Taleju Temple Kathmandu
A 1500s Hindu temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, renowned for its pagoda architecture and dedication to the royal deity, Taleju Bhawani.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Temple opens to public
Taleju Temple Kathmandu
Best Time
Temple opens to public

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1500s Hindu temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, renowned for its pagoda architecture and dedication to the royal deity, Taleju Bhawani.
"Magnificent example of Nepalese architecture and religious heritage, a must-visit for culture and history lovers."
🎯 Festival Entry Only
The temple is generally only open to the public during the Dashain festival (Nawami). Plan your trip around this time if you wish to enter.
📸 Best Photo Spot
Capture the full height of the temple from the southeast corner of the courtyard for the most impressive shots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Grandeur
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Marvel at Nepal's tallest temple (at its construction) with its 12-tiered pagoda style and exquisite Newari wood carvings.

Dashain Festival Access
Main Temple Entrance
Experience the rare opportunity to enter the temple during the Dashain festival, a significant cultural and religious event.

Sacred Royal Deity
Temple Courtyard
Understand the deep spiritual significance of Taleju Bhawani, the royal deity of the Malla kings, and its connection to Nepal's history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Timing
Respectful Observation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Festival Entry Only
The temple is generally only open to the public during the Dashain festival (Nawami). Plan your trip around this time if you wish to enter.
📸 Best Photo Spot
Capture the full height of the temple from the southeast corner of the courtyard for the most impressive shots.
🤫 Respectful Demeanor
Remember this is an active place of worship. Maintain a quiet and respectful attitude when visiting the outer areas.
🏛️ Admire Exterior Artistry
Even when closed, the intricate wood carvings and pagoda design are breathtaking. Take time to appreciate the details.
Taleju Bhawani Temple in Basantapur. The temple only opens doors to worshippers for one day during Dashin festival( Nawami or 9th day to be precise). The architecture of this temple is really amazing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Festival Entry Only
The temple is generally only open to the public during the Dashain festival (Nawami). Plan your trip around this time if you wish to enter.
📸 Best Photo Spot
Capture the full height of the temple from the southeast corner of the courtyard for the most impressive shots.
🤫 Respectful Demeanor
Remember this is an active place of worship. Maintain a quiet and respectful attitude when visiting the outer areas.
🏛️ Admire Exterior Artistry
Even when closed, the intricate wood carvings and pagoda design are breathtaking. Take time to appreciate the details.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Taleju Bhawani Temple is lauded for its stunning Newari architecture and deep spiritual significance as the royal deity. Visitors appreciate its serene atmosphere and intricate carvings, offering a peaceful cultural experience within Kathmandu Durbar Square. However, its limited public access outside of the Dashain festival is a key point of note.
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Taleju Bhawani Temple (तलेजु भवानी मन्दिर)
Kathmandu Durbar Square's Crown Jewel
#### Sacred Significance
- Dedicated to Taleju Bhawani, the royal deity of Malla kings
- Built in 1564 CE by King Mahendra Malla
- Only opened to non-Hindus once/year during Dashain
#### Architectural Marvel
- Nepal's tallest temple (35.5m) at time of construction
- Classic Newari pagoda style with 12 staggered roofs
- Intricate wood carvings & gilded toranas (doorways)
#### Visitor Information
📍 Location: Central Kathmandu Durbar Square
⏰ Viewing: Outer courtyard only (main temple restricted)
📸 Best Photo Spot: Southeast corner for full-height view
Did You Know?
The temple's design inspired Nepal's iconic multi-tiered pagodas!
Note: Maintain respectful distance as active worship continues"
Chandra Ghimire
"Taleju Bhawani Temple is one of the most important temples in Kathmandu. The architecture is stunning, and the temple has a very peaceful atmosphere. It’s not as crowded as some of the other temples in Durbar Square, so it’s a nice spot to visit if you want to enjoy the culture without the crowds. The intricate carvings and the history behind it are definitely worth learning about.
This temple holds a special place in Kathmandu's history and is dedicated to the goddess Taleju. It’s located within the royal palace complex, so it’s a bit more serene compared to the other temples in Durbar Square. The temple's unique design and the quiet ambiance make it a great place to visit for those interested in spirituality and culture.
Taleju Bhawani Temple is a bit more tucked away compared to other temples, but it’s definitely worth the visit. The architecture is incredible, and it holds so much significance for the people of Kathmandu. It’s not as busy, so it’s a nice place to take your time and appreciate the details."
Safal Shrestha
"Taleju Bhawani Temple is a beautiful and sacred gem in the heart of Kathmandu! 🏯✨ This ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to the goddess Taleju, is a magnificent example of Nepalese architecture and religious heritage.
The temple's intricate wood carvings, stunning courtyards, and rich history make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the Malla dynasty’s power and culture. The serene atmosphere, combined with the sound of chanting and bells, adds to its spiritual significance.
Though it is located within the bustling Durbar Square, the temple offers a peaceful and introspective experience. The sacred aura and the beautifully decorated inner sanctum make it a perfect place to reflect and immerse yourself in Nepal’s vibrant religious traditions.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Nepalese culture, history, and spirituality! 🙏✨"
SHEIKH ALAMIN SANTO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taleju Temple is located within Kathmandu Durbar Square. You can reach Durbar Square by taxi, local bus, or by walking if you are staying nearby in Thamel. The temple itself is a prominent structure within the square.
Yes, Taleju Temple is a significant part of Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one of the most important landmarks within the complex.
The best way to explore Kathmandu Durbar Square is on foot. Allow at least a few hours to wander through the courtyards, admire the architecture, and visit the various temples, including Taleju Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Taleju Temple is generally only open to the general public for worship on the 9th day of the Dashain festival (Nawami). Outside of this specific day, you can only view its exterior from the courtyard.
You need an entrance ticket for Kathmandu Durbar Square to access the area where Taleju Temple is located. However, entry into the main temple building is restricted to specific festival days.
There is an entrance fee for Kathmandu Durbar Square, which grants you access to the grounds where Taleju Temple stands. The temple itself has no separate entry fee for the public, except during its annual opening.
The temple is primarily for Hindus. While the exterior can be viewed by anyone, entry during the Dashain festival is typically for devotees.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Taleju Temple is a magnificent example of Newari pagoda-style architecture. It was Nepal's tallest temple at the time of its construction and features intricate wood carvings and a distinctive multi-tiered roof.
Taleju Bhawani is the royal deity of the Malla kings and is considered a powerful goddess. The temple is dedicated to her and holds immense religious and historical importance for Kathmandu.
Yes, the main temple building is usually closed to the public. Visitors can admire the exterior and explore the surrounding courtyard. Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor as it is an active place of worship.
Since you can only view the exterior most of the year, any time of day is suitable. However, visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset can offer beautiful lighting for photography.
Outside of the Dashain festival, Taleju Temple is generally less crowded than other temples in Durbar Square, offering a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The southeast corner of the courtyard offers an excellent vantage point for capturing the full height and grandeur of the temple. Experiment with different angles to showcase its intricate details.
Photography of the exterior of Taleju Temple is generally permitted from the courtyard. However, always be mindful of any signs or local customs that might restrict photography in certain areas or during specific rituals.
You can capture stunning shots of the pagoda-style architecture, detailed wood carvings, gilded elements, and the overall spiritual ambiance of the temple and its surroundings within Durbar Square.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a broader Durbar Square exploration, perhaps incorporating a visit to the Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess) nearby, which might be more engaging for children due to the unique concept of a living deity. Ensure children understand the importance of respectful behavior in a sacred area.
🏛️ History & Culture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the intricate wood carvings and the temple's imposing structure. Understanding its significance as Nepal's tallest temple at the time of its construction and its limited public access during Dashain adds to its mystique. This is a place where history, religion, and art converge beautifully.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Taleju Bhawani
This deep connection between the rulers and the goddess is why the temple holds such a revered status. The intricate carvings and the sheer scale of the temple are a testament to the devotion and resources dedicated to appeasing and honoring the divine. Understanding this backstory adds a layer of appreciation to the visual splendor of the temple, transforming it from just a beautiful structure into a living piece of history and faith.
Architectural Style and Significance
The temple's design is not merely aesthetic; it is deeply rooted in religious and cosmological beliefs. The pagoda style is believed to symbolize the ascent to the heavens, with each tier representing a different spiritual realm. The temple's prominent plinth, often with 12 steps, further adds to its imposing presence and sacred aura. The gilded toranas (ornamental door lintels) and pinnacles are also characteristic features, adding a touch of divine splendor. The architectural brilliance of Taleju Temple has influenced many other pagodas throughout Nepal, making it a significant landmark in the country's architectural heritage.
The Living Goddess and Taleju
The Kumari is considered a divine presence and a protector of the country. While the Taleju Temple itself is a physical structure, the living goddess embodies the divine spirit of Taleju in human form. This connection highlights the multifaceted ways in which the goddess Taleju is venerated in Nepalese culture, from grand temples to the living embodiment of divinity.
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