Nyatapola Temple: Your Guide to Bhaktapur's Iconic Five-Tiered Pagoda - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Nyatapola Temple is the tallest and most iconic temple in the city. Located in the heart of Taumadhi Square, this five-tiered pagoda rises an impressive 30 meters (98 feet) above the brick-paved square, offering both an architectural and spiritual experience like no other in Nepal.

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But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.

The Origin of the Name Nyatapola Temple

The name Nyatapola comes from the Newar language, meaning ‘five stories’, a fitting name for a temple that proudly boasts five distinct levels, each smaller than the one below. This pagoda design symbolizes a sacred hierarchy, leading the eye and the soul upward.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Nyatapola Temple

Nyatapola Temple was built in 1702 by King Bhupatindra Malla, one of the most influential rulers of the Malla dynasty. It is dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, a fierce and powerful manifestation of the goddess Durga. She is believed to have immense strength, which is why the temple is so solidly built, and why no one but the priest is allowed to view the image of the deity inside - but you are allowed to walk all the way up to the lowest level for free.
Flanking the staircase are giant stone guardians: wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, and goddesses - each pair is said to be ten times more powerful than the one below it. These dramatic figures are a visual testament to the protective energy the temple represents.

The stacked five-tier roof symbolizes spiritual ascension and mirror the Panchamahabhuta (five basic elements that, according to Hindu philosophy, constitute the universe and all living beings): Earth (Prithvi), Water (Apas), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), Ether/Space (Akasha).

Architectural Highlights

The temple is a five-tiered 30 meters (98 feet) tall pagoda. It stands on a five-level stepped plinth, built with layers of finely laid red bricks.
Nyatapola Temple is not only a masterpiece of Newar architecture, but also a marvel of engineering. It survived all major earthquakes including the devastating 2015 earthquake with minimal damage, thanks to its brilliant design and solid Malla era brickwork.

Nyatapola Temple is only one of two five-tiered pagodas in Kathmandu. The other one is Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan.

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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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