Yala Dhwakha - Patan Dhoka — Attraction in Lalitpur Metropolitan City

No one knows precisely when the Patan Dhoka was first constructed, but it was likely sometime during the Malla period (13th – 18th centuries). It has been refurbished many times over the centuries, including after the infamous 1934 earthquake when it was severely damaged. Most recently, it received a facelift in 2018 when it was repainted to honor the Asta Matrika—eight divine mothers of Hinduism.

The old city of Patan once had more than a half-dozen entry points, but this was the main gate to the municipality, which is also commonly called Lalitpur. The Newari people, the dominant ethnic group in the neighborhood around the gate, originally called the city Yala after King Yalamber who ruled here circa 800 BC. Patan became part of the Gorkha Empire in 1768 when the modern nation of Nepal began, and it is regarded as the oldest city in the Kathmandu Valley.

Before the 2018 refurbishment, the gate was painted with images and messages supporting the Nepal Bhasa Movement (a protest organization that began shortly after the Gorkha annexation), which campaigns to preserve Newari culture and language. In particular, the gate displayed the Nepal Sambat, the lunisolar calendar of the Newari which is still used nationwide in Nepal.

Although the recent murals significantly changed the gate’s previous ornamentation, the design is a traditional Newari paubha painting, a style similar to the better known Tibetan thangka. The Matrika were chosen for their eternal tantric power and as protectors of the Newari people. These mother-goddesses can be depicted as a group of seven, eight, or nine deities depending on the region and holy text being referenced, and the artists of the Patan Dhoka chose eight goddess figures: Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshvari (Rudrani), Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi, Narasimhi, and Chamunda. Flanking the main arch are statues of Ganesh and Kumar, while the tympana of the two smaller arches are adorned with the wrathful image of Cheppu, a mythical Nepali water creature.

According to Lok Chitrakar, the artist who oversaw the mural project, many of the images are not normally seen in public art as they are typically painted in personal spaces as Newari invocations of well-being and prosperity for a household. The gate’s unique style, however, has become a point of unity and civic pride making it an even greater focal point for neighborhood...

This is the gateway to the very old Patan valley. From the looks of 20th century photographs, this gate was redesigned and reopened multiple times. After the devastating earthquake of 1878 A.D., the gate underwent the renovation that gave it its current appearance. Patan Valley, which is rich in cultural heritage, was ruled by the Lishchavi and Malla lineages in ancient times and is written in temples and inscriptions. Therefore, this door that enters Patan, now known as Patan door, is also found in the history of the construction of the ancient times. This door was built during the Malla era, as well as various destructive earthquakes, the architecture of this door has been destroyed and various old photos have shown that this door was built in different styles. Presently this door is white in color and the door is decorated with various symbols of Ashtamatrika, Ganesha, Kumar, which represent the deities of various Matha temples in Patan. Therefore, it is an outstanding heritage with a very...

Patan Dhoka serves as the gateway to the city of Patan and holds historical and cultural significance.

Patan Dhoka, which translates to "Patan Gate," is a traditional entrance to the city of Patan. The area is marked by a grand and intricately designed gate, reflecting the traditional Newari architectural style. This gate is one of the primary entrances to the city and serves as a symbol of Patan's rich heritage.

Within the vicinity of Patan Dhoka, you can explore numerous attractions. Patan Durbar Square, located just a short distance away, is a major highlight. The square is home to the ancient Royal Palace of Patan, which was once the residence of the Malla kings of Patan. The palace features exquisite woodcarvings, intricate stone masonry, and beautiful courtyards. The square is also dotted with temples, including the famous Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, and...