Patan Durbar Square
Patan also known as Lalitpur means the city of arts. It is located across the river Bagmati river only 5 km south of Kathmandu city center. This city founded in 3rd home of the finest crafts and is considered oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval Malla period from 16th to 18th century and the monuments in the area are mostly credited to king Siddhi Nar Singh Malla, Shri Niwas Malla and Yog Narendra Malla.
Patan Durbar Square consists of three main courtyards-Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk which houses the Patan Museum. The Sundari Chowk built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 1647 AD contains the master piece of stone sculpture known as the Royal bath and was used of performing ritual bathing.
The three-storied temple of Bhimsen located on the extreme north of the square with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside is very popular amongst the local merchant and traders communities. There are curio shops around the temple.
Vishwa Nath Temple:-
This two-storied temple dedicated to Shiva located near the Bhimsen temple is built in Pagoda style and houses a large phallic of Shiva and the temple is guarded by two elephants.
The temple of Lord Krishna built in the 17th century by king Siddhi Narsingh Malla is the first specimen of Shikhara style temple entirely made of stone. It is the only temple in Nepal with 21 golden pinnacles and contains engraved scenes from the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The stone column of King Yog Narendra Malla in a praying poster to goddess Taleju is protected by a snake above his head and a bird is seen seated on the snake. Legend says that the King would be remembered and remain immortal as long as the bird does not fly from there. It is because of this believe that a window of the palace. A stone pillar located nearby with the Garuda atop facing the Krishna Temple is another typical example of Nepali stone workmanship.
This temple also known as the Char Narayan temple and one of the oldest temple is located south of the Krishna temple. The temple is guarded by two lions and half human form sculpted in stone.
Harishankar Temple: -
This three-tire temple built in 1704 AD is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. This temple was built by the wives of King Yoga Narendra Malla after his death in his memory because of which this temple is also know as Sati temple.
There are prominent temples like the three-storied octagonal temple of Taleju Bhawani and Digu Teleju- the five storied temple of the protective deities built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 17the century. These temples are unique examples of craftsmanship in wood.
The three-storied golden pagoda was built by King Bhaskar Verma In the 12th century and contains images of Amoghpash Lokeswor, large prayer wheel and paintings of Buddha. The temple is located at a walking distance north from the main square.
This five-storied Temple dedicated to Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayastithi Malla in the late 14th century. It is a few minutes walk north from the main square. A religious fair is held during Janai Poornima(August). There is also a famous Banglamukhi Temple nearby.
Thousand images of Buddha are found in the temple made of fine quality Bricks. The temple was constructed in the 15th century by an architect named Avay Raj and is located eastwards with a few minutes walking distance from the main square.
There are many other shrines, sculptures, stupas scattered in and around the square and provide a unique experience of visitors and art lovers.