Hiranya Varna Mahavihar — Attraction in Lalitpur Metropolitan City

Must visit in Patan.

A combination of impressive architecture and intricate ornaments makes Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) Patan's favorite place of worship. A world in itself, this three-storey golden monastery provides a sanctuary of smells and colors with flowers, incense, and high-quality bronze and silver works. This three-roof monastery was built in the 12th Century by King Bhaskar Verma and is adorned with a golden facade, four large gateways, a clock tower, and two lion sculptures. The main priest here is only twelve years old, replaced after a month of service. The place is a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the busy Patan alleys. It is clean with seating spaces to relax and to forget about your worries for a bit while marveling over the temple’s deep cultural significance and intricate architecture. A gilded image of Lord Buddha, guardian lions, and a large prayer wheel are among the site's top curiosities, along with special places to feed rats. Watch worshippers in their rituals among butter lamp offerings and prayer wheels in this serene setting just minutes away from the city center.

The temple is much bigger from the inside than it seems from the outside, especially given that one enters it through a narrow lane. The tiers make for great viewing from an architectural perspective. The artwork is intricate and very detailed, and will make you wonder how such fine craftsmanship is even possible.

There are seating spaces or ‘falcha’ along the passages around the temple. Many locals seeking for a day’s rest, a quiet time or a good bask in the winter sun come here. The monastery is also filled with tourists with camera slung around their necks. Guides accompanying them will be in deep conservation revealing the meaning behind the cultural practices and architectural symbols.

Tourists who want to read or just love to write can be seen dotting the premises as well. The place is really quiet despite the coming and going of devotees and ongoing ceremonies. The spinning of prayer wheels, the butter lamp offerings, sights of devotees putting on red tilak and smell of incense lend the place a calm and meditative...

Something informative ✨

Origin of Ba Pacha ~

The origin of Ba Pacha take us back to the history when Lalitpur was ruled by the Kirati king. Back then a young boy was not appointed as the Ba Pacha.The responsibility of assisting all the needs of Shakyamuni Buddha (Kwapajju) was done by a grown man but when the Kirati came in power they gave a lot of trouble to the local people. They even amended strict rules with caused trouble in visiting the monastery. The priest who used to attend all the needs of kwapajju daily was very sacred to go out due to the strict rules. He had an idea of sending his young child to perform the ritual thinking that the solider would not harm a little boy. The boy agreed and learn everything from his father and went to attend all the needs of Shakyamuni Buddha. He did everything his father taught him but Shakyamuni Buddha did not eat the breakfast prepared by him. How innocent of him thinking a bronze idol would eat and talk. He requested many times but no respond. He told he would go hungry and not leave until Shakyamuni Buddha eats. Hearing that the idols hand slowly moved and eat the breakfast prepared by the boy. When the boy returned home, his parents were very worried as it has been a lot of time and asked him why he was late, the boy explained everything but the parents didn’t believed him and the next day they followed him and saw by themself and felt very blessed. The father requested the Boy to ask help from Shakyamuni Buddha to get rid of the Kirati. The boy agreed and ask help from the idol and in reply the idol told the boy to bring a cup of cow’s milk tomorrow. The boy brought the milk and placed in front of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha then told the boy to go pour this milk in the Bauga (a pit made to dispose object used in religious activities) near the fort of the Kirati. He went and pour the milk into the pit and as soon as he did that a loud noise of buzzing came which got louder and louder and to his surprise thousands of hornet flew from the pit and scared away the Kirati.

So, from that onwards the ritual stared to appoint a young, smart and innocent boy as a Ba Pacha the...

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, commonly known as the Golden Temple, is a remarkable 12th-century Buddhist monastery situated in the heart of Patan, Nepal. Despite its modest size, the temple's opulent gilt facade and intricate Newari craftsmanship make it a standout landmark in the Kathmandu Valley.

Upon entering the temple's courtyard, visitors are greeted by two large brass guardian elephants, leading to a lavish shrine adorned with a silver and golden chaitya. The courtyard is rich with artifacts, including brass monkeys holding jackfruits and large bronze Bodhisattvas, each piece reflecting the meticulous artistry of the Newar artisans.

The main shrine houses a silver image of Shakyamuni Buddha, locally known as Kwabaju, which is adorned with drapes and ornaments, leaving only the face visible. The temple is an active place of worship, with monks performing rituals and chanting prayers, creating an atmosphere of peace and reverence.

A unique aspect of the temple's tradition is that the principal priest, or Bapacha, is always a boy under the age of twelve, who serves for one month. This practice adds to the temple's distinctive cultural heritage.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the temple's upper floors, where additional chapels and a prayer hall with an image of an eight-armed Amoghapasa can be found. It's important to note that leather items are not permitted inside the temple, and modest dress is appreciated.

In summary, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar offers a profound glimpse into Nepal's rich cultural and religious tapestry. Its stunning architecture, intricate details, and serene ambiance make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the spiritual and historical...