Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

A hidden nice small temple with nice ornamenty and decorations. There is small entrance fee for tourists. Part of this temple is beeing renovated right now.

The Golden Temple - look for the black entrance way! Pretty cool, easy to get around, wasn’t too busy..

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 essence of Patan.

A well managed, lineage driven temple since ancient times! The interesting fact is that the lineage holders of the Guthi hand over the daily ritual rights to the youngest priest, known popularly as Bafacha! Dressed in white robes, the young priest offers daily rituals and other tasks to Shakyamuni Buddha residing in this Golden Temple!

Tourists beware. A random man came up to us and started to give us a free guide without introducing himself. He was very enthusiastic and we naively thought he worked at the temple and was giving us a friendly free tour. NOPE! He stopped midway through the tour and asked us for a tip to continue the tour and to bring us to a nearby Thangka shop. It felt like an awkward moment so we tipped him (not much), and he finished the tour and dropped us off at a Thangka shop and VANISHED without saying goodbye. From my experience, many temples in other places (ie. Taiwan) have free tours. So I guess I had that in mind when visiting the Nepali temples. It’s partially our fault for not doing more research on what to expect. We definitely think any type of service should be paid, but then they should say how much upfront. It’s not professional to stop mid-tour and ask for specific amount of money to continue. It’s the lack of transparency that makes it feel like a scam. We arrived, paid ticket fee, and instantly the guy led us around without introducing who he was and why he was doing it. We naively thought he worked for the temple. 😐😵‍💫

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, popular as 'The Golden Temple' is a historic and artistic Buddhist temple located in Patan Durbar Square, Nepal. History: The temple dates back to the 12th century and is a fine example of the unique local architecture and craftsmanship featuring a three-tiered pagoda-style structure with gilded statues and intricate carvings. Sacred Space: Inside the temple, there's a central courtyard with a shrine dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha. You'll also find beautiful prayer wheels and other sacred artifacts. On the first floor you'll find more stautes dedicated to Tara, Manjushree and other deities. Devotees chant melodious prayers in the evening. Monastic Traditions: The temple is still an active monastery and home to various traditional rituals and ceremonies. Every evening, the young monk engages in a special ritual followed by a circumambulation of the durbar square. Ease of Access: It is located a short walk from the heart of Patan Durbar Square, on the way to the Banglamukhi temple, making it a must-visit for those exploring the cultural and historical heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.

A hidden gem! This quiet temple offers beautiful carvings and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a serene escape. Worth visiting if you’re nearby!

This temple is well worth a visit. I don't think I've ever seen so much brass before! Built in the 12th century, It has a lot of intricate wood carvings, plus a host of unusual metal objects not often seen at other temples. It's located an easy walk from Patan Durbar Square, with other temples close by.