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]]>Popularly known as Patan in Sanskrit and Yala in Nepali language in ancient times, this city is represented by its rich cultural heritage, specifically the tradition of art and crafts, which give it the name: City of Festivals and Feasts, Fine Ancient Art, Metallic Making and Stone-Statue Carving!
Lalitpur is spread across an area of 15.43 sq.km and is made up of 29 municipalities and is currently home to over 226,728 people living in more than 54, 748 households. This Nepali city experiences a humid subtropical climate.
The Bagmati River separates the city of Lalitpur from Kathmandu on the northern and western sides.
Lalitpur was built on the thin layers of deposited clay and gravel in the midst of the erstwhile Nagdaha lake. The city’s establishment dates back to the 3rd century BC and is credited to the Kirat dynasty.
Newari people identify Lalitpur with the name Yala derived from the name Yalamber, the then ruler of the Kirat dynasty. Although there are many legends surrounding its name, the most famous one is that of Lord Rato Machhindranath.
It is believed that a group of three people representing the three kingdoms of Kathmandu Valley set out to bring Lord Rato Machhindranath from Kamaru Kamakhya, Assam to get rid of the drought that befell the valley.
One of them named Lalit, a farmer carried the God of rain, all the way back to the Valley. Due to his efforts, Rato Machhindranath got settled in Lalitpur. Hence, the name Lalitpur inspired by the great farmer Lalit.
Tourist Attractions:
Lalitpur is home to some of the most ancient historic sites that are of high significance to both Hindus and Buddhists. Listed below are some of them:
The city of Lalitpur with its old-world charm has an appeal of its own. Its charm adds to Nepal’s heritage and helps Nepal establish itself as a country, which is deeply rooted in its cultural values.
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]]>Four Ashoka Stupas symbolizing the “Dharma-Chakra” or the Buddhist Wheel of Righteousness mark the four corners of the city. These monuments were erected during the time of Emperor Ashoka’s visit to Nepal in 250 B.C.
Patan’s spectacular Durbar Square is a UNESCO heritage site and houses the palaces of the erstwhile Patan royal family. The Royal palace, with beautiful courtyards and intricately carved doors and windows, adds to the splendor of the Durbar Square. The Patan Museum in the Square has an exquisite collection of religious objects, bronze statues, and carvings of wood and stone.
The Krishna Mandir made of red stone holds a prominent position in the Patan palace. This 17th century temple is a masterpiece of the Shikara architecture and is the only temple in Nepal which has 21 shrines. During the Krishnastami festival the temple is beautifully decorated and illuminated with thousands of oil lamps and attracts thousands of devotees from around the country.
The Hiranya Varna Mahavihar or the Golden Temple stands to the north of the Durbar Square. It is a three storied Buddhist monastery with the golden images of Lord Buddha and large prayer wheels. The Mahaboudha Temple lies on the eastern side of the Square. It is also known as the ‘Temple of Thousand Buddhas’, where every brick in the structure has an engraved image of the Buddha.
The Kumbeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the oldest temple in Patan and is an impressive five-tiered pagoda structure. The temple hosts an annual pilgrimage for Hindus on the holy Janai Purnima day when ritual bathing takes place and the Kumbeshwar Mela or fair is held.
The Godavari Botanical Garden is a popular picnic spot for people in the Kathmandu Valley with a wide variety of plants, birds and butterflies. Patan is also known for the Patan Zoo, the only zoological park in Nepal, and houses over 700 different animals.
The Patan Industrial Estate showcases the fine art and handicrafts of the local artisans. Tourists can purchase the wood carvings, metalwork, carpets, and paintings directly from them.
Almost all visitors to Kathmandu also visit Patan as part of a one day trip. Minibuses and taxis are available for getting around Patan, though the city and its sites are best seen on foot.
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