Nepal: The two guardian wrestlers in front of the Hindu Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Tol, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu Valley (1997)

This Nyatapola Temple was built in 1708 by King Bhupatrindra Malla (r. 1696 - 1722). Bhupatindra placed a chudamani (a jewel worn in a head-dress) in the foundation to give the temple supernatural strength, and started the construction by personally carrying three bricks to the site. The king’s example spurred the populace into rapid action, and within five days the people of Bhaktapur had brought together all the materials necessary for the work.

In the earthquake of 1934, when all buildings around were shaken to the core and many were completely destroyed, the Nyatapola Temple escaped almost unscathed.

The Nyatapola Temple was most likely dedicated to the mysterious Tantric goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, whom it was hoped would neutralise the negative influence of the adjacent Bhairavnath.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Rainer Krack

Credit:

Pictures From Asia