Golden
Gate is considered to be the most beautiful and rich specimen of its kind
not only in Nepal but the entire world. Door of the great monument is
bedecked with mysterious monsters and other mythical creatures. The door is
of immense archaeological, historical and religious importance, and the
architecture is indeed of great value.
The Golden Gate was built by Monarch Ranjit Malla. It is the entrance to
the main courtyard of the palace of fifty-five windows, in Bhaktapur Durbar
Square. Also recognised by many as Sun Dhoka, the Golden Gate is the pride
of Nepal. A figure of the Goddess Kali and Garuda (mythical bird) is at the
top of the door. It is also assisted by two heavenly nymphs.
Overview
| Location |
Bhaktapur Durbar Square |
| Significance |
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Bhaktapur) |
| Built In |
1753 |
| Built By |
King Ranjeet Malla |
Quote-Unqoute
In the words of Percy Brown, an eminent English art critic and
historian,
"The Golden Gate is the most lovely piece of art in the whole
Kingdom: it is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the
handsome setting of its surroundings."
Major Attractions
- The gate is praised for some of the most beautiful gilded copper-work
in the Kathmandu Valley.
- On either side of the door frame a doorkeeper, a vase symbolising
good fortune, and figures of deities like Bhagawati, Ganesh, Bhairava,
Kumari and Kali.can be seen.
- Ten-armed Godesses Taleju attended by Shri and Lakshmi seated on a
crocodile and a tortoise appear above the door.
Tit-Bits
- Sun Dhoka or the Golden Gate connects the two blocks of the palace of
55 windows.
- It is an entrance providing access to Kumari Chowk and the Taleju
Mandir.
- Jaya Ranajit Malla erected the Golden Gate in 1753 after successful
conquest campaign against Dudhkosi and Tolkha.
