Hanuman Dhoka Museum
Hanuman Dhoka or Hanuman Gate museum formerly the palace of ancient Malla dynasty comprises of several courtyards, temples, and forts constructed during the 12th and mid 18th centuries. The complexes linked together in Durbar Square cover about five acres of land. At the entrance of the palace there is a remarkable statue of Lord Hanuman or monkey god holding an umbrella and adorned in red clothes while on the left is the brilliant sculpture of Lord Narasimha, the half lion embodiment of Lord Vishnu.
Moving forward from the Hanuman temple is a historically popular courtyard Nasal Chowk named after the dancing Shiva image positioned on the eastern region of the square. It also consists of the 9-storey Basantpur Tower with uniquely carved struts, windows, doorways and four gods leading to the private rooms of the Malla Kings. Further a golden figure of Lord Vishnu can be located on the verandah of the eastern wall. Other structures include audience chamber, throne and portraits of the Malla and Shah Kings. On the northeast area is the Panch Mukhi temple designed in circular roofs. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and holds a five faced statue of Hanuman.
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Another structure, Mul Chowk, consists of deity of the goddess of the royal family, Taleju Bhawani. The area is primarily dedicated to conduct religious activities. From this place the well-protected residential courtyard Mohan Chowk can be viewed. At the centre of the place the famous golden waterspout referred as Sun Dhara can be sited. This is the place where Malla kings used to bathe every morning.
On the western part of the Nasal Chowk is located the Tribhuvan Museum. It holds a wide display of stone carvings, jewelry, weapons, furniture, thrones etc. The museum also has a recreation of the study, bedroom and preserves of personal belongings of King Tribhuvan, a highly respected leader of Nepali community. It can thus be regarded that Hanuman Dhoka is an ideal tourist place to educate new generation about the valiant efforts of the royal family.