Lun Dhwaka (Golden Gate)

It is the entrance to the 55 window palace

In front or directly opposite of Bhupatindra Malla statue the magnificent gate is locally known as Lun Dhwaka which means golden gate.  It is the entrance to the 55 window palace. The golden gate is generally agreed to be the single most important piece of art in the whole valley. This magnificent gilt gateway and palace was built by King Jaya Ranjit Malla in 1754. The remarkable craftsmanship is considered by many to be the finest example of Metal work in Nepal.

The Torana features the image of four headed goddess Taleju Bhawani having ten armed and two attendants at her side named Ganga and Jamuna. Taleju Bhawani is the family deity of the Malla dynasty and there are temples to her in the Royal palaces in valley. A Garuda (half man and half eagle head) the vehicle of Vishnu, above the gate and is shown disposing of a number of serpents, dragons and reptiles.

The Lun Dhwaka (Golden Gate) leads into the Sadashiva Bhairab Chowk of the Bhaktapur Palace. This is one of the only remaining courtyards, which is easily accessible for Visitors. Passing through the golden gate, the next gate house is home to huge drums covered with elephant skin. The Sadashiva Bhairab Chowk leads to the Nag Phuku (Nag Pokhari) and to the Mul Chowk and Taleju temple, two guardian figures stand inside the doorways. A few paces away from the pond is the entrance to the Mul Chowk courtyard, which houses the Taleju Temple and is only accessible to Hindus. The Mul Chowk was established in the 14th century and is the oldest part of the palace.

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Bhaktapur (भक्तपुर), About this sound, listen (help·info); literally translates to “city of devotees”), also known as Khwopa (Nepal Bhasa: ख्वप Khwopa), is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal about 8 miles (13 km) from the capital city, Kathmandu. It is located in and serves as the headquarters of Bhaktapur District in Bagmati Pradesh of Nepal. It is administratively divided into 10 wards.

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