• Last Updated on May 6, 2022

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is a historic site located in the town of Patan, one of the three towns in the Kathmandu Valley. With a rich artistic heritage, Patan is considered the oldest of the three towns and is known for its Buddhist roots. The town is situated on a plateau above the Bagmati River and is also referred to as Lalitpur. Four stupas mark the corners of Patan, adding to the town's cultural significance.

Patan Durbar Square is a popular tourist destination known for its ancient temples, shrines, and intricate carvings. The former Royal Palace is the heart of Patan's religious and cultural activities, and visitors can explore a museum showcasing a collection of bronze statues and religious artifacts. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking up the local culture, Patan Durbar Square is a must-visit destination.

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A Brief History of Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is a stunning example of Nepalese architecture in an urban setting. While the exact history of the square is unknown, some chronicles suggest that the Thakuri dynasty built the palaces and made changes to the local area. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. In the heart of bustling Mangal Bazar stands the popular royal residence of the Malla king. This royal residence was likely built during the Lichchhavi period, which spanned from the first century to the ninth century. The last kings of Patan, including Siddhi Narasimha Malla, Sri Niwas Malla, and Yog Narendra Malla, contributed to the grandeur of the royal palace.

Patan Durbar Square has a rich history dating back to the Pradhana cast, who were believed to have been associated with the square before the rise of the Malla rulers. However, it was during the Malla period in the 1600s that Patan Durbar Square truly gained prominence. King Siddhi Narasimha Malla is credited with initiating the competition for the most magnificent city in the Kathmandu valley, further cementing the square's significance.

Patan Durbar Square is a historic site where the Malla of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur would showcase their artistic and architectural prowess in an attempt to outdo each other. However, in the late 18th century, the Mallas were overthrown by the Shahs, leading to the end of the Malla period and the beginning of the Shah Dynasty in Nepal. Despite the change in leadership, Patan Durbar Square remains a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Khumbeshwar Temple in Patan Durbar Squire

 

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 architecture, the Royal shower also called 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 durbar square and has some expertise in bronze statues and religious articles. It is considered 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 the late King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. His dedication to Lord Krishna just as the Buddhist God of sympathy Karunamaya Lokeshwar is a popular episode in the 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

The Golden Temple of Buddha in Patan is the oldest and most well-known landmark without a doubt. It was built in the twelfth century and 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 has 21 places of worship, and is made of stone. The greater part of the vital scenes from the antiquated Hindu legends the Ramayana and the Mahabharata have been engraved on their friezes.

Krishna Temple in Patan Durbar Squire

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 of 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 (the 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 Patan Durbar Square. Walk along with 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 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 find out about the Kumari and comprehend the conventions and history of the Kumari.

Things to Be Aware of 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 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.

Conclusion

A visit to Patan Durbar Squire is included in Kathmandu Half Day tour or Bhaktapur and Patan Tour, Spirit of Nepal, & Glimpse of Nepal Tour.

Arjun Rijal

Arjun Rijal

Hello, Hi & Namaste from the Himalayas !!!

I am Arjun Rijal, Founder Director of the Outfitter Himalaya Holidays P. Ltd & working as a travel planner/consultant for Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet Travel. I love hiking, trekking, and traveling.

I have been in most of the trekking regions in Nepal, that include Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu, and Langtang. I also have travelled to Bhutan, India & planning further travel to many other countries in the world.

Find my writing on traveling, trekking, tours, travel news, and updates about the tourism activities of Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan.

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