a photograph of the courtyard. There is more to see in the outer area, so do read on! You can also look inside the main temple compound from the doorway.

No leather, shoes, hats, or cameras are allowed inside the Taleju Temple.

Did you know?

The Taleju is the goddess of the Malla royal family. There are three Taleju temples in the Kathmandu Valley, one in Bhaktapur, Patan, and the largest in Kathmandu.

 

Taleju Temple Bhaktapur History


The Taleju Temple was built in the 14th century and is the oldest part of Bhaktapur's Royal Palace. Although non-Hindus are not allowed inside, everyone else can look through the guarded doorway. This is a lot more than the Taleju Temple in Kathmandu, which only allows people in once a year!

The main shrine is to the left, while to the right are old fresco paintings. Interestingly, the stone guardian statues look Tibetan and may have been brought here separately.

Today, Taleju is no more than a cult goddess. However, she remains the goddess of the Malla royal family. Before you leave, do not forget to visit the royal bath Naga Pokhari via the entrance at the rear of Mul Chowk, as it is one of the highlights of the area.


Entrance Fee


There is no fee to see the Taleju Temple in Bhaktapur as it's covered under the main Durbar Square ticket. However, only Hindus are allowed to enter.

Do note that it is not possible to visit inside the 55 Window Palace; however, the Taleju Temple is often referred to as being "inside" the 55 Window Palace.


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