Patan at a Glance
The Kathmandu valley has three principal cities: Lalitpur, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. The founding stones of these territorial divisions can be dated several hundred years before the Lichhavi era. The first settlement created in this valley is Manjupatana, a beautiful town founded by Boddhisatva Manjushri. Historical evidence presents it stretched from Svayambu till Guheswori.
Various other ancient townships such as Bishalnagara, Deopatana, Matilinagrama, Irshyarajya, Yapagramadranga, Dipavati, Bhatgaeon existed but assimilated into the present-day large cities.
The area in focus, Patan, was a title used for an ancient settlement. It laid within a diamond mandala. Its four points are ancient earthen mounds known as Thur. Today they are called:
A. Ibah stupa (North)
B. Lagankhel stupa (South)
C. Imadol stupa (East)
D. Pulchowk stupa (West)
Historians and archaeologists have not been able to accurately date these structures but believe they are from 2-3 BC. They pre-date the Lichhavi period of Nepal.
As per another local legend, the city was called Lalitpatana, a beautiful city created by architect Lalita. Locals believe that the name got shortened to Patan.
Why was this town so beautiful?
Having been founded on the principles of Buddhism, this town featured an ample amount of monasteries. Each locality (twah) had its watershed (pond), well and water spout. The widest street stretched from the entry points of the city (four stupas) and all other roads connected to this main street. A sizeable number of rest houses (pati, falcha) lined the streets. Housing was uniform featuring the same architectural style.
The countryside was khel (pasture) and cremation sites. Areas further away were farmlands and forests.
Materials utilised were clay, red brick, terracotta and wood. Decorative elements included carved wooden doors, windows and items; painting, wall art, metal gilding, statues and monuments.
The towns centre is the ever-glorious Patan Durbar Square. This beautiful palace cortex was home to both Lichhavi and Malla kings.
Today the square is equal to an open-air museum. It holds monuments, temples and structures of a bygone era. What makes this centre unique is the concept of heritage for all. People are allowed to bask and mingle in the temple premises. Plentiful shops and eateries cater to guests all over the world.
Due to the cultural significance of the area, UNESCO included it in its World Heritage list. Apart from the tangible heritage, Patan is home to numerous intangible ones. The most important of which is the ever-present harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism. Inhabitants of this area identify themselves as Hindu-Buddhists. It is a rare scene in today’s world. Numerous scholars have praised the tolerance, acceptance and religious harmony of this city.
The largest festival is of Rato Matsyendranath, also known as Karunamaya. Historians date the inception of this chariot festival to 5 AD.
A five-storey chariot housing the idol of Karunamaya is pulled by devotees and revellers through a designated route.
Patan is also the home of the master architect Arniko. He is a national hero due to his contribution to expanding the art of this valley. In the 13th century, he led the first batch of eighty artists to Tibet under the request of Phags-Pa, the state preceptor of Kublai Khan. Due to his ingenuity, skill and courage, he gained an audience with the emperor. He was impressed by Arniko’s persona, honesty and creative genius.
He commissioned Arniko to built a large monument. Today, it is known as the White Dagoda in Beijing. This masterpiece for centuries has stood as an emblem of perpetual peace and friendship between Nepal and China. He also founded a school of Nepali art where he taught countless enthusiasts the techniques of Nepali fine art.