Patan Durbar Square is an architectural and cultural city, located in the centre of the ancient city of Patan, Lalitpur. It is the second largest town of Kathmandu Valley and is separated by the Bagmati River from Kathmandu. It is around 5 km away from Kathmandu.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to several ancient temples, Stupas, palaces, and other structures dating back to the Malla Dynasty. Yala is the most used and ancient Newari name of Patan. It is said that around 2 century BC when the first Kirat king Yalamber conquered the city, he named it ‘Yala” after himself. The Patan square is a living museum of Nepali art and culture, with intricate carvings and paintings adorning the walls and roofs of monuments. It is a very ancient Newar town. More than 600 Stupas, 136 courtyards, and 55 major temples are located around Patan Durbar Square. The floor of Patan Durbar Square has been well-paved with red bricks since the ancient period.
the city was founded by Emperor Ashoka of India in the 3rd century BCE and was named Lalitpur, literally translating to “city of beauty” in Sanskrit. In the 12th century, the city came under the rule of the Malla Dynasty, which would rule Nepal for the next six centuries. During this time, Patan became an important cultural and artistic centre, and many of the buildings in the square were constructed during this period. This is the first public museum in Nepal that has been created as an autonomous institution of this type managed by its own Board of Directors. The museum has been acclaimed, by visitors, as one of the finest museums in South Asia. Its popularity is growing day by day and is economically self-sustaining now. The collaborative effort of the Austrian Government with its Nepalese counterpart not only restored the historical palace to its original grandeur but also created a Model Cultural Institution in Nepal.
The Patan Durbar Square is home to several courtyards, including Mul Chowk Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk, in addition to the palaces and temples. Public gatherings, religious rites, and other cultural activities took place in these courtyards.
The Patan Museum is in a beautiful building that was once part of the Royal Palace. Inside, many ancient objects tell us about the rule of the Malla kings in Patan. Visitors can also see paintings depicting stories from Hindu mythology. When visitors enter, they receive informational materials explaining what can be found in the museum.
In addition to its collection of ancient objects and artworks, the museum presents informative exhibits aimed at explaining the history and cultural heritage of Patan interestingly. These exhibitions cover various topics such as the lineage of royalty, impressive architectural structures, Hindu gods, and Buddhist symbols. This helps to understand how Patan and the Kathmandu Valley changed over time.
On the ground floor of Mulchowk, there are special galleries focused on architectural themes. These galleries display detailed aspects of building design, accompanied by drawings and explanations. There are also plans to create a multimedia area showcasing historical footage and paintings related to architecture.
Next to the palace, there is a large water reservoir called Bhandarkhal, built-in 1647 to provide water for the palace. Surrounding the reservoir, the garden area includes a peaceful meditation space, a tiered terrace adorned with stone sculptures like lions, and remnants of ancient artworks. The restoration of the water reservoir in 2012 was an important achievement, as it brought back Patan’s old water distribution system that used to bring water from nearby areas.
If visitors are interested in discovering the valley’s history all in one spot, the Patan Museum is an ideal choice. Keep in mind that video recording isn’t allowed inside.
The Mahabuddha Temple, also known as the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, captivates visitors with its detail terracotta tiles, breathtaking frescoes, and meticulously designed statues, showcasing the artistic brilliance and religious devotion of the Malla dynasty. Standing before this temple, one cannot help but feel deeply connected to the past. Its historical and cultural significance offers an immersive experience, transporting individuals to a past era. In this sacred space, time appears to pause, inviting reflection, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment.
There is a nominal entrance fee of 50 NPR to access the temple premises, and the ticket also grants entry to Rudra Varna Mahavihar (Uku Bahal).
Within the confines of the Patan Durbar complex lie three distinct courtyards: Keshav Narayan Chowk, Mulchowk, and Sundari Chowk. These courtyards boast impressive shrines and historical structures adorned with intricate carvings and designs. Keshav Narayan Chowk considered the oldest among the three, is believed to have been built upon the platform of an ancient Buddhist monastery. Situated prominently in front of the entrance to the Patan Museum, it holds historical significance. Mulchowk, translating to “main courtyard,” serves as the epicentre of Patan Durbar’s ritual activities. It surpasses its counterparts in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur in size and features 17th-century tile paving. Notable within Mulchowk is the Golden Doorway, an exemplar of Patan’s metallurgical craftsmanship, which leads to the Taleju Shrine. Accompanying the shrine is the Yantaju shrine, dedicated to the goddess Yantamode, a personal deity of the Malla kings. Sundari Chowk, the smallest yet most charming of the three courtyards, lies along the southern edge of the palace. Guarded by statues of Hindu deities Ganesha, Hanuman, and Narsimha at its entrance, Sundari Chowk houses the Tusha Hiti step-well. Commissioned by King Siddhi Narsimha Malla in 1647, this oval-shaped step-well features intricately carved divinities in stone or bronze along its walls, with a miniature replica of the Krishna Mandir at its centre. All three royal courtyards were significantly damaged during the 2015 earthquake but underwent meticulous reconstruction and restoration. Following extensive efforts, they were reopened to the public in 2018.
Situated adjacent to the Royal Palace, the Krishna Mandir stands as a notable architectural marvel within Patan. Constructed in 1637 under the patronage of King Siddhi Narasimha Malla, the Hindu Shikhara-style temple holds significant historical and religious significance. According to legend, King Siddhi Narasimha Malla was inspired to build the temple after experiencing a divine vision of Lord Krishna and Radha standing before his palace. Consequently, he directed the construction of the temple on the precise location of this apparition. The temple’s stone structure exemplifies the remarkable craftsmanship characteristic of the Malla era. Each of its three floors is dedicated to a different deity: the first floor to Lord Krishna, the second to Lord Shiva, and the third to Lord Lokeshwor (Avalokiteshvara). Standing before the temple is a statue of Garuda atop a pillar, adding to the temple’s symbolic significance.
Although the temple suffered damage during the 2015 Earthquake, extensive restoration efforts have since been undertaken, ensuring its complete renewal and preservation of its architectural integrity.
Rudra Varna Mahavihar, also known as ‘Uku Bahal,’ stands as one of Patan’s oldest Buddhist monasteries, with roots believed to date back to 590-604. The main courtyard of the monastery is incredibly beautiful and exudes a serene atmosphere. Despite its charm, the monastery remains relatively peaceful, often devoid of tourists. This tranquil ambience offers visitors a sense of solitude and calmness. Although it may be slightly off the beaten tourist path, the monastery’s allure makes it a worthwhile visit. An entrance fee of 50 NPR grants access to the monastery, with the ticket also valid for entry to the Mahabuddha temple.
