Bhaktapur's Pride

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.