PATAN

          The ancient city of Patan, lying 5km southeast of  Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The  diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy   of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors.

          Patan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the  city, constitutes the focus of visitors' attraction. The  Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines,  noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar  Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards,  the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar  Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center   a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called  Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage
Monument List in 1979.

           Patan Durbar Square is situated at the centre of Lalitpur city. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of its attraction is The Ancient Royal Palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided.

          The Durbar Square is a marvel of Newa architecture. The Square floor is tiled with red bricks. There are many temples and idols in the area. The main temples are aligned opposite of the western face of the palace. The entrance of the temples faces east, towards the palace. There is also a bell situated in the alignment beside the main temples. The Square also holds old Newari residential houses. There are various other temples and structures in and around Patan Durbar Square build by the Newa People.

          Patan Museum: This museum inside the Durbar  Square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. Its is considered one of the best museums in Asia. Opens  daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entrance fee Rs. 120 for other foreign visitors and Rs. 30 for SAARC nationals. It  is closed only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days  during Tihar.

          Krishna Mandir: Built in 1637 AD, the temple of  Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace  complex of Patan. It is  supposed to be the first  specimen of Shikhara style  architecture in Nepal. It is  the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is   completely made of stone.

          Mahabouddha: A little  further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this  Buddhist temple made of  clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha  are engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.

          Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: Located inside  Kwabadehal, this three-story golden pagoda of  Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth  century by King Bhaskar Verma. It is famous as the  Golden Temple. Inside the upper story of the pagoda, are the golden images of Lord Buddha and a large prayer  wheel.

          Kumbheshwor: This five-tiered temple of Lord Shiva  was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. On the Janai Poornima day in August, a fair is held in Kumbheshwor.

          Jagatnarayan Temple: This tall, imposing temple  of Lord Vishnu is situated at Sankhmul. The temple has many fine stone images and an artistic metal statue of  Garuda on a stone pillar.

          Rudra Varna Mahavihar: This unique Buddhist  monastery contains an amazing collection of images and  statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the  kings in the ancient times were crowned in this  monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.

          The Ashokan Stupas: There are four ancient stupas   popularly believed to have been built in 250 BC by  Emperor Ashoka at the four cardinal directions of Patan.  The four stupas are situated in Pulchok, Lagankhel, Ebahi  and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These  stupas are evidence of the city's ancient religious importance.

          Achheswor Mahavihar: It was established towards  the beginning of the 17th century by one Achheshwor who built a temple to house an idol of Lord Buddha.  The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated  behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchok, the Mahavihar  commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley.

          Temple of Machchendranath and Minnath: The  pagoda of Red Machchendranath built in 1408 AD is  situated in Tabahal. For six months, the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.

 Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

 

Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

 

 Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal