Discover the captivating allure of Patan, renowned for its vibrant community rich in art, culture, and heritage. Traverse the narrow lanes that intricately showcase ancient architecture with compelling narratives. The community in Patan predominantly follows Buddhism, yet what distinguishes it is the harmonious coexistence of Hindu and Buddhist places of worship. Appreciate the enduring legacy of meticulous urban planning from centuries ago as you stroll past residences, ponds, and architectural wonders. Witness the blend of tradition and modernity in this historically significant city.
Patan Dhoka
Patan Dhoka stands as the most famous gateway into the ancient city of Patan. Locally known as Yala Dhwaka (and formerly Tahdhwaka), this iconic white-washed archway marks the boundary of what was once a fully fortified city.
While the current structure dates back to a major rebuild following the 1934 earthquake, the gate’s history stretches much further. Records from the 17th century describe a city protected by formidable walls and a network of 21 different gates.
The gate features vibrant paintings and statues of significant deities, including Bungadyah (the rain god), Ganesa and Kumara. The painting features the Eight Mother Goddesses and eight sacred symbols, which were painted by the veteran paubha artist, Lok Chitrakar.
Ganesh Mandir
In the Newa settlement, Ganesh stands as a local protector. According to Newari tradition, different forms of Ganesa act as guardians for specific neighbourhoods or “places” (Sthana). This temple plays a vital role in the community, as residents perform specific life-and-death rituals here to mark the passage of time.
In Hinduism, Ganesh is said to be worshipped as the “Lord of Beginnings” and the “Remover of Obstacles, meaning it receives the very first prayers of the morning. Devotees visit the shrine to ensure their day runs smoothly and stays free of trouble. If you visit early in the day, you will see local women dressed in vibrant red performing their traditional rituals and offering heartfelt prayers.
While the current temple structure dates back to the 17th century, inside, you will find stone statues of Ganesa that historians trace back to between the 5th and 7th centuries.
Pimbahal Pokhari
Pimbahal Pokhari, locally known as Pimbaha Pukhoo, is surrounded by the Chandesvari Temple and the ancient Ashoka Stupa. Local folklore tells the story of its origin, claiming that a Lakhey (a Newa demon) built the entire pond in a single night. Beside the water stands the Ashoka Chaitya, a sacred monument featuring four Buddhas facing the cardinal directions: Akshobhya in the east, Ratnasambhava in the south, Amitabha in the west, and Amoghasiddhi in the north. The site also honours the Naugraha, or nine planets, which continue to play an important role in local spiritual and astrological life.
The nearby Chandesvari Temple displays a unique central niche with two oval openings, framed by stone columns and a curved archway. The temple carries the legend of Gayah Juju, a renowned Tantric practitioner from Sulima. When the goddess Chandesvari travelled from Banepa to Patan to witness the grand chariot procession of Bungadyah, Gayah Juju used his spiritual powers to bind her to the spot. He built this temple specifically to keep her in Patan forever.
Over the years, the pond has undergone many changes. Following the devastating 1934 earthquake, the community faced another threat in 1967 when officials attempted to convert the site into a marketplace. Residents successfully opposed the plan and saved the pond. Even after the 2015 earthquake caused further damage, the community once again restored the area, resulting in the lively and vibrant space we see today.
Nakabahih
Nakabahih is a traditional Newa Buddhist monastery and one of the 25 primary monastic courtyards, or bahah, in Patan. Scholars trace its origins back to the Lichhavi period, between the 4th and 8th centuries CE. This era marks one of the earliest chapters of Patan’s history, a time when organised Buddhism first began to flourish across the Kathmandu Valley.
For generations, members of the Bajracharya families have served as the dedicated guardians of this sacred space. As hereditary Buddhist priests within Newa society, they maintain the monastery and carry out the essential daily rituals that keep its spiritual traditions alive.
Nyakha Chowk
Nyakha Chuka, which translates to “Five Courtyards” in Newari, is a large residential square filled with religious monuments built by local families. At the heart of the courtyard stands an statue of Padmapani Lokesvara, which remains a major attraction for visitors.
A local Bajracharya family serves as the official guardians, performing daily worship and maintaining the site.
In earlier times, this area served as a monastic courtyard known as Bhaskaravarna Mahavihara. The name “Nyakha” stems from the word for “five” in Nepalbhasa, reflecting the original layout of the complex. Historically, the site featured five courtyards, five sacred wells, five mandapas (platforms), and five Kumaris, highlighting its significance as a major centre for Buddhist practice.
Nagbahal Square
Nagbahal takes its name from the word ‘Nag’, which translates to serpent in Nepalbhasa. Local tradition dedicates the entire square to Vasuki Naga, a powerful serpent deity. You can see his paintings, along with those of his wife Campaka Naga, painted across two falchas (traditional resting portals) in the area. These vibrant paintings and the legends behind them give the square its distinct identity.
The story of these Nagas ties directly into Itilahne Samyak, one of Patan’s most significant festivals. During this event, held around February/March, a grand procession of Dipankar Buddhas takes place. According to local belief, Vasuki and Campaka act as divine guardians, protecting the various donations and offerings made during the Samyak celebrations.
The square also houses a historic stone spout known as the Nagbahal Hiti. This ancient water source dates back to the Lichhavi period.
Hiranyavarna Mahavihara
Hiranyavarna Mahavihara, widely known as the Golden Temple, is a three-storey Newar Buddhist monastery dedicated to Lokeshwor (Avalokiteshvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. King Bhaskar Verma commissioned the monastery in the 12th century, establishing it as one of the oldest and most significant active monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley.
The pagoda-structure monastery showcases the extraordinary skill of Newar artisans through gilded metalwork, detailed wood carvings, and ornate copper work. Its name, Hiranyavarna, translates to “golden colour”, making it popular as the Golden Temple.
The monastery maintains a unique living tradition through a rotating system of priesthood. Every month, a young boy from the Bajracharya clan takes on the role of the Kumara Vajracharya, serving as the child priest for a short ceremonial term.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as the historic royal heart of the city. This square showcases a blend of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. It is the perfect place to stroll through architectural history or simply enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in the cultural environment.
The Bhimsen Mandir stands at the northern entrance to the square. Dedicated to Bhindyah, the Newar god of trade, this temple remains a vital site for the local business community. While it began as a single-storey structure in 1627, two more storeys were added in 1681 to create the grand three-storey temple you see today.
Directly across from the Bhimsen temple, you will find Manga Hiti. This intricately carved stone spout dates back to 570 AD, making it one of the oldest functional water systems in the city.
Krishna temple, standing on four-layered stone plinths, is a 17th-century masterpiece that features a distinct Shikhara (pyramid) style architecture. It contains 24 octagonal columns and houses sacred images carved from black stone. As you walk around, look for the detailed carvings on the first floor that narrate stories from the Ramayan. The exterior also depicts the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu facing the four cardinal directions.
Built in 1566, the Charnarayan Temple is one of the oldest structures in the square. It is famous for its wooden struts, which feature 24 different incarnations of Vishnu alongside various intricate carvings.
The royal palace houses three major courtyards (chowks), each with its own unique character: Keshavnarayan Chowk, Mul Chowk, and Sundari Chowk.
Sundari Chowk is particularly famous for its exquisite beauty and the Tusa Hiti step-well located at its centre. The name “Tusa” translates to “tasty sugarcane,” a tribute to the legendary sweetness of its water. The carvings within the well feature Laxminarayana seated on Garuda, surrounded by a variety of detailed aquatic animals.
