Bhupatindra Malla

Prince Bhupatindra Malla(left) on a Nāga throne

Bhupatindra Malla was born on November 3rd 1674 to Jitamitra and Lalamati Malla[1]. He was raised by his mother Queen Lalamati Malla who played a very important role to shape the psychology of the young prince[2]. Lalamati Malla is said to have loved her husband King Jitamitra Malla dearly. She is said to have built numerous statues of the King with herself even after her husbands death. These images can still be found inside the Mulā Chwōkā of the Taleju temple inside the palace[2]. She is also said to have completed her husbands's ambitious work in construction of various temples and other heritages[3][2]

Bhupatindra Malla was crowned at 22 years of age as the King of Bhaktapur in 1696 AD by his father Jitamitra Malla who then spent the rest of his life in religious activities[4][2]. He died 14 years after leaving the throne to his elder son.

Queen Vīshwō Lākshmī of Bhaktapur

Bhupatindra Malla married Vishwo Laxmi as his Queen who supported her husband in many of his ambitious construction works[2]. While her husband was busy in numerous construction works and diplomacy with other kingdoms, Vishwo Laxmi help run the judicial system of the Kindgom. She was also a great patron of music and dance in the Kindgom[5].

Bhupatindra Malla statue in the palace square on a column

Bhupatindra Malla was a very ambitious king when it came to construction. He completed the palace of 55 windows(locally:nge "napa jhya lyaku) which was started in the reign of King Yakshya Malla. The palace walls were then painted with Paubha paintings[6] of the events of Ramayana and Mahabharata , the life of Krishna, the daily activities of the people of Bhaktapur, hunting scene in the Terai jungles and one magnificent piece of himself as Lord Vishvarupa embracing Queen Vishwo Laxmi[7]. On one of the window of the palace it was said he inserted a rare and valuable small pane of glass presented to him by a man from Nepal as an object of wonder for the people.[3] To the right and left of the Durbar he erected stone images of Hanuman and Narsinha and made 99 Choks or courtyards.[3] In the Mula Chok he placed a golden door with images of gods.[3]

Bhupatindra Malla Nepalese Silver Mohar(Silver Coins) in the name of King Bhupatindra Malla of Bhadgaon, dated NE 816 ( = AD 1696)

• Nyatapola Bhaktapur