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Information about Patan
Patan, also known as Lalitpur is situated about 5 kms.
south-west of the Kathmandu valley. Patan is the second
largest city of Nepal and known for its artistic temples
and sculptures. Patan is the most artistic and
architectural centre of the valley due to the famous
Durbar Square, 55 major temples and 136 monasteries. The
visitors can buy superb souvenirs in paintings, bronze,
brass, stone and wood.
History of Patan
Patan has a long history and was also the most famous
Buddhist centre. Patan was once an |
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independent
kingdom under Malla rulers and a centre of craftsmanship.
Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor was responsible for the
construction of four earth and brick directional stupas at the
four corners. Later under the Mallas, the city experienced a
great flourish of temple building. The relatively compact
scale and the remarkable temple architecture gave the Patan, a
unique atmosphere. The city of Patan is steeped in Buddhist
history. Shrines, temples, and viharas were built that became
the geographic focus of the Newar Buddhist community. Newar
Buddhism developed along side the viharas in Kathmandu. It was
institutionalized as a unique cult of Mahayana Buddhism in the
9th century, due to the substantial number of viharas, and the
highly developed valley culture with its distinct
characteristics. It has its own script, literature, rituals,
and discipline.
Festivals in Patan
Every monastery has its own annual festival that commemorate
its founding. This is the day when the entire sangha (Members
belonging to a particular monastery) enthusiastically
assembles for religious exercises and feasts. The other
important occasion for the Newar Buddhist community is Gunla
Dharma. Gunla is the Newar month (mid-July to mid-August)
sacred for Buddhists. Patan also celebrates Malaya or the
festival of lights. This occurs on the second day of Gunla.
The devotees carry lighted tapers, candles, and torches, and
march in groups and visit the various monasteries in the city.
The Rato Machhendranath is another festival of Patan. In this
festival, the red faced image of the patron deity is taken
around the city and his chariot moves in daily stages in a
procession during the celebrations in Patan. The procession is
accompanied by musicians and soldiers and viewed not only by
the royal family, but also by the Patan's Kumari, the "Living
Goddess".
Tourist Attractions in Patan
There are about 55 temples and 136 monasteries in Patan. It is
believed that these monasteries were first built by the king
Mandev of Lichchhavi dynasty. Patan also has a zoo that houses
various specimens of Himalayan and Terai wildlife including
deer and the Bengal tiger. The main tourist attractions in
Patan are Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Hiranyavarna
Mahavihara or Golden Temple or Kwa Bahal and Kumbheshwar
Temple.
More...
How to reach Patan
Patan is situated about 5 kms. south-west of Kathmandu. |
