Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square is a must-visit historical destination in Kathmandu valley. Like its Kathmandu counterpart, Patan Durbar Square is located in the centre of the city and was previously the royal palace of the Patan kings. The courtyard is a magical blend of royal buildings, elegant courtyards, and graceful pagoda temples — a showcase of Newari architecture at its zenith during the Malla kings' reign. The rebuilt Keshav Narayan Chowk has been converted into a bronze artefact museum among its several courtyards. The Sundari Chowk, which includes Tusha Hiti's subterranean bath, is a display of beautiful woodcarvings, and stone and metal sculptures.
The exquisite Krishna Temple was built in 1637 AD and has 21 gilded spires, and the Manga Hiti, a buried stone water spout in the palace complex, are only two examples of its splendour. The Krishna Temple, which is entirely made of stone, is thought to be Nepal's first example of Shikhara-style architecture.
Patan, also known as 'Lalitpur,' the city of artisans, is located 5 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu and is home to some of the valley's greatest artisans who have retained traditional skills like repoussé and the lost wax process. Their skills are used to create stunning sculptures. With its small lanes, brick residences, and numerous well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihara), and monuments, the city preserves much of its historical appeal. The tinkering of artists bent over the statuettes they are moulding is the most common sound heard in Patan. Hinduism and Buddhism have coexisted for centuries in this city, influencing each other, and religious harmony is exemplary, as it is in Kathmandu.
The ancient Buddhist stupas that were built by King Asoka during his journey to the valley in 250 BC mark the southern edge of Patan. There are four little ancient stupas that resemble Patan's four corners. Buddhism flourished in the valley after King Asoka built these stupas, according to legend. Up until today, the stupas at Gwarko (East), Pulchowk (West), Kumbeshwor (North), and Lagankhel (South) have stood steady. Three of the stupas are simple earthen mounds with prayer wheels, but the northern one is a lovely concrete stupa.
Patan is the oldest of the three cities that make up the Kathmandu valley. Patan Durbar Square, like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is one among them. Lalitpur is thought to have been built in 299 AD by King Veer Deva. The Sanskrit word Lalitpur means "City of Beauty." There are numerous ancient names for this city, such as Yala and Manigal, as well as various tales associated with the given names. Patan's names have a variety of origin stories.
Patan is a Newar town that dates back thousands of years. Patan Durbar Square represents ancient structures, temples, shrines, statues, and idols, and is a marvel of Newari architecture. Around Patan durbar square, there are around 600 stupas, 136 courtyards, and 55 important temples. Since ancient times, the floor of Patan Durbar Square has been paved with red bricks.
Patan is one of the three towns of Kathmandu Valley. The town is considered as the oldest among all the three towns. This place is known for its unique artistic heritage. Moreover, Patan is probably the oldest Buddhist city in the world. The town is located on a level crosswise over Bagmati River. Patan is also popularly known as Lalitpur. The city is encompassed by 4 stupas as 4 corners of Patan.
Patan Durbar square is also widely known place and this square is brimming with antiquated spots, sanctuaries, and shrine noted for their perfect carvings. The former Royal Palace is the focal point of Patan's religious and public activity and houses an exhibition hall containing a variety of bronze statues and religious articles.
Most of the travellers choose to roam around the durbar square as a day tour before their adventure to different trekking regions. Roaming around the ancient city is a perfect getaway to get to know more of the rich cultural diversity in Nepali society!
Some Brief History of Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is the most staggering example of Nepalese engineering in an urban context. The initial history of Patan Durbar square remains undocumented. According to few chronicles is stated that the Thakuri dynasty built the palaces and made reforms to the local areas however there is no concrete evidence of it. Right in the middle of bustling downtown Mangal Bazar stands the popular royal residence of the Malla king known as Maningal Rajprasad, of the royal residence of Maningal, likely built during the Lichchhavi period (start of the first century to ninth century). Among the last king of Patan, Siddhi Narasimha Malla (1620 - 1661), Sri Niwas Malla (1661 - 1685) and Yog Narendra Malla (1685–1705) added to the grandeur of the royal palace.
The Pradhana cast is believed to have been related with the square just before the more famous Malla rulers rose to control. It is during the 1600s during the Malla time that Patan Durbar square genuinely rose to real distinction. King Siddhi Narasimha Malla is also associated with beginning the race for the most excellent city in the Kathmandu valley. This is the point at which the other Malla lords of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur participate to "exceed" each other masterfully. In any case, before the finish of the eighteenth century, the three kingdoms were joined as the Mallas were toppled by the Shahs. The incredible artistic Malla period ended and the Shah Dynasty began following which the nation joined into that is currently known as Nepal.
Some Interesting Facts about Patan Durbar Square
Patan is likewise called the "City of Fine Arts" and is outstanding for its customary artworks and rich masterful legacy. The noteworthy thing about Patan Durbar Square is that the complicatedly planned sanctuaries and structures are amassed in only a little region. The square is a living showing of Newar design, with solid impact from Hindu and Buddhist religions.
There are three primary yards or chowks, so named central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk in the square. The Sundari Chowk holds the center of stone masterpiece architectures, the Royal shower also called as Tushahity.
As speaking about traveling most travelers enjoys Patan because of its complicatedly planned sanctuaries/structures, which are packed in a little area.
Things to See Around Patan Durbar Square
Patan Museum
Patan Museum is a historical center inside the durbar square has some expertise in bronze statues and religious articles. It is considered as a standout amongst the best historical centers in Asia.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
Situated inside Kwabadehul, this three-story brilliant pagoda of Lokeshwar (Master Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. It is renowned as a brilliant sanctuary. Inside the upper story of the pagoda are the glorious pictures of Master Buddha and an expansive supplication wheel.
Golden Window
Golden Window was specially made for late King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. His dedication to Lord Krishna just as the Buddhist God of sympathy Karunamaya Lokeshwar is a popular episode in Nepalese history of religion.
Mahaboudha Temple
This sanctuary of Buddha built-in strikingly in the Hindu Shikara style-has five golden zeniths. They are all in a stupa shape which is very symbolic of five basic elements.
Golden Temple
Golden Temple of Buddha in Patan is the oldest and most well-known landmark without a doubt. It was built in the twelfth century, which is known for its wonderful gold works that sparkle gracefully.
Krishna Temple
The Famous Krishna Temple was built in the seventeenth century. The sanctuary of Lord Krishna holds an instructing position in the royal residence of Patan. It is the main sanctuary in Nepal to have 21 places of worship and is totally made of stone. The greater part of the vital scenes from the antiquated Hindu legends the Ramayana and the Mahabharata have been engraved on its friezes.
Things to Do Near Patan Durbar Square
There's enough to see and do in Patan for the entire day on the off chance that you are a Nepali history buff or truly appreciate old lanes, sanctuaries and getting mixed up in them. In any case, if you have been in Kathmandu city or Bhaktapur, you probably won't get excessively energized at spending an entire day in Patan seeing a greater amount of the "same". For this situation, a half day is ideal for Patan.
Generally, attempt to separate your visit to these old urban communities with some trekking or outside exercises instead of reviewing them over a couple of days. Begin your day in Kathmandu with a healthy breakfast. Stay away from rush hour traffic and set off through taxi (400+ rupees) at 9 am or by transport from Ratna Park at 9 am. Pay for your Patan extra charge as you enter one of the primary entryways (ticket accompanies a guide of durbar square). Try not to stress if somebody will come up to you and inquire as to whether you have a ticket or not.
Start your strolling by visiting the Patan Durbar Square. Walk along The Bhimsen sanctuary with marble carvings. The Vishwanath sanctuary with stone elephants and riders. Krishna's stone sanctuary. Yoga Narendra and Vishnu sanctuaries. Shankar Narayan sanctuary, which has two bowing stone elephants. The Patan Durbar Square ringer.
Toward the North, make a beeline for the Golden sanctuary for 50 rupees access to appreciate the gold, silver and bronze work before heading off to the Kumbeshwar Temple. Then, visit the Rudra Varna Mahavihar sanctuary in the south. At that point, also visit the Mahaboudha Temple and the, unfortunately, vandalized Machhendranath sanctuary.
Stop off at one of the high eateries encompassing Patan Durbar square to appreciate the encompassing views and have some delicious food. After lunch visits the Kumari's home. It's a little yard and on the off chance that you are fortunate, you may be permitted to visit the living goddess. On the off chance that you do wish to visit the Kumari do have a found out about the Kumari and comprehend the conventions and history of the Kumari.
Things to Be Aware While Traveling In Patan Durbar Square
Be wary of Package Tours to Patan. There are a lot of local guides who showcase visits and excursions to Patan. Most are terribly overrated, particularly when booking on the web. Further, a lot of movement specialists will take you to Patan Durbar Square, perhaps the Golden sanctuary and that is it. You will pass up a great deal.
There's likewise the issue that many visit offices don't have a decent comprehension of Newari culture (Patan is a Newari city) so you regularly just get an abbreviated understanding of the place. Coming to Patan isn't hard. It's a short taxi ride away (headings underneath). Autonomously advancing toward Patan is far superior to a visit.
We at Outfitter Nepal have a day tour of Patan and Bhaktapur however if you just want to take tour of Patan durbar squire for half or full day then contact us for the tour cost and booking.
