Vatsala Durga Temple and the Taleju Bell

Opposite the Golden Gate stands a slender temple of carved stone, its tower rising in layers towards a gilded tip. This is the Vatsala Durga temple, dedicated to a form of the goddess Durga, and one of the most photographed buildings in Durbar Square.

Architecture

Unlike the brick-and-timber pagodas that dominate the valley, Vatsala Durga is built in the shikhara style, with a curving stone tower inspired by temples of northern India. Its base is surrounded by small pavilions and guarded by stone animals on the stairway. Tradition dates the temple to the reign of Jagat Prakash Malla in the 1670s.

Destruction and rebuilding

The temple collapsed completely in the earthquake of 25 April 2015 — one of the most shocking images of that day for many Nepalis. Its carved stones were collected, catalogued and, where possible, reused. The rebuilt temple was completed a few years later, and today it again stands beside the palace, though some surface details are new.

The Taleju Bell

Beside the temple, on a raised platform, hangs the large Taleju Bell, installed by King Ranjit Malla in the 18th century. It was traditionally rung during the daily worship of the goddess Taleju. A second, smaller bell nearby is known locally as the barking bell: legend says it was rung to announce the king's presence or during certain rituals, and that dogs would bark and whine whenever they heard it. Some say it was installed to counter a king's bad dream. Whatever the truth, the story is a favourite with local guides.

Nearby

Next to the Vatsala Durga temple is the Chyasilin Mandap, an octagonal pavilion that collapsed in 1934 and was rebuilt in 1987 using old photographs and traditional techniques. It offers a pleasant spot to sit and watch the square.