The Taleju Temple is Durbar Sq’s most magnificent temple, but is not open to the public. Even for Hindus admission is restricted; they can only visit it briefly during the annual Dasain and Sinduri Jatra festivals. The 35m-high temple was built in 1564 by Mahendra Malla. The back side of the building partially collapsed during the earthquake.
Taleju Bhawani was originally a goddess from the south of India, but she became the titular deity, or royal goddess, of the Malla kings in the 14th century.