Rato (Red) Machhindranath temple

The Rato (Red) Machhindranath temple, the god of rain and plenty comes in a variety of incarnations (Figure 3.6). To Buddhists he is the Tantric edition of Avalokiteshvara while to Hindus he is another version of Shiva. The temple’s four elaborately carved doorways are each guarded by lion figures and at ground level on the four corners of the temple plinth are reliefs of a curious yeti-like creature. A diverse collection of animals (including peacocks, horses, bulls, lions, elephants, and fish) top the pillars facing the northern side of the months of the year. The metal roof is supposed by struts, each showing Avalokiteshvara standing above figures being tortured in hell. Prayer wheels are set into the base of the temple.
The Machhindranath image is just a crudely carved piece of red-painted wood, but each year during the Rato Machhindranath celebrations it is paraded around the town on a temple chariot. The complex celebration moves the image from place to place over a period of several weeks in the month of Baishakh (April/May), finally ending at Jawalakhel where the chariot is disassembled.
Occurring on a 12 year cycle the procession continues out of Patan to the village of Bungamati, 5 km to the south. Dragging the heavy Chariot along this bumpy and often uphill track is no easy feat.

History of Lalitpur (Patan)

Lalitpur is believed to have been founded in the third century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty and later expanded by Lichhavis in the sixth century. It was further expanded by the Mallas during the medieval period.
There are many legends after its name. The most popular one is the legend of the God Rato Machhindranath, who was brought to the valley from Kamaru Kamachhya, located in Assam, India, by a group of three people representing three kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. One of them was called Lalit, a farmer who carried God Rato Machhindranath to the valley all the way from Assam, India. The purpose of bringing the God Rato Machhindranath to the valley was to overcome the worst drought in the valley. There was a strong belief that the God Rato Machhindranath will make rain in the valley. It was due to Lalit's effort that the God Rato Machhindranath was settled in Lalitpur. Many believe that the name of the town is kept after his name Lalit and pur meaning township.
Lalitpur said to have been founded by King Veer Deva in 299 A. D. but, there is unanimity among scholars that Patan was a well established and developed town since ancient times. Several historical records including many other legends also indicate that Patan is the oldest of all the cities of Kathmandu Valley. According to a very old Kirat chronicle, Patan was founded by Kirat rulers long before the Lichhavi rulers came into the political scene in Kathmandu Valley. According to that chronicle, the earliest known capital of Kirat rulers was Thankot. Kathmandu, the present capital was most possibly removed from Thankot to Patan after the Kirati King Yalamber came into power sometimes around second century A. D.
It is interesting to note that one of the most used and typical Newar names of Patan is Yala. It is said that King Yalamber named this city after himself and ever since this ancient city was known as Yala.

How to reach Patan (Lalitpur):

Tourists arrive in the Kathmandu Valley via Tribhuvan International Airport. Airlines flying into this airport include Royal Nepal Airlines, Aeroflot, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, China South-West Airlines, Druk Air, lndian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai lnternational.

From the airport, which lies 5.5 km east of Kathmandu, one can take prepaid taxis or buses or rent a car. From Kathmandu, one can take metered taxis or buses from the bus terminal at Gongabu to get to Patan. In addition, metered tempos (scooter taxis), and rickshaws are available. Bicycles and motorcycles can also be rented in Kathmandu.

10. Bungamati & Khokana

Situated beyond the southern belt of Ring Road, inside the valley, Bungamati is a small Newari village still abiding its tradition as their significant part of life. Very less influenced by the modern city just a few kilometers far from the village, Bungamati exemplifies true beauty of the still living age old culture and civilization, Your journey to Bungamti, starts with a vantage point where one can behold the entire village of Bungamati and Khokana. Walking down the lanes of Bungamati, you will pass through local Newari people busy working intricate designs in wood or stone on their way to creating many more beautiful artifacts keeping their talents running for the future generations to enjoy. Though, small in size, at least 100 people from the village earn their living through wood carving. The village was earlier, the origin of the precession of the chariot of Machindranath, one of the most important festival of the Newari community. Not far from the village of Bungamati, is another interesting Newari village called Khokana, where an important temple of Durga is situated

9. Ashok Stupas

The most remarkable feature of the town of Patan is its four Ashoka Stupas that are testimony to an ancient architectural tradition. The historians have agreed that these Stupas might have been erected in connection with the foundation of Patan towards the end of the 4th century AD. Because of its circular base and hemispherical dome it can be safely said that these Stupas have not been constructed in accordance with the Buddhist architecture.

LAGAN THURA - SOUTHERN STUPA

Among the four Stupas of Patan, the southern mound is known as Lagan Khel Stupa or Lagan Thura Stupa. It is the largest among the four, measuring 47.40 meters in diameter and 11.80 meters in height. The mound is crowned by a recent structure, a miniature cenotaph added on the top. The shrines of Tathagatas were presumable added in 1878; even as others were added to the eastern mound in 1846.An inscription tell us that on the western Stupa the Tathagatas were already in place by 1455.

TETA THURA - EASTERN STUPA

This Stupa is located about 200 meters east of Tyagal Tole of Patan near the Eastern ring road. This Stupa is comparatively bigger than the other two Stupas in perimeter. The perimeter of this Stupa is 75.83 meters and height 10.4 meters. It has fire Vedica of height 1.6 meters with one Tathagata in each direction. The dome of 4.5m in height is paved with firebricks. A square shaped Harmika enshrines the dome. No pre 18th century inscription can be found on the structure. There are three stone inscriptions led in the Vedika. Two inscriptions are completely damaged and not legible and the one inscription left by the Tathagata Ratnasambhava is hardly readable.

PUCHO THURA - WESTERN STUPA

This Stupa is located just at the roadside of Pul Chowk Bus stand on the west end of Patan. The perimeter of this Stupa is 75.52 meters and height 12 meters. It has firebrick Vedika of height 1.2 meters with one Tathagata in each direction. The dome that is 6.5 meters tall is too paved by firebrick. It has no Harmika. The thirteen rings Cakravalis are constructed directly over the dome in square shaped pyramid structure. A Yasti is placed is on the top of the spire with a parasol.

IBAHI THURA - NORTHERN STUPA

This Stupa is comparatively more complex and smaller than other three Stupas. This is similar in structure of Svayambhu Mahacaitya in Kathmandu. It is nearly circular and has a perimeter of 60.62 meters. It has five Buddha in the Vedika with their consorts except the Tathagata Vairocana. It has a Vedika of 1.5 meters and dome of 5.5 meters in height. A square Harmika is constructed over the dome with 13 steps Cakravali and a parasol.

8. Central Zoo

The Central Zoo, only zoo of Nepal, was established by late Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser in 1932 as a private Zoo. With the political changes in 1950, the ownership of the private Zoo came under the Government of Nepal. Over the years, the management of the Zoo remained under various Departments of the Government. On the auspicious occasion of the Golden Jubilee Birthday Celebration of the Late Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah in December 1995, the Government of Nepal formally entrusted overall management responsibility of the Central Zoo to the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) for 30 years.

The Trust is an autonomous, non-profit making organization, established in 1982 by Legislative Act to work in the field of biodiversity with the peoples participation.

The Central Zoo at present aims at developing it as a centre for recreation, conservation education and wildlife research within the given ideology of modern zoo philosophy. However, the Zoo is also a site of historical and cultural significance for multi-ethnic communities where every year more than a million visitors visit it. In festival like Bhoto Jatra, tens of thousands of visitors visit Zoo in a day. Moreover, with added animals of various species every year has remained attraction to people living far and near. At present the Central Zoo has housed a total of 1,013 individual animals representing 116 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Big mammals like tiger, rhino and hippo are the major attraction to the visitors. The central zoo is not only the place to see wildlife and recreational center but is also site of historical and cultural significance for diverse  groups of people.

“The future of human kind greatly depends on the extensive and effective environment and conservation education. The zoo of the world have the unique role to play in the global effort to educate people” (The world zoo conservation strategy) thus NTNC is committed to develop the central zoo as a center of excellence for “Conservation  Education and Wildlife Research”

7. Godavari

Godavari is located approximately ten kilometers from both Patan and Kathmandu, and many outdoor enthusiasts flock here to enjoy the breathtaking views and beautiful landscapes. It is known as one of the popular hiking destinations in Nepal for its rich wildlife and natural splendor. Visitors can reach Godavari by bus from Patan and they are able to catch a glimpse of quaint towns such as Thaiba and Harisiddhi along the way.
The historical aspects of Godavari date back to the Kirat Period, during the uprising of the Soma dynasty. King Nimisha became the first king in Nepal to originate from the Soma dynasty and took up his position in 205 AD. With Nimisha defeating King Gasti and taking his throne the Kirati reign over Nepal came to an end. King Nimisha constructed his new palace in the town of Godavari and was also responsible for the restoration of the Pashupatinath Temple, including the erection of the four faced linga. Nimisha’s victory and rule brought about the Godavari-Mela festival that is still celebrated in Godavari. The festival only takes place every twelve years and visitors that are lucky enough to be in the area during this period should appreciate and enjoy every moment.
The Royal Botanical Garden in Godavari attracts many local residents and visitors over the weekends. The garden is an extravaganza of plants, trees, ferns, flowers and orchids. Most of the plants within the garden are marked, making recognition much easier. Godavari is also famous for its breathtaking butterflies, which can be seen gliding peacefully amongst the beauty and splendor of the garden. Avid bird watchers can be spotted in the garden, patiently waiting to view some of the rare and unique birds.
Another popular attraction in Godavari, is the Godavari Kunda, or Godavari Spring. It is a sacred and religious site that is absolutely fascinating. Gargoyles carved from stone will lead visitors to the tank of sacred water. This water flows from within the temple’s courtyard to the tank. Many legends are connected to the spring and the Madras River. The marble quarry that has operated in the region since the year 1890 has caused mass deforestation, exposing the 2 762 meter Pulchowki mountain. Visitors that summit the “Place of Flowers” will find the Pulchowki Mai shrine, in dedication to the goddess of the forest. Godavari is also home to the Mohan Meakin Brewery and a meteorological observatory.
Godavari is one of the most picturesque and diverse destinations in Nepal and has much to offer visitors. From fascinating sights, breathtaking natural beauty and a rich history, just waiting to be discovered.

6. Kumbeshwor &, Banglamukhi temple

The five-storey pagoda of Kumbeshwor is one of the oldest temple of Patan. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was orginally constructed in 1392 as a two storied shrine, but later in the 17^th century Srinivasa Malla added the upper three tiers of the temple. Hence this is one of the Valley's two five-storied temples (the other is Bhaktapur's Nyatpola). The two ponds here (Konti) are believed to be connected by a subterranean channel to the holy Gosaikund lake, which lies several days' walk north of Kathmandu. On the festival of Janai Purnima (usually the August full moon) thousand devotees of Lord Shiva come to worship the embossed silver sheath worn by the temple's sacred linga (phallic symbol), which is placed in a special pavilion in the middle of the tank in the hub of temple.

On the southern side of the temple complex is the single storey shrine of goddess Baglamukhi with green painted woodwork. The goddess Baglamukhi is embodied in a tiny image beneath an elaborate silver torona and canopy of snakes. Baglamukhi is considered as the wish-fulfilling goddess. Many devotees visit the temple with hopes that their wishes get rewarded and fulfilled by goddess Baglamukhi at one point of their life. The temple is unusually crowded by many devotees on every Thursdays of the weeks.

5. Mahabuddha Temple

Mahabuddha temple is a Buddhist temple made up of terracotta, situated in the heart of kathmandu valley. 8 kms southwest from Tribhuvan International Airport. This 500 year old temple can be taken as the treasury of Nepalese art and craft.

The Mahabuddha temple is a great pilgrim for the Buddhist practitioners. Buddhists from all over the world come, worship the Buddha and feel eternal peace and satisfaction. The temple has proven to be a wonder to the cultural and archeological tourists.

This ancient historical temple is constructed under a typical architectural style called "Shikhar saili". The temple is build up of terracotta, each consisting Buddha images and other arts. Such terracotta is made up of very special material composing extracted clay, herbs and others to make the terracotta strong and pure, These terracotta are rather attached to each other with norma mud or cement but with a special mixture of different herbs etc. called "vajra". The temple composes of thousand Buddha statues. So it is even called "sangetongu" in Tibetan language meaning "temple of thousand Buddha". The temple is probably the best and first temple built up of terracotta in the country.

On the ground floor of the temple the icon of shakyamun Buddha displaying earth touching gesture is established. On the first floor Amitabha Tathagata is installed. Similarly, on the second third fourth and fifth floor Panchajinalaya Svayambhu Chaitya, Dharmadhatu Mandala, Vajradhatu Mandala, and sunyaniranjan Chaitya are established respectively. The temple is surmounted by Usnish Cudamani suvarna chaitya the total height of the temple is about 60 feet.

In this locality , the temple of Akasha Jogini Shree Vidhyadhari Devi is already exist where the lord of knowledge Manjushree also  present before the construction of Mahabuddha temple the old manuscript of Pragyaparmita is also preserved here and daily recited . Because of these three auspicious aspects it is believed that the people of this locality could gain popularity in the field of Silpa Vidhya Knowledge. The five sons of Pt. Abhaya Raj Shakya or their family members carry out the daily rituals worships of the Vidhyadhari and Mahabuddha temple for one month turn by turn

4. Rudra Varna Mahavihar

Ruravarna Mahavihar is a 1500 year old Buddhist monastery full of Nepalese art, architecture and archeological fantasies. This is the one of the 15 major monasteries in Lalitpur. The monastry has its own communal family, those who take Buddhism by performing "Chudakarma" ceremony by the auspicious hands of "Dusmahasthabirs" (high priests) become the family member.

The monastery was established by Lichhavi king, SIVADEVA in the 6th century at the southeast face of the patan city. Four hundred years later the king of same dynasty, king RUDRADEVA renovated the Vihar. Thus the name of the monastery is kept SIVA DEVA SANSKARIT OMKULI RUDRAVARNA MAHAVIHAR.

SIVA DEVA SANSKARIT: as shiva deva stablished the vihar
OMKULI: as the monastery is located at the east south face of the city,
RUDRAVARNA MAHAVIHAR : as king RUDRADEVA renovated and maintained the monastery

This way the monastery got its full name.

The monastery is decorated with the wooden, metal, and stone arts. Numerous Deities, religious animals, Chaityas, Dharma Dhatus, tornas and other various crafts are installed inside the Vihar ever since the Vihar was established. Specially the wooden torans of SALABANGIKA YAKSHYANIS are the most remarkable examples of the art of the 13th century and are the point of attraction for the art lovers.

A beautiful Stupa located in the localited just behind the Rudravarna Mahavihar built under the supervision of the great grandson of pundit AVAYA RAJ SHAKYA, pundit JAYAMUNI SHAKYA . The DHARMA DHATU in front of the Chaitya adds beauty and holiness to the spot. A pit with BASUKI NAAG in the north of the Chaitya is worshipped for rainfall.

3. Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple)

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is also known as Kwa Bahal, Suwarna Mahavihara, or the Golden Temple. This multi-storied Buddhist vihar is situated two hundred meters north of the Patan Durbar Square on the way to the five-tiered Kumbheswar Temple. It was built by Vaskar Deva Varma in the twelfth century AD. Though there does not seem to be much recorded in terms of history, it is assumed that it has not been altered since the early nineteenth century.

According to the legends, Queen Pingala of Patan has a part to play in the building of the Golden Temple. After being disgraced and ousted by her husband, she went to live in the Guheswari forest area of Pashupati. There she was visited by a dream that told her to build a vihar (monastery where Buddhist disciples live and learn their scriptures) if she wanted her husband's affection. She ordered for the establishment of a vihara with an idol of Shakya Muni Buddha at Bahalkot, near Pashupati, and started living there. King Sudatta, too, was impressed by his wife's penance and called her back to the palace. Many years later, the monks who were in charge of the vihar left and one of their descendants brought the idol to Patan. King Vaskar Deva Dutta, learned what had happened and built Nhu Vihara at Nyakhachowk in Patan and set the idol within. The king then dreamed that the idol disapproved of the place and told him that a new vihar should be built at a location shown by a mouse chasing a cat. So Vaskar Deva Dutta started looking and one day he saw a golden mouse chasing a cat. The king immediately set to work at building a vihara, and named it "Hiranya Varna Mahavihar," the golden Buddhist monastery.

The temple is enclosed by an unelaborated exterior wall, which reveals few clues as to the golden monument that lies within them. Two large stone lions guard the entrance of the passage to the temple, which opens to a small court. The lions were placed as protectors of the temple from human destruction. There is another gateway, carved with images of both Buddhist and Hindu deities that opens to the main courtyard of the temple complex. A small, one storied temple with fine metalwork dominates the view from the entrance to the courtyard. The temple is of Swayambhu, the self-existent. It is older than the main temple, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, dedicated Shakya Muni Buddha that stands at the far end of the court. The massive gajur, pinnacle, of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is three stepped with upturned corners. It has three slanting roofs of copper with small birds standing at the corners of each roof and metal banners that also hang from below. The top of the gajur is a bell shaped with four snakes whose bodies rise up to hold an umbrella. The gajur of the temple is one of the rarest, as there are thirteen small stupa structures with umbrellas on gajurs at the center. Four metal dhwajas, banners, hang down from under the edge of the topmost roof of the temple toward the courtyard. The façade of the temple is richly covered with metal carvings. Among the carvings are the deities on struts, latticed windows, and images of Pancha Buddhas and Bodhisatvas above the entrance of the temple, and bells and pillars that cover the surface of the facade. Places empty of elaborate decorations are even filled with patterns of bricks carved on the metal plate. The entrance of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar that leads to the main shrine displays fine work. The auspicious signs of kalasha at the sides of the door, pancha buddhas, and boddhisatvas on the arch above the entrance are very distinctly carved.

The courtyard itself is decorated with many ritualistic objects. In front of the Swayambhu Temple is a small metal mandala known as Dharma Dhatu Mandala, set on a double lotus podium. A metal vajra is also placed on top of the mandala. A line of oil lamp stands surrounds the base of the podium while praying wheels surround it from above. The banister of the walkway at the edge of the courtyard also holds numerous praying wheels and oil lamp stands. Different art forms of beasts have been placed in the courtyard. On either side of the entrance to the courtyard flanks are two metal statues of elephants standing on tortoises. A monkey statue is also seen at each corner of the courtyard. There are mystical forms of lions standing at the four corners of the Swayambhu Temple. Two stout lions and griffins also stand on either side of the main temple. There are large praying halls known as gumbas, and metal images of Buddhist idols. The Northern hall holds an image of Amoghapasa Lokeshwara and a large praying wheel. The Southern hall is dominated by a large image of Arya Tara, Manjushree, and Sabtalochan Tara. The walls are also decorated with numerous ancient Buddhist murals and within the hall are numerous volumes of religious scriptures.

2. Patan Krishna Mandir

Situated in Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir is perhaps Kathmandu's finest stone wrought monument. This temple is made in Sikhara architectural style, a style that is commonly found in what is now known as the Indian Subcontinent. It was established by Siddhi Narsimha Malla of Patan in 1637 AD, as a copy of another Hindu temple, a Krishan temple to the South in Mathura. Many agree that its stonework is excels that of its southern counterparts. The temple is completely made of stone and the carving is finer than that of the other smaller Krishna Mandir at Patan Durbar Square built by Yogamati, the great grand daughter of Siddhi Narsimha Malla, in 1723.

Its architecture successfully blends two styles: the solidly formed southern Gupta sikhara form and the open multi-storied style of Moghul. The craftsmanship of the stone carvers can be seen in the intricate images of gods and the perforated stone screen railings of the passages. There is an open passage on the ground floor and it is empty inside. A narrow and low passage leads to the center of the first floor. The first floor is the main area of worship where a large hall holds an image of Krishna with two consorts, Radha and Rukmani, all beautifully carved out of black stone. The flooring also contains images of the ten incarnations of Vishnu. The second floor contains an image of Shiva. The small fourth floor contains no images now; however, the people say that there was formerly a statue of Avalokitesvara. Such placement, perhaps, acted as an example to the harmonious blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. The shrine is the destination of great crowds of worshippers each year at the time of, Krishnastami, Lord Krishna's birthday, when the temple is beautifully lighted by thousands of oil lamps. It is not possible for non-Hindus to enter the temple, but a great deal of beauty of the temple can be seen from the courtyard.

Some of the major spots to visit in Lalitpur : 1. Durbar Square:

Patan Dubar Square

This is the Royal Palace complex built during the Malla period and stood as the capital part till 17th century. Situated in the heart of the city, it constitutes the salient focus of an alien visitor's attraction. The square is built of ancient palaces, temples, shrines and statues noted for their exquisite carvings. We owe all these grandeurs to the sovereign Malla dynasty. The last of the Malla dynasty was late King Tej Narsingh Malla. There include three main courtyards, the first being the Keshab Narayan Chowk which we have gotten to enter through the Golden Window; the second being the Taleju Vawani Chowk; and the third being the Sudari Chowk carrying the Royal Bath called Tushahity. The single stone pillar on which sits late King Yog Narendra Malla facing the Taleju Vawani Temple to the cardinal direction of east and the Gigantic Bell to its right are also worth mentioning. The Patan Dubar Square too forms a World Heritage Site.

Brief introduction to Lalitpur city

The ancient city is located on the southern bank of the holy Bagmati River and is approximately five kilometers south-east of the capital. The whole city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu Temples with fine bronze gateways, marvelous statues, guardian deities and magnificent carvings and wood carving. Well noted for its gorgeous craftsmen and metal workers, it is often known as the city of superb artists. The majority of the citizens follow the Buddhists faith.

Patan is situated on the elevated tract of land in Kathmandu Valley on the south side of the Bagmati River, which separates it from the City of Kathmandu on the northern side. It was developed on relatively thin layers of deposited clay and gravel in the central part of a dried ancient lake known as the Nagdaha.

It is among the largest cities in the country, along with Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar.
The city spreads over 16 sq. kilometres and is divided into 22 Municipal wards. The city is bounded by:^[3]

• East: Imadol VDC and Harisiddhi VDC
• West: Kirtipur Municipality and Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)
• North: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)
• South: Saibu VDC, Sunakothi VDC and Dhapakhel VDC

History

Lalitpur is believed to have been founded in the third century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty and later expanded by Licchavis in the sixth century. It was further expanded by the Mallas during the medieval period. There are many legends after its name. The most popular one is the legend of the God Rato Machhindranath, who was brought to the valley from Kamaru Kamachhya, located in Assam, India, by a group of three people representing three kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. One of them was called Lalit, a farmer who carried God Rato Machhindranath to the valley all the way from Assam, India. The purpose of bringing the God Rato Machhindranath to the valley was to overcome the worst drought in the valley. There was a strong belief that the God Rato Machhindranath will make rain in the valley. It was due to Lalit's effort that the God Rato Machhindranath was settled in Lalitpur. Many believe that the name of the town is kept after his name Lalit and pur meaning township.

Lalitpur said to have been founded by King Veer Deva in 299 A.D. but, there is unanimity among scholars that Patan was a well established and developed town since ancient times. Several historical records including many other legends also indicate that Patan is the oldest of all the cities of Kathmandu Valley. According to a very old Kirat chronicle, Patan was founded by Kirat rulers long before the Licchavi rulers came into the political scene in Kathmandu Valley. According to that chronicle, the earliest known capital of Kirat rulers was Thankot. Kathmandu, the present capital was most possibly removed from Thankot to Patan after the Kirati King Yalamber came into power sometimes around second century A.D.

One of the most used and typical Newar names of Patan is Yala. It is said that King Yalamber or Yellung Hang named this city after himself and ever since this ancient city was known as Yala..