Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square which is best known for its artistic heritage is located in the middle of Lalitpur city. It is one among three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley which is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The newar architecture of Durbar Square makes the visitor flabbergasted. The city is surrounded by four different stupas. These stupas are said to be built by very well-known Emperor Ashoka. The square premises is covered with different Hindus temples and Buddhist shrines. Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Biswanath Temple and Taleju Bhawani are some of the Hindus temple found on the premises. Patan is a city which consists around 55 temples, 136 Buddhist monuments and its artisans are popular for their metal works. Various traditions are festivals are being followed like Machindranath Jatra, Gai Jatra, display of Dipankar Buddhist and many others. Similar to Kathmandu Durbar Square the architecture here is also in pagoda style with wood carved windows. The painting which is not only produced in a domestic area but also exported are astonishing.

The history of Patan Durbar Square is still not properly revealed. Though the credit is provided to the Malla Kings for its establishment, it is also said that Pradhanas who started living before near the site has interrelation with Durbar Square. As these various sayings have not been considered as a fact Patan Durbar Square is regarded as a flourishing since ancient times. However, the architecture of the square lasts since 1600 after the region was established. Later on, the site was renovated by some other Kings. The most ancient monument i.e. Kumbeswar temple lasts since 140 decades which was consists of hand-carved wooden doors and some endangered sculptures. In the northern side of the durbar square, one can find Newari Buddhist monasteries for which the durbar square is famous. Moreover, it is also renowned for the famous Golden Temple.

Patan Durbar Square has also its Living Goddess (Kumari). However, they say that unlike Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kumari here is not revealed towards the people. Durbar square is quite appealing due to its old Royal Palace and artistically designed shrines throughout the square. If we go through the museum where one can find an outstanding troupe of metal craft, wood carvings and a precious Malla era throne. Krishna Mandir which is entirely made of stone is another prominent Krishna temple in an entire valley. Thus visitors enjoy the soothing environment and predominance of different art and sculptures.

Krishna Mandir:

Krishna Mandir which lies in the western side of Patan Durbar Square is devoted to Lord Krishna. The temple was established by King Siddhi Narasinha Malla in 17^thcentury. It is believed that the king built the temple when he saw Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha in his dreams. Krishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Thus one can see others avatars of Lord Vishnu outside the premises of the temple. Similarly inside the temple premises, one can expose the carvings representing Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple which was established in the 12^th century is situated in the northern side of Durbar Square. It is also known as Hiranya Varna and Suwarna Mahavira. Most part of the temple is covered by gilded metal plates from which it got its name. The temple with a copper-plated facade is covered by a courtyard where the major entrance is guarded by two gaudy elephants along with the sculpture of Buddhist deities. Inside the temple, there is an awesome shrine of Sakyamuni Buddha. Moreover, there is also a small shrine of Swayambhunath Chaitya facing the main temple

Patan Museum

Patan Museum which is listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site was commenced by Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 1997. It is one of the excellent museum exposing the collections of the finest art and artic rafts from the ancient era. The museum used to be the royal palace of Malla Kings. The museum reveals the circulation of Buddhist traditions and culture. The museum consists of some endangered materials made up of bronze and gilt copper. Moreover, the museum also has collections of arts that reflect Hindus deities.

Additional Information

• Take the photographs in the permitted area of the architecture
• There are different cafes and rooftops where one can enjoy the scenery of the square complex.
• One can also acquire the local fabric which is available in the nearer store.
• There is also a Nepali local restaurant name ”Honacha” which is quite popular among Nepalese.