Taleju Temple is another important Hindu temple of Nepal, located in Durbar Square, which is Kathmandu’s culturally and historically significant site. Durbar Square has its own significance having been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to Taleju Bhawani. Taleju Bhawani was the Kuldevata of Malla dynasty of Nepal. It was built in 1564 AD by Mahendra Malla.
The temple stands on the square platform which has twelve levels. These are made out of stones. On the eighth level, there is a compound wall. There are twelve smaller shrines in front of the wall. With a three-tier roof and intricately carved wooden doors and wooden window frames, the entire place has ancient Pagoda-style architecture.
Kathmandu was earlier ruled by Newars. Newars were worshippers of Goddess Taleju Bhawani, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is considered to be a powerful deity. Goddess Taleju Bhawani is the patron deity of Newari Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley.
The square form has much significance in the Hindu architecture and structures. The temple is built in the shape of Yantra – a geometric-form mainly from the Tantric tradition. When this temple was built, King Mahendra Malla ordered that no other building in Kathmandu would be taller than this temple.
Young Kumari girls are considered to be the human manifestation of Goddess Taleju. Tulaja Bhawani of Maharashtra and Taleju Bhawani of Nepal are believed to be the same. It is interesting to study and explore the connections of Taleju Bhawani with Tulaja Bhawani of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
