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.
However, it was not completed until 1754, during the reign of Jaya Ranjit Malla, who was the last of the Bhaktapur Malla kings. The golden gate, leads to the Taleju Temple, which is in the 55 Window Palace compound which 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. However, 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.
Taleju Temple (Mul Chowk): At a Glance
Oldest Part of the Palace
Built in the 14th century, the Taleju Temple and Mul Chowk are the oldest surviving parts of Bhaktapur's Royal Palace complex.
Entrance Fee
No separate fee. Covered by the Bhaktapur Durbar Square ticket (1,800 NPR for foreigners, 500 NPR for SAARC nationals). Hindus are only allowed inside the temple itself.
Non-Hindus Restricted
Only Hindus may enter the temple area. Non-Hindus can look through the guarded doorway into the compound, which is still more access than that of Kathmandu's Taleju temple, which opens once a year.
What You Can See
From the doorway, the main shrine is to the left, old frescoes to the right, and Tibetan-style stone guardian statues stand nearby. No leather, shoes, hats or cameras inside.
How Long to Stay
One to two minutes at the exterior and doorway. Pair with the Golden Gate, the 55 Window Palace, and the Royal Bath (Naga Pokhari) at the rear of Mul Chowk.
Where to Go Next
Do not miss the Royal Bath (Naga Pokhari), reached through the small gate at the rear of Mul Chowk. One of the highlights of the palace complex.
Information verified: October 2026
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 building itself; however, the Taleju Temple is often referred to as being "inside" the 55 Window Palace. What's meant is inside the palace compound.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Taleju Temple (Mul Chowk)
The Taleju Temple (Mul Chowk) is located in a courtyard just inside the Golden Gate in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
The Taleju Temple was built in the 14th century and is the oldest part of Bhaktapur's Royal Palace. It was completed in 1754 during the reign of the last Malla king of Bhaktapur, Jaya Ranjit Malla.
Taleju is the goddess of the Malla royal family. There are three Taleju temples in the Kathmandu Valley, one in Bhaktapur, one in Patan, and the largest in Kathmandu.
There is no specific fee to see the Taleju Temple, as it is covered by the main entrance ticket for Bhaktapur Durbar Square. However, only Hindus are permitted to enter the temple itself.
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