Patan Durbar Square in Nepal, Tourist Attractions
Tourists in Nepal will find themselves utterly awestruck by the exceptional grouping of palaces, shrines, monuments and temples in Patan Durbar Square. Who would have thought that so many buildings of historical and religious value could be found in such great density, but Patan Durbar Square in Nepal proves it true. A fascinating tourist attraction, visitors will spend an entire day exploring the many features of Patan Durbar Square.
Some of Nepal’s top sights and architectural feats are located in close proximity to each other at the famed Patan Durbar Square in the Kathmandu Valley. The Durbar Square of Patan is centered around the Royal Palace. Surrounding the intricately designed Royal Palace of Nepal are numerous temples, all exquisite examples of Newari architecture. Patan Durbar Square boasts three courtyards, known locally as chowks. These are the Main Keshab Narayan Chowk, Mul Chowk and Sundari Chowk. Standing out as a classical example of Nepali stone architecture is the grand Krishna Mandir. Containing some 21 shrines, the Krishna Mandir of Patan Durbar Square was constructed during the 1600s under the direction of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. The Krishna Mandir was built with the purpose of praising Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Krishna. Krishna gained much fame when he fought along with the Pandavs during the mythological Mahabharat war. Scenes from this dramatic battle have been carefully engraved on the walls of Krishna Mandir.
As you make your way around Sundari Chowk of Patan Durbar Square you will see the magnificent Tushahity royal bath. This exquisite structure is a marvelous work of stone art. A massive platform built from stone dominates the chowk. It is here that one of the kings would sleep during cold nights and sit during the monsoon rains, all in with the goal of achieving eternal bliss.
Another popular attraction in Patan Durbar Square is the Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Hahabiliar. Inside this Newar monastery is a marvelous collection of metal sculptures, statues, paintings and scriptures. Another religious site in Patan Durbar Square that features metal works is the Bhimsen Temple. The Bhimsen temple was built in honor of Bhim, a god worshiped by businessmen in Nepal. Other sights to look out for in Patan Durbar Square are Teleju Bhawani Temple(1667), Degu Taleju Temple, Uku Bahal and Mahaboudha Temple.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square has much to offer tourists. Not only can visitors view the marvelous structures and religious art works, but there are also fascinating stores located around the squares where you can find delightful souvenirs and other items. Indeed, a tour of Patan Durbar Square is not to be missed.
