Patan Durbar Square
Patan 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
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Location
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Lalitpur, Kathmandu Valley |
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Importance
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UNISCO World Heritage Site |
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UNISCO Category |
Cultural |
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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.
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