Tour of Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square

The Patan Durbar Square complex, located in the center of the city of Patan, houses the residence of the former royal family. The square and its surroundings are a very good example of ancient Newari architecture. The palace has three main courtyards, with Mul Chowk being the central and oldest one. The Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira, and Sundari Chowk showcase the architectural excellence of their time. Sundari Chowk, with the sunken bath of Tusha Hiti, contains exquisite sculptures in wood, stone, and metal.

Patan Durbar Square also houses a temple of Taleju Bhawani. Khumbeshwor Kumbeshwor in Patan and the Nyatapole Temple in Bhaktapur are the only temples in the Valley with five roofs, except for the five-tiered Pancha Mukhi Hanuman of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace in Kathmandu. This temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasiddhi Malla and later a golden finish was added. A religious fair is held here on the day of Janai Poornima in August.

Three main chowks

The main attraction of the square is the ancient Royal Palace, composed of three chowks: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk. In the northeast corner of Mul Chowk is the three-story octagonal temple of Taleju Bhawani. Sundari Chowk has at its center a masterpiece of stone sculptures known as the Royal Bath. Between Mul Chowk and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk is a temple of Degu Taleju overlooking the main square.

Rudra Barna Mahavihar

This Buddhist monastery contains a remarkable collection of images and statues in metal, stone, and wood. Many ancient kings were crowned here.

Accheshowor

Founded in the early 6th century to house an idol of Lord Buddha, the Mahavihar was recently rebuilt.

Temples of Red Machhendranath and Minnath

The temple of Red Machhendra Nath, built in 1408 AD, is in Tabahal. Red Machhendra, also known as Avolokiteshwor, remains here for six months. The temple of Min Nath, located in Tangal, is considered older.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple)

This three-story golden pagoda dedicated to Shakyamuni was built by King Bhaskar Verma in the 21st century and is located in Kwabahal. It features beautiful carvings and paintings that narrate the life of Buddha. On its upper level is the white image of Amoshpash Lokeshwor and a large prayer wheel.

MahaBouddha

About a 10-minute walk from the square is this Buddhist temple made of finely crafted bricks with thousands of images of Lord Buddha. The terracotta structure is a masterpiece of the 14th century.