Patan Durbar Square

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE

Patan is also known as Lalitpur which means the city of arts. It is located across the river Bagmati which is 5 km south of central Kathmandu. This city founded in 3^rd century A.D. by King Veera dev has a distinction of being the home of the fienst crafts and is considered oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medevial Malla period from 16^th to 18^th century and the monuments in the area are mostly credited to King Siddhi Narsingha Malla, shri Niwas Malla and Yog Narendra Malla.

Chyasing deval: this octagonal temple located at the extreme south of the square is dedicated to Krishna. The temple was built by the daughter of King Yoganarendra Malla in 18^th century in memory of the eight wives of the King who committed Sati (self- immolation) after the death of the King.

Main Chowks (courtyards): Patan durbar Square consists of three main courtyards-Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Mani Keshab narayan Chowk which houses the Patan Museum. The Sundari Chowk built by King Siddhi Narshinga Malla in 1647 A.D. contains the master piece of stone sculpture known as the Royal Bath and was used for performing ritual bathing.

Bhimsen Temple: The three- stories temple of Bhimesn located on the extreme north of the square with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside is very popular amongst the local merchant and trader communities. There are curio shops around the temples.

Vishwa nath Temple: This two- storied temple dedicated to Shiva located near the Bhimsen temple is built in Pagoda style and houses a large phallic of shiva and the temple is guarded by two elephants.

Krishna Mandir: The temple of Lord Krishna built in the 17^th century by King Siddhi narshingha malla is the first speciement odf Shikhara style temple entirely made of stone. It is the only temple in Nepal with 21 golden pinnacles and contains engraved scenes from the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharat.

Stone Column: The stone solumn of King Yog Narendra Malla in a praying posture of goddess Taleju is protected by a snake above his head and a bird is seen seated on the snake. Legend says that the King would be remembered and remain immortal as long as the bird does not fly from there. It is because of this belive that a window of the palace. A stone pillar located nearby with the Garuda atop facing the Krishna Temple is another ttypical example of Nepali stone workmanship.

Jaganath Temple: This two tiered temple also known as the Char Narayan temple is one of the oldest temple in the square located south of the Krishna temple. The temple is guarded by two lions and half human form sculpted in stone.

Harisshankar Temple: This three- tier temple built in 17^th century is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The central shrine houses the image of Vishnu with Laxmi and Saraswoti.

Taleju Temple: There are prominent temples like the three- storied octagonal temple of Taleju Bhawani and Digu Taleju- the five storied temple of the protective deities built by King Siddhi Narsingha Malla in 17^th century.

Golden Temple: the three- storied golden pagoda was built by king Bhaskar Verma in the 12^th century and contains image of Amoghpash Lokeshwor, large prayer wheel and paintings of Buddha. The teple is located at a walking distance north from the main square.

Kumbheshwor: This five- storied temple dedicated to Shiva was built during the region of King Jayastithi malla in the late 14^th century; It is a few minutes’ walk north from the main square. A religious fair is held during janai poornima (August). There is also a famous Banglamukhi temple nearby.

Maha Buddha: Thousand images of Buddha are found in the temple made of fine quality bricks. The temple was constructed in the 15^th century by an architect named Avay Raj and is located eastwards within walking distance from the main square.