Golden Temple

Located in North Patan, the Golden Temple (also known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) is the second most popular attraction after Patan Durbar Square. Built in 1409, the temple is in fact a Newari Buddhist Monastery. The temple was allegedly founded in the 12th century, and has existed in its current form since its inception. The temple gets its name from the gilded metal plates that cover most of its frontage and it is one of the most beautiful in Patan. Most of the temple is actually polished gilt copper which gives it a fantastic golden shine.

The entry to the temple is via an ornate narrow stone doorway to the east, and a wooden doorway to the west from one of the interlinked courtyards on the north side of Nakabhil. A magnificent Buddhist shrine is adorned with elaborate glided statues, wood carvings, prayer wheels and Tibetan frescoes.

About the temple
The temple reflects a magnificent example of courtyard temple architecture. The doorway of the temple is guarded by two elephant statues, and the façade is covered by a host of gleaming Buddhist figures. Inside the main shrine, there is a beautiful statue of Sakyamuni. To the left of the courtyard is a statue of Green Tara and in the right corner is a statue of the Bodhisattva Vajrasattva wearing an impressive silver-and-gold cape. Both are inside inner shrines.

There is a smaller shrine facing the main temple, containing a ‘self-arisen’ chaitya. The four corners of the courtyard have statues of four Lokeshvaras (incarnations of Avalokiteshvara) and four monkeys, holding out jackfruits as an offering. There is a stairway leading to an upper floor chapel dedicated to white eight armed Avalokiteshvara, lined with Tibetan-style frescoes including a wheel of life.

How to Reach
The temple is situated on a quiet side street of Lalitpur, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) is just a 5 minute walk from Patah Durbar Square. If you are coming from Kathmandu, you can use the buses that travel between Ratna Park and the main gateway to Lalitpur. The journey time is about 30 minutes.

Temple Entry and Rules
The temple is open for visit every day, and there is a minimal entry fee charged. Shoes and any leather items are not allowed inside the main courtyard. Photography is prohibited in the main shrine, but allowed elsewhere in the temple.