Patan Durbar Square is the historic centre of Lalitpur city. It was added to the UNESCO list in 1979 along with the others. The square is a masterpiece of Newari craftsmanship, with temples like Krishna Mandir made entirely of stone, and the elegant Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple). Patan is known for its fine metal and woodwork, and walking through its alleys feels like traveling back in time.
The square was built in the 14th century, during the Malla dynasty. The craftsmanship is superb, influenced by both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. The city roadways are an intricate web of pathways, where every corner you encounter an ancient temple that shows the rich cultural dynamic that is preserved to this day. There are many shops in the area selling traditional ornaments, clothing, items, etc. Butter lamps can be bought to pay respect to the deities of any of the temples you can go to.
The stone paved roads, old brick houses, tiled roofs, stone waterspouts, statues, and temples show the excellent stone carving, woodwork, and metalwork. The royal palace is opposite of the main temples, those being, Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, and Taleju Bhawani Temple. There is a huge bell amidst the temples, rung at important times.
The royal palace has been converted to a museum where ancient artifacts, idols, pictures, scriptures, manuals, etc are kept. They are preserved for the people to see and learn about them. Buddhist and Hindu idols’ historical background, their types, poses, and how to make them is also in the museum. The museum is big, harbouring temples inside the compound, with a garden, and statues of gods or bodhisattvas.
There are other temples in the Patan area, which have their own history and are must go places. Those being:-
The Golden Temple:
The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) was built by King Bhaskar Varman in the 12th century. The entrance to this temple has a vajra with statues that guard the temple. Both Buddhist and Hindu influences can be seen, where their respective religious idols sit inside the temple. The whole temple looks as if it were made of gold, its roofs, ornaments, statues, and idols all being gold plated.
Close by, there is Nagbahal pond and Sankata Temple. They have their own special meanings.
Shree Banglamukhi Temple:
Shree Banglamukhi is a Devi (Goddess) worshiped by the Hindu devotees. This is one of the temples dedicated to her. It is a 5 storied temple with smaller temples in its vicinity. The legend goes that there was a demon named Bangala who terrorized the people living in Patan. So, the people prayed to Banglamukhi, who came to kill the demon. To thank her, they built a temple in her name and worship her on Thursdays. This type of 5 stories tall temple is only 2 in Kathmandu Valley, one being here, and the other in Bhaktapur. Both of them are revered deeply by the devotees, especially after the 2015 earthquake, which did no damage to the temples. People believe that the goddess was the one who protected the temples with her powers.
Rudravarna Mahabihar:
Rudravarna Mahabihar is a bihar (monastery) which is dedicated to Buddhism. It was built by King Shiva Deva in the 6th century in the Lichhavi dynasty. It is said that the king became a monk after meditating in this place, where even his descendants followed his tradition. There are many idols of animals inside this place, which have their own meanings.
Mahabouddha:
Mahabouddha is a temple dedicated to Buddha. It is said that there are a thousand statues carved on the temple of Buddha. This temple was made by Abhaya Raj in the 16th century. Its architecture is Shikhara style temple, taking influence from the Newari style. There is a statue of Buddha inside the temple. Right beside the main temple, there is a smaller temple with a miniature stupa on top.
Chyasal:
Chyasal is a name that comes from the word Chyasa, meaning 800 in the Newari language. This was the place where 800 Kirati were slain in the final battlefield between them and Lichhivis, who took power after them. It was later pronounced as Chyasal. This place’s attractions include the Gajalaxmi statue (which is regarded as the oldest statue of Nepal), Ganesh temples, waterspouts, and statues of gods and goddesses.
Pimbahal Pond:
Pimbahal pond is an artificial pond that is treated as a religious site by the local people of Patan. According to legends, a Lakhey (demon) built this pond for his wife, as his wife would struggle traveling far to get water. There is a temple at the bank of the pond, and it is a good spot to do boating.