Patan Durbar Square,
like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace
buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a
World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the centre of
Patan’s religious and social life, and houses the most worth seeing Patan Museum containing an array
of bronze statues and religious objects. There is an entrance fee of Rs. 200
per foreign visitor. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple
dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna – Krishna Mandir built entirely of stone
with rare stone carvings on its walls depicting the epic wars from Ramayana
and Mahabharata.
Iba Bahi
is situated about a two-minute walk south of Durbar Square. It is one of the
oldest Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu Valley and reflects the
sophisticated architecture of the Malla period. A two-step platform leads to
the courtyard with a hall called Dalan. There is a shrine dedicated to
Shakyamuni right across the entrance.
Kwa Bahal,
also known as the Golden Temple, is a Buddhist monastery courtyard dating to
the 12th century. It is a five-minute walk west and north from the northern
end of Durbar Square. The monastery building is embellished with
exceptionally fine wood-carvings and repousse work. Artistic images are
scattered around the courtyard, and devotees can be seen offering worship at
the many shrines here. Entrance fee
Rs. 25.
Mahabouddha
can be reached by walking east from the southern end of Durbar Square and
then turning right at the sunken water taps. This Buddhist monument is an
excellent example of terra cotta art form which points to the skill of
Patan’s ancient craftsmen with a variety of building styles. The 14th
century monument’s obelisk-like design is also unusual in a city of pagoda
roofs..
Oku Bahalis situated a few steps past
Mahabouddha and is one of the best known Buddhist places of worship in Patan.
The stone-paved courtyard is enclosed by a two-story building with gilded
roofs. The wood-carvings on the roof struts are especially attractive. The
place is peppered with sacred images and other small shrines.
Patan Walkabout.
Besides the much frequented tourist attractions
as described before, there are other ancient parts of Patan worth sight-seeing.
Nakabahi, Nyakha Chuka, Nagbaha, Swotha Square, Tumbaha, Walkhu Tole, Chyasa,
Kapinche, Chapat, Subaha, Bhinchhebaha, Dupat and Nugah make up a nice
half-day walk around the squares, temples and monuments of inner Patan.
