The Taleju Bell: Your Guide to Bhaktapur Durbar Square's Royal Announcer - Nepal Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuidePerched on a raised stone platform before the Golden Gate of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Taleju Bell is more than just a magnificent artifact; it’s a living emblem of devotion to Goddess Taleju Bhawani.
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Origin of the Name Taleju Bell
Named for Taleju Bhawani, the deity of the Malla kings, the bell’s title signifies its sacred purpose: to call the faithful to worship. ‘Tagoun Gān’ literally means ‘great bell’, or ‘big bell’, reflecting both on its size and its spiritual weight.
Historical Significance and Use of Taleju Bell
Taleju Bell was commissioned by King Ranajit Malla on 6 January 1737, the bell marked a high point in Bhaktapur’s golden era of arts and devotion.
Architectural Significance of Taleju Bell
Crafted from cast bronze and embellished with gilt accents, the bell measures about 3 ft (1 m) in height and hangs from a wooden beam (roughly 10 ft (3 m) above the stone platform) set atop carved stone pillars.
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Cultural Significance of Taleju Bell
The Taleju Bell in Bhaktapur Durbar Square served several interwoven practical and ritual functions:
Call to Worship
Morning and Evening Puja: The bell was tolled at dawn and dusk to summon priests and devotees to the Taleju Temple.
Festival Announcements: During major royal festivals, the bell was tolled to mark the start (and sometimes the close) of special pujas to Goddess Taleju Bhawani.
Civic Alarm and Communication
Emergency Signal: The bell was tolled in times of fire, flood, or imminent attacks, to alert townspeople.
Public Announcements: The bell was tolled a distinctive pattern for important royal proclamations or assemblies.
Symbolic Offering
As a gift to Taleju, ringing the bell itself became an act of devotional homage, reinforcing the bond between the Malla monarchy and their protective goddess.
The platform that houses Taleju Bell is directly connected to the platform on which Vatsalā Durga Temple stands.
Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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