Yantra Vatsala Temple: Your Guide to Bhaktapur's Geometric Shrine - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Standing directly behind Siddhi Laxmi Temple is a rectangular red brick building that looks different from all other buildings in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

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Origin of the Name Yantra Vatsala Temple

The name ‘Yantra Vatsala’ comes from two Sanskrit words:

• Yantra meaning mystical diagram or mechanism, often used in Tantric rituals.

• Vatsala a name associated with the Hindu goddess Durga, symbolizing motherly love and power.

The temple may have historically been used for rituals involving yantras, possibly linked to Newar Tantric practices. This makes it not just a place of public worship but one of esoteric spiritual work, hidden in plain sight.

Architectural Significance of Yantra Vatsala Temple

• The temple stands on a slightly raised platform with a simple, compact structure.

• It features stone and brick construction, with wooden struts and minimalist but detailed carvings.

• Its orientation and position, quietly placed behind a major temple, suggest its role as a supporting shrine, possibly for inner rituals or personal devotion.

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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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