In Ward No. 7 of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, Nagadesh, Nyaga Tole, the Siddhi Ganesh Dyo Chhen (a building or platform where the idol of Siddhi Ganesh is enshrined) is located. The artistic aspect of this Dyo Chhen not only enhances the beauty of Nyaga Tole in Nagadesh but also glorifies the entire city. The large gateway in the middle of the structure makes the Dyo Chhen unique. The Luntiki Jhya (golden window) on the first floor not only enhances its importance and beauty but also represents one of the finest examples in the Madhyapur Thimi region. The structure was renovated in 2059 BS (2002 AD) with support from the Department of Archaeology and local contributions.
A) Historical Background
A paubha painting of the Siddhi Ganesh Dyo Chhen has been discovered, which can also be considered a map. The painting provides an isometric view showing the northern and eastern facades. According to the paubha, the Dyo Chhen was constructed in Nepal Samvat 961 (1841 AD) by Rudra Narayan Rajlawat (Pradhananga) of Khauma Tole, Bhaktapur. The inscription also mentions that he undertook the repair of the Siddhi Ganesh temple at that time.
B) Cultural Significance
The cultural significance of this Dyo Chhen is closely associated with Siddhi Ganesh. Since it houses the deity, all cultural items related to the Siddhi Ganesh procession, including the deity’s idol and khats (portable shrines), are stored here. Because it is the residence of the deity, the structure itself is revered and treated like a temple. Devotees visit the Dyo Chhen to worship Siddhi Ganesh every Tuesday and during festivals and special occasions.
Each year on Yenya Punhi, the palan chinegu (turn rotation for managing the guthi) of Siddhi Ganesh Guthi takes place. On this day, the khata yatra (shrine procession) of Siddhi Ganesh begins from the Dyo Chhen in the evening, circumambulates the town, and returns here. Similarly, the Siddhi Ganesh jatra on Baisakh 2 concludes in front of this Dyo Chhen.
C) Artistic Significance
The Siddhi Ganesh Dyo Chhen is a single-roof, three-story structure with an east-west length of about 80 feet, a north-south width of 13 feet, and a height of 35 feet. The northern facade has a prominent gateway (dhwaka) measuring 14 feet high and 7 feet wide, dividing the Dyo Chhen into eastern and western sections. On either side of the northern facade on the ground floor, there are three kawals (resting platforms) and intricately designed doors.
There are no windows or doors on the eastern and southern facades, making them visually simple. Stairs are located on the eastern and western ends. Above the dhwaka, a large artistic tul (wooden beam) is placed. Typically, the central part of the tul features the deity enshrined in the structure. In this case, the central part features an idol of Bhagwati, flanked by Ganesh and Kumar, suggesting that the Dyo Chhen may have been designed in the style of a Taleju shrine.
On the first floor (matan tala), the eastern section has a three-windowed sajhya, flanked by tikijhya windows. The western section features a five-windowed pasuka jhya with tikijhya windows on either side, one of which is gold-plated. This golden tikijhya is protected by a thick iron grille, which obscures its beauty. The room with the golden tikijhya houses the idol of Siddhi Ganesh, while other rooms serve various purposes. The eastern facade of this floor also has a tikijhya, but the southern facade has no windows.
On the second floor (chwa-ta), the northern facade above the dhwaka features a five-windowed sanjhya. Two single-windowed sanjhya flank each side, and there is also a single-windowed sanjhya on the eastern facade. The southern facade contains simple, linear windows. This floor is an open space, typically used for feasts, with guests seated in rows. The structure is topped with a traditional tiled roof, with a fucha (small decorative spire) in the center.
