Idea #758 – Visiting the Golden Temple in Patan, Nepal
Located in the northern city of Patan, the Golden Temple (Golden Temple) is officially known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (हिरण्यवर्ण महाविहार) or locally as Kwa Bahal (क्वबहा). The translation means “Great Golden Monastery”. It is probably the second most popular attraction in Patan, after Ple atan Durbar Square.
The temple was built in 1409, actually being a Newar Buddhist monastery. The name “golden temple” is a neologism of tourism, which alludes to the statues and roofs in plated gold and more often in polished copper, which sublimate the site. Note that leather items and clothing are not allowed inside the temple, respect for the sacred cow obliges!
The temple is dedicated to Guatama Buddha. Walking around the courtyard clockwise around the central shrine, you will see brass statues of monkeys alternately and behind them large bronze bodhisattvas, three of which represent Padmapani Lokeshwar and the fourth Manjushree. The main shrine, directly behind the smaller one, contains a statue of Sakyamuni and a Buddha image. Then to your right, you will face two golden elephants, and you will see a small door, which gives access, upstairs, to the monastery.
Some Pictures
Where is it?
Golden Temple, Patan, Nepal
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