Baktapur: roof struts and clay pots

The city of Baktapur adjoins Kathmandu. Together with Patan, these three cities once formed the captials of three city states within the Kathmandu valley. Each city has its own palace and Durbar (temple) square. Baktapur's Durbar square was recently restored through efforts by the Germans. Although admission is very expensive by Nepali standards, it is certainly worth a visit.


Changi Narayan.

The Hindu temple of Changi Narayan is located just outside of Baktapur. The present structure is 'only' a few hundred years old, but some stones in this temple date back to 323 AD. In other words, this site has been a place of worship for almost 1700 years, and continues to be very active today.



Receiving the tikka.

Women giving each other a tikka on the forehead. The day I visited Changi Narayan it was a full moon, an auspicious occasion for Hindus to visit this temple, according to Nara.



Temple door, Baktapur.

Intricate carvings on a temple door, Durbar Square, Baktapur.



Erotic roof strut.

Baktapur is famous for these. You have to look way up to see them. Their origin is shrouded in mystery, but the most popular explanation is that the goddess of lightning is a virgin, and she would never strike a building with scenes like those depicted here. I'm not sure whether they actually repel lightning, but they certainly do attract tourists.



Potter square, Baktapur.

Clay pots drying in the sun before being fired in a kiln. at Potter Square, Baktapur. This place is eyecandy for photographers.



Clay pots, potter square.

Some pots are used by locals, others are sold to tourists as souvenirs.



Piggy banks.

All right, just one more pot shot.