Rudra Varna Mahavihar
A serene Newari Buddhist temple in Patan, renowned for its intricate animal carvings and peaceful ambiance. A true hidden gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful ambiance
Rudra Varna Mahavihar
Best Time
Peaceful ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Newari Buddhist temple in Patan, renowned for its intricate animal carvings and peaceful ambiance. A true hidden gem.
"What a hidden gem just around the corner. I've been many times to Patan but never seen this place before."
🤫 Seek Out This Gem
This Vihar is a hidden treasure, often missed by tourists. It's much quieter than other Patan attractions.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A small entrance fee (around 50 rupees for foreigners) is well worth it for the art and experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Carvings
Temple Facade
Marvel at detailed copper and stone carvings of lions and animals, showcasing exceptional Newari artistry.
Two-Storied Baha
Main Courtyard
Admire the beautiful, artistic two-storied Newari Buddhist temple and its attractive structure.
Statue of a Former Prime Minister
Temple Corner
Discover a unique statue of a Rana Prime Minister, adding a layer of historical intrigue.
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Morning Serenity
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Insider Tips
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Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Patan. It was built in the 12th Century by King Bhaskar Verma, is located just north of Durbar square. This three-roof Buddhist monastery is adorned with a golden facade, four large gateways, a clock tower and two lion sculptures.
🤫 Seek Out This Gem
This Vihar is a hidden treasure, often missed by tourists. It's much quieter than other Patan attractions.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A small entrance fee (around 50 rupees for foreigners) is well worth it for the art and experience.
Hiranyavarna Mahabihar (Golden temple) Nepal. Despite of having Achayava Buddha as main god, in this temple animal are sacrifice to other tantrik god i.e Yogamber which is worship in same courtyard. However, this ritual is done to Yogamber only.
Golden Flag with Mahayana Mantra Hiranyavarna Mahabihar, Nepal.This script was developed after Ranjana script and was popular in 13 CE when Araniko use and promote it in China. This script is widely use to preserve mantras in Bajrayan, tantrayan and mahayan also in Nepal.
🚶 Combine with Mahabodhi
Visit the nearby Mahabodhi Temple; both sites share a common ticket.
🖼️ Appreciate the Artistry
The statues and carvings here are spectacular, showcasing artisans' imagination to the fullest.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Seek Out This Gem
This Vihar is a hidden treasure, often missed by tourists. It's much quieter than other Patan attractions.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A small entrance fee (around 50 rupees for foreigners) is well worth it for the art and experience.
🚶 Combine with Mahabodhi
Visit the nearby Mahabodhi Temple; both sites share a common ticket.
🖼️ Appreciate the Artistry
The statues and carvings here are spectacular, showcasing artisans' imagination to the fullest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rudra Varna Mahavihar as a 'hidden gem' offering spectacular artistry and a peaceful atmosphere, a welcome respite from busier Patan attractions. The intricate carvings and unique architecture are consistently highlighted as major draws, making the small entrance fee feel like a bargain for such a rich cultural experience.
"Patan is a place full of historical heritage. Many monasteries here are full of temples, shrines and Buddhist shrines, bahis and monasteries. There are many Mahaviharas in Lalitpur, among them Sundhara Lunhiti, Rudravarna Mahavihara located near Mahabodhi Temple is very famous. The Bihar was built by Lichhavi King Shiva Deva in 6th century A.D. Thus, the Bihara is named Shiva Deva Sanskarita. The king became Buddhist monk in this vihar and after some days as per his teacher’s guidance he lived as a house hold monk and spent good part of each day in meditation before the Image of the Buddha he had installed in the main shrine of Bihar. His sons and grandsons carried on the tradition. 400 years later, this Bihara was renovated by King Rudra Deva. The shrines are usually two-storied and square-shaped, where there is a square in the middle, in the center of which there are Buddha's sacred dharmadhatu, vajra, chaiva (small stupa), and mandala. Similarly, Rudravarna Mahavihar also has a very beautiful and beautiful two-storied baha of artistic style and a 2-storied attractive temple right in front of it. This Mahavihara is different and attractive from others because the artistry of this temple can attract anyone's heart. Here lions, various animals are carved in artistic copper, stone etc. There is also a statue of Rana Prime Minister in the corner of the temple. This temple is very important from religious, cultural and artistic point of view. Recommend to visit here at morning time to get peaceful environment."
Jenish P (Nomad Jeni's)
"What a hidden gem just around the corner. I've been many times to Patan but never seen this place before. Definitely worth a visit and much quieter than other attractions in the area."
Caroline Milne
"Not many tourists get to visit this Vihar. However, the statues here are spectacular -- artisans' imagination to the fullest!"
Sanjib Chaudhary
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rudra Varna Mahavihar is located in Patan (Lalitpur), near the Mahabodhi Temple. You can reach it by local bus, taxi, or ride-sharing services from Kathmandu. Walking is also a great option if you're exploring Patan Durbar Square and its surroundings.
Yes, it's situated in a well-known area of Patan, making it relatively easy to find. It's a great place to visit after exploring the Patan Museum.
Exploring on foot is highly recommended to soak in the historical ambiance of Patan. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entrance fee, typically around 50 Nepalese Rupees for foreigners. It's considered very affordable for the experience.
Yes, Rudra Varna Mahavihar often shares a common ticket with the nearby Mahabodhi Temple, making it convenient to visit both.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during daylight hours. Visiting in the morning is recommended for a peaceful experience.
No, advance booking is typically not required. Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Mahavihar features a beautiful and artistic two-storied Newari baha and an attractive temple. The artistry, including detailed copper and stone carvings of animals, is a major highlight.
Absolutely! The Vihar is known for its spectacular statues and intricate carvings, showcasing incredible artisan imagination. You'll also find a statue of a Rana Prime Minister.
Compared to other attractions in Patan, Rudra Varna Mahavihar is often much quieter and less crowded, offering a more serene visit.
Originally built by Lichhavi King Shiva Deva in the 6th century, it was later renovated by King Rudra Deva. It's important from religious, cultural, and artistic perspectives.
Dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll likely explore the surrounding areas on foot.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard and exterior areas. However, always check for specific signage or ask permission before photographing inside any sacred spaces.
The intricately carved facade, the two-storied baha, and the courtyard offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the details of the animal carvings.
Morning light can be ideal for capturing the details of the carvings and the temple's architecture without harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Combine your visit with the nearby Mahabodhi Temple, which might offer more visual stimulation for younger children. Ensure kids are comfortable with walking, as exploring Patan often involves a fair amount of it. The small entrance fee makes it an affordable addition to your itinerary.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Since it shares a ticket with the Mahabodhi Temple, you get two significant sites for one low price. Exploring Patan on foot after visiting is also a free and rewarding way to discover more of the city's heritage.
🏛️ History & Culture Enthusiasts
Tip: Take your time to observe the details of the architecture and the various carvings. Consider visiting with a local guide if you want a deeper understanding of its historical and religious significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Newari Buddhist Heritage
The shrines within the Mahavihar are typically two-storied and square-shaped, often featuring a central courtyard containing sacred Buddhist artifacts like dharmadhatu, vajra, chaiva (small stupas), and mandalas. This layout is common in many bahis and vihars of the region, emphasizing communal living and spiritual practice. The presence of a statue of a Rana Prime Minister also adds an interesting layer to its historical narrative, bridging religious and political eras.
Visitors often describe Rudra Varna Mahavihar as a 'hidden gem' due to its relatively lower tourist traffic compared to other major attractions in Patan. This allows for a more intimate and peaceful experience, enabling a deeper appreciation of its artistic and spiritual value. The exceptional artistry, particularly the detailed carvings of lions and various animals in copper and stone, is frequently highlighted as a major draw.
Artistry and Architecture: A Visual Feast
These carvings often depict mythological figures, deities, and local fauna, with lions being a recurring motif, symbolizing strength and protection. The precision and detail in these works are remarkable, drawing the eye and inviting closer inspection. The overall aesthetic is a harmonious blend of religious symbolism and artistic expression, characteristic of Newari architectural traditions. The visual richness makes it a photographer's delight and a history enthusiast's dream.
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