Char Dham Temples

Bhaktapur


Standing at the western end of Durbar Sq, the four Char Dham temples were constructed to provide spiritual merit for pilgrims who were unable to make the journey to the Indian state of Uttaranchal to visit its famed Char Dham temples. After the 2015 earthquake, only three remained. The shikhara-style Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Shiva, was shaken apart by the tremor, but was actively under reconstruction when we last visited.

Although damaged, the three remaining temples are still worth visiting. The two-roofed Gopi Nath Temple (also called Jagarnath) features different incarnations of Vishnu on the ceiling struts and a statue of Garuda on the pillar at the entrance.

The small Rameshwar Temple, topped by an ornate dome, is still standing on its four repaired but cracked pillars. The Badrinath Temple is sacred to Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan.


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Nearby Bhaktapur attractions

1. Gopi Nath Temple

This two-tiered temple features different incarnations of Vishnu on the ceiling struts and a statue of Garuda on the pillar at the entrance.

2. Badrinath Temple

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The Badrinath Temple is sacred to Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan.

3. Rameshwar Temple

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This small temple is topped by an ornate dome held up by four pillars.

4. Ugrachandi & Bhairab Statues

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As you enter Durbar Sq through the western gate, look left to a gateway flanked by two stocky stone lions, erected by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1701. On…

5. City Gate

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Buy your ticket to the left of the arched city gate and show it to the guard as you enter the Durbar Sq.

6. Kedarnath Temple

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Dedicated to Shiva, Kedarnath Temple was destroyed in the 1934 earthquake, rebuilt by a German team in 1990 using original materials, shaken to the ground…

7. National Art Gallery

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The western end of Bhaktapur's Royal Palace contains the best of the three museums in Bhaktapur. Inside, you can view an extensive collection of Tantric…

8. King Bhupatindra Malla’s Column

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With hands folded in a prayer position, the bronze statue of King Bhupatindra Malla sits atop a column in front of the Vatsala Durga Temple. The statue…

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