| Patan |
 |
|
 The
ancient city is located on the southern bank of the
holy Bagmati River and is approximately five kilometers
south-east from Kathmandu. The whole city is full of
Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze
gateways, marvelous statues, guardian deities and magnificent
carvings including stone carving, metal carving and
wood carving. The city, well noted for its gorgeous
craftsmanship and metal works, is often known as the
city of superb artists.
|
| |
Most of the monuments in this square belong to the
medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century. Important
things to be seen in this area include the Golden
gate and the Golden window of the old palace, the
beautiful piece of traditional metal craft, the famed
Krishna temple with 21 golden Pinnacles, the Royal
bath of Sundari Chowk, a perfect piece of the classic
work in stone. The Royal Taleju temple, Vishwa Narayan
temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship
in wood. The temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent
golden balcony overlooking the square outside includes
many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and
around the square.
|
Built in the 16th century by late King Siddhi Narsingh
Malla, this temple is made of pure stone. It is a
marvelous structure constructed completely out of
stone, except for the few pinnacles or the spires
adjusted out of metal. The carvings on its frames
depict battle scenes from the ancient Hindu epics
of South Asia, the Ramayan and the Mahabharat in particular.
Opposite remains the single stone pillar with a Garud
sitting on, paying decent homage to Lord Krishna.
|
Located inside kwabadehal, this three storeyed golden
pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the
twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the
upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of
Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
|
| This unique Buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.
|
|
| This fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August. |
| |
|
There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city's ancient religious importance.
|
| |
|
The pagoda of Red Machhendranath built in
1408 A.D. is situated in Tebahal. For six months the
deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The
temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to
Tebahal. |
| |
|
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces. |
| |
|
The twin villages of Bungamati and Khokana
date from 16th century and typical ancient Newar Villages.
This villages are located south of Kathmandu down a
rutty road dotted with chaityas, appropriate for an
ancient procession route. Bungamati is famous as the
winter home of the Red Machhendra Nath, god of Patan
who resides every winter in a powerful, Shikhara-style
temple. Its spacious courtyard is often used for spreading
grain to dry in the sun and where chicken-farming is
strictly forbidden. |
| |
Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
