Dattatraya Temple, Bhaktapur

Dattatraya temple, Bhaktapur

Dattatraya Temple built in 1427 A.D. by king Yakshya Malla and his son Raja Malla is the only temple in Nepal that is dedicated to the God Dattatraya – the combined incarnation of three supreme gods of Hinduism; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. According to the legend, an influential and highly respected Indian ‘yogi’ returning from his pilgrimage, died here. (Nepalese have the culture of considering visitors as Gods and treating them likewise. Specially ‘yogis’ (traveling saints) are highly respected as learned ones.) So the shrine was built in his memory by then rulers as a tribute. It is believed that the temple as a whole was built using timber from a single tree.

Originally the temple was only two storied. Additional construction was done latter on. The main beauty of the temple is its unique architectural design and the intricate woodcarvings artistically decorated all over the structure. An wooden figure, the figure of Dattatraya can be seen overlooking the square from the central window of the second floor. Probably a way of giving the impression that God is watching us all. 

The additional attractions of the shrine are displayed at and about the front. At the entrance the temple is guarded by two large stole sculptures of Jaiput wrestles Jaimala and Pata as in Ngatapola temple. By the sides of these sculptures a conch & a “Chakra” (a discus like weapon) the attributes of Vishnu is displayed above 3m high stone pillars. A Beautiful Gold gilded metal statue of Garuda - the vehicle of Lord Vishnu is positioned at the front of the temple on top of another stone column. One might also be interested in the wood carved erotic panels around the temple, which still is used for sheltering yogis and pilgrims.