The Enchanting Bangalamukhi Temple in Patan, Nepal

• Helloनमस्कार
  [namaskār]
• Goodbyeफेरी भेटौं
  [pherī bhetauṁ]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [ho'in]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [kṛipayā]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavād]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा गर्नुहोस्
  [kṣamā garnuhos]
• How are you?तिमीलाई स्वास्थ्य कस्तो छ?
  [timīlā'ī svāsthy kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?ठिकै छ। तिमीलाई?
  [ṭhikai cha. timīlā'ī?]
• Do you speak English?तिमी अंग्रेजी बोल्छौ?
  [timī aṅgrejī bolchhau?]
• I don't understandमैले सम्झिन
  [maile samjhin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [kṛipayā menū hern cāhanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदिन
  [ma māsu khādin]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [ciyars!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [kṛipayā bhuktānī garn cāhanchu]

• Help!मदत गर्नुहोस्!
  [madat garnuhos!]
• Go away!दूर जाओ!
  [dūr jāo!]
• Call the Police!पुलिसलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [pulisalā'ī bolāunuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [ḍākṭaralā'ī bolāunuhos!]
• I'm lostम खोइएको छु
  [ma khoieko chu]
• I'm illम बिमार छु
  [ma bimār chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरिद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kharid garn cahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गर्ने छु
  [ma sīrjanā garne chu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveत्यो धेरै महँगो छ
  [tyo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाइले मूल्य न्यून गर्न सक्छिनुहुन्छ?
  [ke tapāile mūlya nyūn garn sakchhinuhunchha?]

• What time is it?कति बजे छ?
  [kati baje cha?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे छ
  [ek baje cha]
• Half past (10)दस बजे अर्ध बजे
  [das baje ardha baje]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihān]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diuṁso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sāṁjh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [āj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [du'ī]
• 3तीन
  [tīn]
• 4चार
  [cār]
• 5पाँच
  [pāṁc]
• 6छः
  [chhaḥ]
• 7सात
  [sāt]
• 8आठ
  [āṭh]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?यहाँ... कहाँ छ?
  [yahā'ī... kahā cha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के छ?
  [ṭhēgānā kē cha?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तपाइले मलाई देखाउन सक्छिनुहुन्छ?
  [kē tapāilē malā'ī dēkhā'un sakchhinuhunchha?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले आउँछ?
  [arkō (bas) kahilē āuṁcha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... मा)
  [ēk ti'kaṭ (.... mā)]

Bangalamukhi Temple is believed to date back to the 12th century, when it was established as a significant site for the worship of the goddess Bangalamukhi, one of the ten Mahavidyas in Hinduism. The temple's architecture reflects the typical Newari style, characterized by intricate wood carvings and stonework, showcasing the artistic prowess of the era.

The temple is a focal point for various local festivals, particularly during Dashain and Indra Jatra, where devotees gather to perform rituals and seek blessings. These celebrations are marked by vibrant processions, music, and traditional dances, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of Patan.

During the Malla period (12th to 18th century), Patan flourished as a cultural hub, and the Bangalamukhi Temple was patronized by the Malla kings. They contributed to its renovations and embellishments, further enhancing its status within the region. This period saw the integration of various artistic influences that shaped the temple’s design and surrounding architecture.

The devastating earthquake of 1934 caused significant damage to the Bangalamukhi Temple, along with many other historical structures in Patan. Restoration efforts initiated by the government and local communities aimed to preserve the temple's integrity, allowing it to remain a vital part of the neighborhood's religious and cultural landscape.

Today, Bangalamukhi Temple attracts both pilgrims and tourists, serving as a testament to the enduring spiritual practices in the region. Its historical importance and architectural beauty make it a focal point in Patan's rich cultural heritage, contributing to the city’s identity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bangalamukhi Temple is located in the heart of Patan, easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the Patan Durbar Square, you can reach the temple by walking for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, local taxis and rickshaws can be hired for a short ride. If coming from Kathmandu, take a microbus or taxi to Lagankhel and then a rickshaw to Bangalamukhi Temple, which is roughly a 10-minute ride.

Bangalamukhi Temple is best explored on foot due to its compact size. The neighborhood boasts a network of narrow alleys and streets that are pedestrian-friendly. Rickshaws are available for longer distances, and local taxis can be hired for trips to nearby attractions. Public buses are less common in this area, but they connect Patan with other parts of the Kathmandu Valley.

Bangalamukhi Temple is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to remain cautious, especially in crowded areas. Avoid displaying valuables and be mindful of pickpockets in busy markets. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay alert, particularly at night. Stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups when possible.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 101 for fire services in Nepal. For medical emergencies, visit the nearest hospital or clinic, such as the Patan Hospital. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available in the vicinity for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting the temple, covering shoulders and knees. Don’t wear revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices, such as removing shoes before entering the temple. Don't take photographs inside sacred spaces unless permitted. Public Transport: Do be courteous on public transport, offering seats to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink while using public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Don’t use overly casual greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it is prepared hygienically. Don’t drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Bangalamukhi Temple like a local, visit during early morning or late afternoon when the temple is less crowded. Engage with local worshippers and ask them about the temple's significance and rituals. Explore nearby shops that sell traditional handicrafts and local snacks. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding streets, especially during festivals when the area comes alive with music and celebrations.