Patan Durbar Square

Background

Historical and archaeological city Patan (currently named as Lalitpur) is situated in the southern-central part of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. In the Lichchhavi period, Patan was known as ‘Yupagram’. Later, it was named Patan and Lalitpur. This city, renowned by names like Yala, Patan, Lalitapatan, Lalitapuri, Lalitpur, Maningal, and others, existed as a separate kingdom during the Malla period.

There is a legend that the city of Lalitpur was already established during the Kirat period. According to the legend, another name of Lalitpur ‘Yala’ is said to be named after the first Kirati king Yalambar. Although historical records confirm Lalitpur’s history dating back to the Lichchhavi period, indicators suggest that even before that, Patan (Lalitpur) had been a center for art and architecture. According to mentions in some ancient chronicles, the renowned Maurya emperor Ashoka from India visited the Kathmandu Valley around 250 BCE. During his visit, he is said to have constructed five stupas in the four corners and the center of Patan.

Legends regarding the naming of Lalitpur

The people of Lichhavi period settled settlements in different places and built many developed villages. They used to build famous Vihar like Maan Vihar in the center of the main road connecting different villages. After these villages and vihars prospered in unison, they formed the foundation of a magnificent city. It is mentioned that it was named Lalitpur after it was transformed into a beautiful city with the presence of large ponds, rest houses, stone-taps, wells, industries etc.

According to legend, there was dispute among the three cities regarding the establishment of Shree Machhindranath after he was brought from Kamaru Kamaksha. To resolve this dispute, it was decided to let the oldest man of the three cities decide where Machhindranath should be placed. As per which, an elderly farmer named Lalit was chosen. He was made to stand atop seven okhals and was asked to make the decision. The farmer neglecting the role of the king of Bhaktapur and aacharya of Kantipur, made the decision that Machhindranath should be placed at Patan as it was the resident of Patan who carried Machhindranath to Nepal Mandal. Soon after he made this decision, all the seven okhals collapsed and the farmer died due to which the place was named Lalitpatan. It is believed that Lalitpur and Patan got its name from the same place.

Patan Durbar Square

The ancient monuments and various heritages existing in the city of Patan since medieval times (AD 879-1768) are original and vibrant forms of art built by several kings, scholars and the native people of Patan. Due to the profound number of heritages and monuments in Patan, the region has developed into an important center from the point of view of art and culture. Therefore, Lalitpur (Patan city) is also called ‘City of Fine Arts’.

Similar to other Malla-era palaces, Patan Durbar Square also features various courtyards (chowks), stone spouts, gardens, courtyards, and temples of different unique styles. According to chronicles, it is mentioned that the grandfather of king Vardev established the Patan Durbar, and in the year 1176, Rudra Dev built one of the chowks (courtyards) in the palace. The first Malla king of Patan, Siddhinarsimha Malla, being a devotee of art and religion, expanded the ‘Maningal Raj Prasad’ (Patan Durbar) and decorated the palace area with artworks. Similarly, it is mentioned that Siddhinarsimha Malla, the then King of Patan (Lalitpur), built the Shikhar styled Krishna temple of Patan carved out of stone in 1636 AD, in the Patan palace courtyard. Apart from that, construction works such as Bhandar Khal Pond, “Lohhiti”, Sundari Chowk, artistically crafted “Tusahiti”, and temple of Taleju Bhavani etc. were built by Siddhinarsimha Malla.

Likewise, King Shrinivas Malla, the son of Siddhinarsimha Malla, played a crucial role in the construction of another significant courtyard, Mulchowk, within the Patan Durbar Square in 1668 AD. Furthermore, he contributed to the construction of the Bhimsen Temple, which stands as a marvelous example of Nepalese architecture. Additionally, Shrinivas Malla enhanced of the Taleju Bhawani Temple and he was responsible for the reconstruction of the Degutale Temple, which had originally been established by Siddhinarsimha Malla in the Patan Durbar Square Palace.

Afterward, in 1701 AD, Yognarendra Malla constructed the Madi-Mandap in the courtyard of the Patan Durbar, and he also placed his own statue on a pillar within the premises of Patan Durbar Square. In 1733, Vishnu Malla renovated the northern part of the Patan Durbar courtyard which now is another significant and ancient chowk known as ‘Keshav Narayan Chowk.’ Other various chowks (courtyards), such as Nhuchhe Chowk, Aagam Chowk, Kisi Chowk, Mahanpu Chowk, Nasal Chowk and Kumari Chowks are also significant parts of the Patan Durbar. Currently, important features in this palace complex include Sundari Chowk, Tusahiti, Mulchowk, Taleju Temple, Taleju Aagachhe, Degutaleju Temple, Keshav Narayan Chowk, Bahadur Shah’s Baithak, Bhandaarkhaal Garden, Lohiti, Kamal Pokhari, Dakshin Purvilang, and Kotpati among others. Compared to other Malla period palaces in the valley, its characteristic is that the medieval original style of Patan palace remains the same. Patan Durbar Square was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1979 as this palace and the monuments in this area are of special and unique importance.

Heritages around Patan Durbar Square

1. Patan Krishna Temple

In the year 1636, on the day of Falgun Sukla Dashami, King Siddhinarsimha Malla of Patan completed the construction of the Patan Krishna Temple and inaugurated it. This stone temple, built in Shikhar style with twenty-one pillars, is an important example of Nepali temple architecture. On the first floor of this temple there is an idol of Lord Krishna with Rukmini and Satyabhama and on the second floor there is an idol of Shiva.

2. Chyasideval

This eight cornered Shikhar styled temple built of stone was built by Yogamati on the day of Magh Krishna Dwitiya in 1723. Although there is no practice of worshiping in this temple, there is an idol of Lord Krishna along with Rukmini and Satyabhama.

3. Chaar Narayan

Built in 1565 by Purandar Singh, the administrator of Patan, Chaar Narayan’s temple is an important example of Nepalese architecture of the Malla period. The artistic tundals of this temple have sculptures of ten avatars carved in them. Also, the idols of Pradhyumna, Basudeva, Balabhadra and Anirudra are located around the Narayan idol in the sanctum sanctorum.

4. Sundari Chowk

Sundari Chowk, where Pooja Aaja is conducted during Guru Purnima and the day after Krishna Ashtami, was constructed by King Siddhinarsimha Malla in the seventeenth century. In the center of this Chowk lies Tushahiti as well as the stone bed used by the king for meditation purpose. Apart from this the buildings located in the chowk between Ninal and Karnes, have Shivalinga carved on all four sides and the name of each Shivalinga is marked.

5. Mulchowk

Mul Chowk, built in 1666 by Shrinivas Malla, is the center for various religious and cultural activities. It serves as the venue for placing Jamara Dashain festival, Vali Puja or animal sacrifice is done here, while pulling the chariot of Machhindranath displaying the king’s sword, lighting lamps, and along with umbrella the Guruju Paltan is taken to this Chowk. In the center of Mulchowk, there is a golden shrine in the shape of a lotus bud, dedicated to the clan deity Shraintraju.

6. Keshav Narayan Chowk

Built around the year 1734, this square has Malla styled buildings, artistic wooden windows and doors. Prior to the construction of this courtyard, the site was the location of Bahal, which was shifted to Ha: Kha Tole. The restoration of Keshav Narayan Chowk was carried out in 1854.

7. Taleju Mandir

Taleju Bhawani, the temple of clan deity of Malla’s i.e. Tulaja Bhawani, is one of the significant example of Malla-era architecture. Constructed with an octagonal structure consisting of four stories, the construction of this temple was initiated by King Siddhinarsimha Malla and was completed by his son Shrinivas Malla.

8. Tusa Hiti

Built by King Siddhinarsimha Malla in Nepal Sambat 766, Tusa Hiti is a distinctive example of artistic stone spouts found in Nepal. In this hiti, one can find the tap to be of metal mixed with some gold. Above the tap, one can find the idol of Laxmi Narayan seated in Garuda and one can find the idols of elephant and Bhagirath below the tap.

9. Kotpati

Dolakha Bhimsen, invoked from Dolakha, has been established in the west wing of Kotpati, which is connected with Patan Durbar Square and holds religious and historical significance. This pati (rest house) with 32 kawals symbolizing the 32 royal omens, carries historical importance of wealth and good fortune of royal kingdom in the Patan Durbar Square back then. Likewise, in the dabali of Kotpati, there is a tradition of reciting the tune of ‘Vasanta Raag’ on the day of ‘Shree Panchami’ and ‘Malshri Raag’ on Dashain is still in practice. Apart from this, on the day of Mahanavami, there is a tradition of offering sacrifice of 108 he-buffalo in front of the Kotpati. Furthermore, this area is significant during the Rath Jatra (chariot procession) of Shree Rato Machhindranath. During the jatra, the chariot of Shree Rato Machhndranath is also kept at this place if necessary. In addition to this, people also use this place as a focal point for observing the Jatra, festivals and this pati is also used for the celebration of Indra Jatra. These events are deeply rooted in the religious and social traditions of the community.

10. Mangahiti

This water spout was built in 570 AD by King Mandev’s daughter’s son; Bharabila. Among the three spouts here, the spout on the right side is used to offer water in the Krishna temple, Bhimsen temple and Degutale temple. Likewise, the spout towards the left is used to sprinkle water on Hiranyakashyapu during the Kartik dance. At other times, locals use it as a public tap. Additionally, during the Jestha month on the day of Sithinakha, local residents engage in cleaning of the spouts and wells around the Patan Durbar Square area.

Apart from the above mentioned religious and historical assets, there are various other important monuments within the Patan Durbar Square area, such as:

1. Bahadur Shah’s Baithak Bhawan                                 2. Lo Hiti  

3. Degutaleju                                                                     4. Taleju Aaganchhe

5. Bhandarkhaal Garden                                                6. Tusa Hiti

7. Narayan Temple                                                            8. Gajendra Mokshya Temple

9. Harishankar Temple                                                     10. Ganesh Temple

11. Mani Ganesh Temple                                                  12. Bhimsen Temple

13. Hiranyavarna Mahavihar                                             14. Bishwanath temple

15. Iba bahi                                                                        16. Misa Hiti

17. Kumbheshwor Mahadev                                              18. Konti Hiti

19. Michhu Baaha                                                              20. Bhairav Temple

Festivals and Celebrations around Patan Durbar Square

1. Machhindranath’s Rathjatra

Before the arrival of Machhindranath in Nepal Mandal, there used to be separate Rath Jatra (chariot procession) of various gods and goddesses in Patan. After the arrival of Machhindranath, except for ‘Meennath’, all other gods and goddesses were included in the chariot of Machhindranath and the Rath Jatra (chariot procession) was held. This tradition is still in practice till date. This Jatra, which is celebrated grandly, is also considered as the tallest and longest Jatra in the world.

2. Kartik Dance

Kartik dance is performed in the month of Kartik based on Krishnalila. In 1697 B.S., King Siddhinarsimha Malla started the practice of this dance for the welfare of his kingdom and people as per the advice of guru and astrologer. This dance, which reflects the historical Malla culture, is performed every year for a month during Kartik (seventh month of Nepali Calendar).

3. Asthamatrika Dance

During the Dashain festival, the traditional Ashtamatrika Dance is performed within the Patan Durbar Square premises. Devotees, adorned in traditional attire and cultural jewelry wearing distinctive masks and representing thirteen different gods and goddesses, participate in the dance.

4. Mataya

Mataya is one of the special festivals celebrated in Patanon the day after Gai Jatra. Similar to, this festival is also observed with the intention of commemorating the departed souls. During Mataya, prayers and wishes for eternal peace are offered for the souls of the deceased. Pilgrims perform various rituals such as offering flowers and lighting the lamps are performed as part of the festival.

5. Krishna Janmasthami

On the day of Krishna Janmasthami, which is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna, devotees gather at the Patan Durbar Square premises especially at the Patan Krishna Temple from early morning. On this day, Jatra is held in the Krishna Temple premises and local original dishes are offered as well as people also partake in feasts and gatherings.

6. Bhimsen Rath Jatra

As the god of business, the Newari community worships Bhimsen and performs the Bhimsen Jatra by pulling Lord Bhimsen’s chariot. In this Jatra, which is celebrated in front of the Bhimsen Temple in the Patan Durbar Square complex, the idol of Bhimsen is placed on a chariot and devotees worship the Lord by lighting candles and oil lamps.

7. Samyak Daan

Samyak Daan is organized once in every five years by placing the statue of Dipankar Buddha at Nag Bahal in Patan. During this time, various gifts and food are offered as prasad to the dieties and Buddhist monks as well as people from the Buddhist community.

Apart from these there are many unique and traditional festivals that can be observed within the Patan Durbar Square premises.

Patan which is filled with unique traditional houses and confusing allies is rich in religious, cultural and historical architectures. The traditions, cultures, traditional dishes and festivals that are unique to Patan has added to its beauty. With its rich cultural heritage and history, various rituals, Jatras (processions), festivals, and celebrations have kept Patan vibrant as a cultural monument.