Sightseeing · Bhaktapur
Dattatreya Square
Bhaktapur's oldest square — the Dattatreya Temple, Pujari Math and the celebrated Peacock Window.
- Address
- Dattatreya Square, Bhaktapur 44800
Dattatreya Square is the oldest quarter of Bhaktapur and its quietest great square — a wide, sloping brick plaza at the eastern edge of the old town. It is anchored by the venerable Dattatreya Temple, framed by carved monastery houses, and home to the single most celebrated piece of woodwork in Nepal: the Peacock Window.
What to see
The square's focal point is the Dattatreya Temple, a tall pagoda dedicated to a composite deity uniting Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, guarded at the entrance by figures of wrestlers. Nearby stands the Bhimsen Temple, dedicated to the patron of merchants. The real treasure, though, is tucked down a narrow lane behind the square at Pujari Math, a former priests' residence whose walls bristle with carved windows. Among them is the Peacock Window — a wooden lattice radiating from the fanned tail of a peacock, carved around the 15th century and considered the masterpiece of Newar woodcraft. Part of Pujari Math now houses a small woodcarving museum.
History
Dattatreya Square marks one of the first settled areas of Bhaktapur, predating the grander Durbar Square layout. The Dattatreya Temple is traditionally dated to the 15th century, in the reign of King Yaksha Malla, and is said in local lore to have been built from the wood of a single tree. The monastery buildings around the square reflect Bhaktapur's role as a centre of Newar religious and artistic life during the Malla kingdoms, when master carvers produced the lattice windows the city is still known for today.
How to visit
The square is inside Bhaktapur's heritage zone, reached after paying the foreigner entry fee at the city gates. It is an easy 5- to 10-minute walk east from Taumadhi Square through brick lanes. The square is open to wander freely; only the woodcarving museum in Pujari Math may charge a small entry fee.
Tips
- Look for the Peacock Window on the side lane behind the square — it is easy to miss, so follow the signs toward Pujari Math.
- Visit in the late afternoon, when the eastern square catches warm light and tour groups thin out.
- Browse the carving workshops nearby, where craftspeople still produce traditional windows and panels.
- Combine it with the 55-Window Palace to compare Bhaktapur's two great showcases of woodwork.
For more ideas, see the top things to do in Bhaktapur and the rest of the old town's things to do.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Peacock Window in Bhaktapur?+
The Peacock Window is an intricately carved wooden lattice window set into the wall of Pujari Math, just off Dattatreya Square. Dating from around the 15th century, it shows a peacock with a fanned tail and is regarded as the finest example of woodcarving in Nepal.
What is the Dattatreya Temple?+
The Dattatreya Temple is the centrepiece of Dattatreya Square, dedicated to a deity combining Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhaktapur and, by tradition, is said to have been built from the timber of a single tree.
Where is Dattatreya Square?+
Dattatreya Square sits at the eastern end of Bhaktapur's old town, a short walk from Taumadhi and Durbar Squares. It is the quieter, older heart of the city and one of its first settled areas.
Is there an entry fee for Dattatreya Square?+
There is no separate fee for the square itself, but you pay Bhaktapur's foreigner heritage entry fee at the city gates to enter the whole old town. A small charge may apply to enter the woodcarving museum housed in Pujari Math.
What is Pujari Math?+
Pujari Math is a historic priests' residence and monastery building beside Dattatreya Square, famous for its richly carved windows — including the Peacock Window. Part of it houses Bhaktapur's woodcarving museum.
