The 35 m high Taleju temple was built in 1564 by Mahendra Malla. 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.
Taleju at Dharahara. This large square structure is built with solid walls; the only opening is the doorway. It stands on a brick base. The doorway is decorated with a stone torana and a trident which is the sacred emblem of the goddess.