Patan, a city in the Kathmandu Valley, is renowned for its Buddhist heritage sites that are intertwined with the Newari culture. The city is home to numerous Buddhist stupas and monasteries that reflect the rich cultural and religious history of the region which will be visited on this walk. These sites are not only significant religious centers for Buddhists but also important cultural landmarks for the Newari people who have lived in the Kathmandu Valley for centuries.
Yasodhar Mahavihar and Bubahal
Mahavihar is a Sanskrit and Pali term for a great center of learning or Buddhist monastery and is used to describe a monastic complex.
Bubahal is the courtyard surrounding Yasodhar Mahavihar and is a site of peace. In the 10th century, a Brahmin’s negligence led to a massive fire in Jhul. The widow and her son Yasodhara fled to Patan’s Bubahal area, where she raised him as a Vajracarya (a hereditary priestly caste) priest. Yasodhar Mahavihar was established in his honor. Today, both Vajracaryas and Agnihotris (those who perform Vedic fire sacrifices) reside in Bubahal, representing different priestly lineages.
Ratnakar Mahavihar
Ratnakar Mahavihara Sangha is where the Taleju Goddess of Patan resides. Taleju Bhawani is considered as the goddess who made kings and was the patron goddess of the Malla Dynasty of Nepal. Taleju Bhavani has only Vajracharya priests (a caste of Newar ethnicity priests), who are responsible for performing religious rituals and ceremonies in the temple complexes.
Simhavarna Rajasri, Iba Bahi
Simhavarna Rajasri, located strategically between Langankhel and Prabhu Bank, is an exquisite place of worship showcasing an impressive architectural design that is aesthetically pleasing. This positioning further adds to its accessibility, making it easily reachable for devotees and visitors alike.
Balkumari Tripura Sundari Temple
The Balkumari Temple, also known as Tripura Sundari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Balkumari, who is considered an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
Shree Vaishra Varna Mahavihar and Guji Bahal
Guji Bahal is also known as Guruju Bahal, and it’s a Buddhist courtyard located in the city of Patan, Nepal. At the center of Guji Bahal stands a Buddhist stupa, a sacred monument typically found in Buddhist communities. The stupa serves as a focal point for religious rituals, ceremonies, and community gatherings. Visitors to Guji Bahal can explore the courtyard, admire the architecture, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this historic site.
Mahaboudha Temple
The Mahaboudha Temple in Patan is also known as ‘the temple of a thousand Buddhas’ as it features thousands of Buddha statues carved on its bricks. Constructed by priest Abhaya Raj, it replicates the Maha Bodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, showcasing remarkable architectural and cultural significance. Despite destruction in the 1933 earthquake, it was faithfully reconstructed, making it a must visit attraction in Patan.
Oku Bahal Rudra Varna Mahavihar
Rudravarna Mahavihar, located in Okubahal, Lalitpur, stands as the second most important vihar in the Kathmandu Valley, renowned for its three-roofed pagoda-style architecture and grand statues of Shakyamuni Buddha. This vihar stands as a remarkable embodiment of Newari Buddhist culture, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and artistry. Notably, the vihar showcases four striking statues of deities crafted by the late Mr. Siddhi Ratna Bajracharya, a revered figure in metal sculpture.
