Skip to main content

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square

The Ancient Square

Patan Durbar SquarePatan Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of Patan city, also known as Lalitpur, houses the residence of the former Patan royal family. Patan Square and its surroundings are good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the centre of Patan square.

Several multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the western part of the complex. Main among these are Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna.

Fast Facts
LocationKathmandu Valley
ImportanceUNESCO world heritage site
UNESCO Categorycultural
Major Attractions» Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles
» Tusahity royal bath


Chowks
Mul Chowk
This is the most famous and one of the largest courtyards among three main chowks. Bidya Temple is located at the center of the courtyard and the Taleju temples stand around the courtyard.

Sundari Chowk
Sundari Chowk is to the south of the Mul Chowk with its sunken tank known as Tusha Hiti Mul Chowk & Taleju Temple.

Keshav Narayan Chowk
Keshav Narayan Chowk is towards the northern part. Dominating Degutale temple is next to it. It is the site of the earliest Malla palace in Patan. The Chowk sits on the older foundations of a Buddhist monastery.

Places To Visit
Krishna Temple
This temple of red stone, dedicated to Hindu Lord Krishna was erected in the 17th century. The temple is considered to be the first one to be constructed in Shikara architecture. Thanks to this attribute, it holds a commanding position in the durbar square. The elegant shikhara-style temple is ranked as one of the gems of Durbar Square. The temple is compared with sacred Mount Meru, which is abode of the god Shiva according to Hindu scriptures.

Mahaboudha
Buddhist temple Mahaboudha, which is made of clay bricks, lies to the east of the Durbar Square. Hundereds of Buddha images are engraved in the bricks. The temple is known for its fine terra cota work.

Kumbheshwor
The five-storied pagoda-style Lord Siva temple was constructed by King Jayasthiti Malla. Inside the temple is a natural spring whose source, is said to be the famous glacial lake of Gosainkunda. The golden work was added later in 1422 A.D. One the festival of Janai Purnima, ritual bathing takes place and a fair is also held.

Jagat narayan Temple
Jagatnarayan temple is a tall shikhara style temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. Red bricks are used for the construction of the temple. The temple also holds a fine metal statue of Garuda, Ganesh and Hanuman, all related to Hindu religion and mythology.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar 
This Buddhist monastery holds amazing collection of images and idols in metal, stone and wood. Legend holds that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the people can be seen here even today.

The Ashokan Stupas
Indian Emperor Ashoka visited Nepal in 250 B.C and constructed four ancient stupas at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are located in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple The magnificent temple of Lord Pashupatinath about 5 kms north-east of Kathmandu, is situated amidst many other temples on the right bank of the river Bagmati.  Pashupathinath is the guardian spirit and the holiest of all Shiva shrines in Nepal. Lord Shiva is known by many different names; and Pashupati is one.  Pashu means leaving beings, and Pati means master.  In other words Pashupati is the master of all living beings of the universe.  This is how lord Pashupati is eulogized in the Vedas, Upnisada and ohter religious books. Legends are numerous as to how the temple of Lord Pashupatinath came to existence here.  As stated in chronicles, the image of Lord Shiva in the form of Jyotirlinga was covered with earth over the years, and soft green grass sprouted over it.  Further, as the legend goes, a cow used to come here mysteriously every day and offer her milk to this holy but hidden Linga of Lord Shiva.  When the Gwala (o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kathmandu Durbar Square A Cluster of Temples and Palaces

Kathmandu Durbar Square A Cluster of Temples and Palaces Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City. The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels an. It houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum. Fast Facts   Location Kathmandu Significance UNESCO World Heritage Site UNESCO Category Cultural Built In 16th and 17th centuries Major Attractions Taleju Temple and Hanuman Dhoka Major Attractions Taleju Temple The temple is a famous Hindu and Jain religious site. The three-tiered temple is the first to be erected wit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pokhara Travel The City of lakes

Pokhara Travel The City of lakes Pokhara, the city of lakes, is blessed with extreme natural beauty. It is located at an altitude of 827m, 200 km west to Kathmandu valley. The city is famous for the adventure opportunities it offers that include sightseeing, white water rafting, kayaking and mountaineering. Fast Facts Location West to Kathmandu Valley Importance The Third largest city in Nepal Famous For Lakes Temperature Max- 35°C Min- 15°C Nearby Cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Places To Visit The Fewa (or Phewa) Lake Phewa Lake, majestic in stretch and beauty, is the second largest lake of Nepal. Foremost attraction in the lake is the pagoda style temple which holds the shrine of Barahi or Water Goddess. Another attraction is the amazing image of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna in the clear water of the lake. One is advised to view the south-eastern side of Phewa lake for it has the best views. Tourists can also indulge in activities like fishing and canoeing. Several varit...
Post a Comment
Read more