Taleju Temple, Hindu temple in Durbar Square, Nepal.
Taleju Temple is a Hindu shrine located within Durbar Square that rises on a series of stone platforms and displays traditional Nepali pagoda design. The main structure is accompanied by smaller temple replicas and additional shrines situated within the sacred grounds around the central sanctuary.
The temple was constructed during the reign of the Malla dynasty in the 16th century and became a major religious center for the royal family. Its role as a royal sanctuary shaped Kathmandu's religious and political landscape for centuries afterward.
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani, who served as the royal protector deity of medieval kings and remains central to Kathmandu's spiritual identity. Worshippers today come to honor her through prayer and ritual offerings, especially during major festivals when the community gathers to express their devotion together.
The temple remains closed to regular visitors throughout most of the year and can only be accessed by worshippers during specific religious festivals. Visitors should inquire in advance about festival dates to understand when the sanctuary may be open for spiritual observances.
The temple complex is distinguished by twelve miniature replicas of the main building carefully arranged within the sacred grounds. These smaller structures, combined with other surrounding shrines, create an intricate ensemble that reflects the sophistication of medieval religious architecture.
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