Have you ever seen a golden structure so striking and magnificent that you felt teleported to a divine abode? No? Then let’s look right into it.
Located on the north of Patan is the famous Golden Temple, officially known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (हिरण्यवर्ण महाविहार), whose Sanskrit translation means “Gold-colored Great Monastery.”
It is a three-storey golden pagoda temple of Shakyamuni Buddha, built in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Varman. The temple, which is in fact a Newari Buddhist monastery, is often called a living museum because of its intricate carvings, stunning metal works, and stone statues with an ornate interior. It is UNESCO-listed as part of the Kathmandu Valley and Patan Durbar Square complexes.
If you’re keen on visiting this divine abode, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach it, what to see, and recommended accommodations nearby for your trip.
Interesting Fact: Around the central shrine, there are brass monkeys holding out jackfruits as offerings.
Reaching Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
By Air (For Domestic and International Travelers)
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is just 7 km away from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
A taxi ride from the airport will get you there in around 20-30 minutes.
By Road (From India & Other Nepali Cities)
If you’re coming from India, you can cross into Nepal through border points like Sunauli, Raxaul, or Kakarbhitta.
From those locations, buses are available to take you to Kathmandu.
Travelers from Nepali cities such as Pokhara, Chitwan, or Lumbini can also find regular buses or taxis heading to Kathmandu.
Entry Fees and Visiting Hours
Operating Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission Costs:
- Free for Nepali citizens
- NPR 250 for SAARC country nationals
- NPR 1000 for other foreign visitors
Architecture of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
At the entrance of the temple, there are two large brass guardian elephants and riders. Its entrance doorway has two wooden struts carved with two important Hindu deities, Lord Shiva and Sri Vishnu, who safeguard the place. The entrance door of the temple, when closed, depicts an intricately carved Bhairab, which is believed to safeguard people from any bad happenings. In the front section is a lavish shrine with a silver and golden chaitya.
The second door has carvings of Buddha depicting the path of practicing paramita to achieve Bodhisattva. The third door has a carved statue of the Gods of three yanas – Śrāvakayāna, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna. The courtyard architecture-styled temple is decorated with divine Buddhist figures inside its premises.
Inside the sanctum of the main temple is a heavily draped, beautiful statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the Bhumisparsha mudra (Touching The Earth Pose). Inside the upper storey of the pagoda is a large prayer wheel.
History and Mythology
The golden temple was built in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Varman following a dream of a golden mouse running around a temple, chasing a cat. The next morning, he witnessed the miracle of a golden mouse chasing a cat at the same location of his dream, and he built the temple at that exact location.
Every morning, a certain amount of rice is kept at all four corners inside the temple to feed the mice, which are said to live there. Rats were still being fed at the site in 1994, but this may have changed over the years.
Child Priests
Every year, the temple assigns twelve locals (one local for each month) to serve the Shakyamuni Buddha. The main priest here is only twelve years old, as the principal priest of this temple must be of Shakya (Buddha’s caste) descent and under twelve years old. Shakya says that male children of such age are deemed suitable as the Panchasheel is maintained at that age – a child doesn’t kill, tell lies, steal, have corrupt thoughts, or drink or smoke.
Accommodations Near Golden Temple:
Hotel Himalaya
Price: Around NPR 8,000–12,000 per night (depending on room type and season)
A luxury hotel offering comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and beautiful views.
The Inn Patan
Price: Around NPR 2,000–4,000 per night
Budget-friendly with basic amenities, just a short walk from the Golden Temple.
Patan House
Price: Around NPR 2,500–5,000 per night
A cozy guesthouse with traditional Newari architecture, close to the temple.
Maya Boutique Hotel
Price: Around NPR 4,500–8,000 per night
A mid-range hotel offering well-furnished rooms, located around 1 km from the temple.
Dining Places Nearby Golden Temple:
Patan Durbar Square Area Restaurants
Price: NPR 300–1,500 per person
Several restaurants near Patan Durbar Square offer traditional Nepali and Newari cuisine. Popular options include The Village Cafe and Newa Momo.
Cafe de Patan
Price: NPR 500–1,200 per person
A cozy cafe offering a mix of Nepali, Asian, and continental dishes. It’s known for its peaceful ambiance and delicious coffee.
Himalayan Java Coffee
Price: NPR 300–1,000 per person
A popular cafe chain in Nepal offering great coffee, snacks, and light meals. Located around 1 km from the Golden Temple.
The Patan Museum Café
Price: NPR 600–1,500 per person
Situated inside the Patan Museum, this cafe serves a mix of Nepali and Western dishes. Enjoy a meal with a view of the museum’s beautiful courtyard.
Final Thoughts:
The beauty of this temple truly mesmerizes even gods, no wonder it leaves humans in awe. If you haven’t visited this place yet, then what are you waiting for? Pack up your bags and go on your spiritual journey!
