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 Patan (Lalitpur) - Nepal


Patan (Lalitpur):  This ancient city is located on the southern bank of the holy Bagmati River and is approximately five kilometers south east of the capital. The whole city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with the fine bronze gateways marvelous status, guardians deities and magnificent carvings including stone carving ,metal carving and woodcarving. Well noted for its gorgeous craftsmen and metal workers it is often known as the city of superb artists. The majority of the citizens follow the Buddhist faith.


Places of interest in Patan:

Durbar Square Patan. This Royal Palace Complex built during the Malla period and stood as the capital part till the 17th century. Situated in the heart of the city, it constitutes the salient focus of an alien visitor's attraction. The square is built of ancient palaces temples, shrines and statues noted for their exquisite carvings. We owe all these grandeurs to the sovereign Malla dynasty. The last of the Malla dynasty was late King Tej Narsingh Malla. There include three main courtyards, the first being the Kasha Narayan Chowk which we have gotten to enter through the Golden Gate and under the Golden Window the second being the Taleju Bhavani Chowk; and the third being the Sundari Chowk carrying the Royal Bath called Tushahity. The single stone pillar on which sits late King Yog Narendra Malla facing the Taleju Bhavani Temple to the cardinal direction of east and the Gigantic Bell to its right are also worth mentioning.

Krishna Temple. Built in the sixteenth century by late King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, this temple is made of pure stone. It is a marvelous structure constructed completely out of stone, It is a marvelous structure constructed completely out of stone, except for the few pinnacles or the spires adjusted out of metal. The carvings on its friezes depict battle scenes from the ancient Hindu epics of South Asia, the Ramayan and the Maha-Bharat in particular. Opposite remains the single stone pillar with a Garud sitting on paying decent homage to Lord Krishna.

Kumbeshwor.  This Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built during the peaceful reign of late King Jayasthiti Malla. The particular deity it houses is Kumveshwor Mahadev and the five-storied pagoda temple was constructed in sheer competition with the five-storied pagoda temple of Bhaktapur. Later in 1932 a golden finial was supplemented.

Jagat Narayan Temple. This is a tall imposing Hindu temple belonging to Lord Bishnu, constructed out of attractive red bricks. It is situated in Sankhamul Ghat, which rests on the band of the holy Bagmati River. The temple contains numerous fine images in stone and an artistic metal statue of Garud on a stone pillar in this case also.

Karunamaya Temple. This is a Buddhist pagoda solely dedicated to Lord Avaloketeshwor. Built in 1408, it is located in a large quadrangle called Tah Bahal, Also referred to as Red Karunamaya, the idol remains housed here for 12 fortnights and is highly worshipped by Tibetan, Sikkimese, Ladakhan and Bhutanese Buddhists as well.

The Ashokan Stupas. There exist four ancient Buddhist Stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashok. The great Hindu emperor of north India later happened to take refuge in the Buddha and embrace the Dharma, The neat grassy Stupas expose their beauty at each of the four corners of Patan. They give evidence to the chaitya's ancient religious ancient religious importance and proudly support the sound proof of Ashok's unanimous visit to the Himalayan Kingdom.

The Tibetan Refugee Center.  This is a busy Tibetan settlement with a Mahayan Buddhist monastery. Running a woolen carpet industry is today a big responsible job of the Tibetan society. "Jawalakhel Handicraft Center Pvt. Ltd." is a typical pioneer Tibetan carpet manufacturer the factory of which stands the biggest in Lalitpur district. It is an extremely interesting place where one can keenly observe the technical process of spinning, dyeing and weaving of Shangri-La rugs performed by perfect Tibetan hands.

The National Zoo. The only public zoo of the valley lies in the premises of Jawalakhel. A wide colossal compound with a pond in the middle, it contains numerous animals. Birds and reptiles mostly representing the Himalayan alpine fauna. It sure makes an enchanting area for zoological study-men and liberal holidaymakers. On the day of Jawala- Bhoe or Voto - Jatra, it is a great picnic spot.

Patan Museum. Located in the palace complex of Patan Durbar Square, the Patan Museum is a house to some of the unique medieval works in bronze. The earliest specimens date back Lichhavi period. Most of the exhibits are deities from the Buddhist pantheon like images of Buddhas and Lokeswore. And in the lesser number, there are icons from Hindu pantheon like Vishnu and other deities.

Places of interest around Patan: Godavari-Phulchowki.

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