Patan Durbar Square - Medieval Temples, Palaces, Museums - Enlisted As a World Heritage Site

Patan Durbar Square, which lies in the heart of Patan,from Mahabharata and Ramayana (holy Hindu epics)
is one of the three durbar squares in the Kathmanduare carved on the walls of the Krishna Mandir.
valley. Patan Durbar Square was designated as aJagannarayan Temple, which dates back to 1565, is
World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. To thereputed to be the oldest temple in the Patan Durbar
southern edge of the Patan Durbar Square, is MangalSquare. Jagannarayan Temple is dedicated to
Bazaar, Patan's major commercial district. You willNarayan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hiranya Varna
come across a number of shops selling statues ofMahavihar, which is also known as the Golden Temple,
Hindu deities and Lord Buddha, handicrafts and metalis a three storied Buddhist monastery, dedicated to
and wood carvings, while walking in the Durbar Square.Lokeswar (Lord Buddha). The monastery was built by
Foreigners and SAARC nationals have to pay a smallKing Bhaskar Malla in the 12th century.
entry fee to enter the Patan Durbar Square.Courtyards
PalacePatan Durbar Square has three courtyards, namely
Patan Durbar Square has an excellent collection ofMul Chowk, Keshav Narayan Chowk and Sundari
fine pagoda temples, stone statues, water spouts,Chowk. Mul Chowk, which is the central courtyard, is
bronze gateways, images of guardian deities andthe oldest and the largest courtyard. At the center of
intricate wood and metal carvings. Patan Durbarthe courtyard stands the small, gilded Bidya Temple.
Square Complex houses the royal palace of theSundari Chowk, which is to the south of Mul Chowk,
former royal family of Patan. The royal palace, alsohas a sunken water tank (Tusha Hiti) which contains
known as Chyasim Deval, is believed to have beenexquisite woodcarvings, stone, and metal sculpture.
built by Malla kings in the 17th and 18th centuries.Keshav Narayan Chowk houses the Patan Museum.
Several of Patan's finest temples are in a straight lineMuseum
down the left hand side of Durbar Square, facing thePatan Museum, which was established in 1997, has a
palace.fine collection of cast bronzes and gilt copper
Templesrepousse work and traditional crafts for which Patan is
Some of the famous temples of Patan are thefamous. The museum is open from 10.30 am to 4.30
Krishna Mandir, Krishna Temple, Taleju Bhawani,am everyday, except on Tuesdays.
Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, UmaPlace to Eat
Maheshwar temple, Jagannarayan Temple (Char-Just nearby the museum is the Patan Museum Cafe.
Narayan Temple), Bhai Dega Temple and Hari ShankarThe Patan Museum cafe offers traditional Nepali
Temple.cuisines as well as western delicacies. The cafe area
The three storied Krishna Mandir was built by Kingcan also be booked for special evening functions such
Siddhi Narsingha Malla in the 16th century. Krishnaas classical dance or music performances, receptions,
Mandir, which is devoted to Lord Krishna, is one of thebanquets or theatre.
best examples of stone architecture in Nepal. Scenes