Explore the Rich Heritage of Patan Durbar Square:
Patan Durbar Square, nestled at the heart of Patan city, is a treasure trove of Newari architecture and culture. It encompasses the historic residence of the former royal family of Patan, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and a glimpse into the past.
Palatial Complex: The square houses an old royal palace with three major courtyards, with Mul Chowk being the central and oldest. This area is adorned with architectural gems like the Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and the resplendent Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira. Sundari Chowk, with the exquisite sunken bath of Tusha Hiti, boasts remarkable sculptures crafted in wood, stone, and metal.
Temples and Religious Sites: Patan Durbar Square boasts a Taleju Bhawani Temple, an octagonal, three-storied marvel, at the northeast corner of Mul Chowk. The Sundari Chowk is centered around the Royal Bath, a masterpiece of stone carvings. The Degu Taleju temple, overlooking the main square, stands between Mul Chowk and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk. This square is not just a palace but a sacred space.
Buddhist Monastery: The Rudra Varna Mahavihar Buddhist Monastery Complex is an ancient institution with an impressive collection of sculptures and statues made from various materials. This sacred place has witnessed the coronation of many ancient kings.
Temples of Red Machhendranath and Minnath: The Red Machhendranath Temple, constructed in 1408 AD in Tabahal, is where Red Machhendra, also known as Avalokiteshwor, resides for six months of the year. There's also a Min Nath temple in Tangal, believed to be older than the Red Machhendranath temple.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple): This three-storied golden pagoda dedicated to Shakyamuni (Lord Buddha) was built in the 21st century by King Bhaskar Verma. Its walls are adorned with beautiful carvings, and the paintings inside depict the life story of the Buddha. In the upper tiers, you'll find the white image of Amoshpash Lokeshwor and a large prayer wheel.
MahaBouddha: Located a short walk from Patan Durbar Square, this Buddhist temple is made of high-quality bricks and features thousands of engraved images of Lord Buddha. It's a terracotta structure that stands as a masterpiece of 14th-century Nepalese architecture.