The Serene Splendor of Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal)

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeछिक्को बिदा
  [chikko bida]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत छ
  [kripya/swagat cha]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तपाईंलाई?
  [ramro cha. tapailai?]
• Do you speak English?तिमी अंग्रेजी बोल्छौ?
  [timi angreji bolchhau?]
• I don't understandम बुझ्न सक्दिन
  [ma bujhn sakdin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [kripya menu hern chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदिन
  [ma masu khandin]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [chears!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [kripya bhuktani garn chahanchu]

• Help!मदत गर्नुहोस्!
  [madat garnuhos!]
• Go away!धुँवा लाग्नुहोस्!
  [dhunva lagnuhos!]
• Call the Police!पुलिसलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [polis lai bulaunuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [daktar lai bulaunuhos!]
• I'm lostम गुमिएको छु
  [ma gumiye ko chu]
• I'm illम बिरामी छु
  [ma birami chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kharid garn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गरिरहेको छु
  [ma sirjana gari raheko 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?मात्रै मूल्य कम गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [matrai mulya kam garn saknuhunchha?]

• What time is it?अहिलेको समय कति बज्यो?
  [ahileko samay kati bajyo?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे भएको छ
  [ek baje bhaeko cha]
• Half past (10)(१०) को आधा बजे
  [(10) ko aadha baje]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sanh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पाँच
  [paanch]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दश
  [dash]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ छ?
  [... kahan cha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(नक्सा मा) देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [(naksaa ma) dekhaun saknuhunchha?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहाँ जान्छ?
  [arko (bas) kahan jancha?]
• A ticket (to ....)(.... सम्म) एक टिकट
  [(.... samma) ek ticket]

The Golden Temple, known as Kwa Bahal, was founded in the 12th century by King Jayasthiti Malla. This period marked a significant development of Buddhist architecture and culture in Patan, with the temple serving as a prominent monastery dedicated to the Newar community. The intricate wood carvings and elaborate stonework reflect the artistry of the time, showcasing the fusion of Hindu and Buddhist influences that characterize much of Nepal's history.

Patan's Golden Temple is a testament to the Newar community's rich cultural heritage. The Newars have played a pivotal role in the preservation and continuation of Buddhist traditions in the region. The temple complex is not only a place of worship but also a hub of social and cultural activity, where festivals like Biska Jatra and Buddha Jayanti are celebrated with great fervor, demonstrating the community's deep-rooted spiritual practices.

The Golden Temple is renowned for its stunning architecture, which combines elements of both Hindu and Buddhist styles. The three-story structure is adorned with intricate carvings, particularly of the deity Avalokiteshvara, who is central to the worship practices at the temple. The use of gold in the temple's decorations and the unique blend of materials exemplify the high level of craftsmanship achieved by artisans in Patan during the medieval period.

In the late 20th century, particularly after the devastating 2015 earthquake, significant restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve the Golden Temple's structural integrity and artistic value. These efforts highlight the temple's importance not just as a religious site but as a cultural landmark, reflecting the resilience of the Patan community in safeguarding their heritage against natural disasters and modern challenges.

Today, Kwa Bahal stands as a symbol of Patan's rich cultural tapestry. It attracts both pilgrims and tourists, serving as a site for meditation and reflection amidst the bustling urban environment. The temple continues to host rituals and ceremonies, ensuring that the traditions of the Newar people remain vibrant and connected to the past while also engaging with a global audience.

Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal) is located in the heart of Patan, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. From the Patan Durbar Square, it is a short 10-minute walk. You can also take a taxi or a local rickshaw, which are readily available. If you're coming from Kathmandu, take a microbus or taxi to Lagankhel, then catch a local rickshaw to the temple.

Golden Temple is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Local rickshaws are available for longer distances within Patan. Bicycles can also be rented from nearby shops, but be cautious of traffic. Public buses do not typically operate in this area, as it is more suited for local transport options.

Patan is generally safe for tourists, but as with any city, standard precautions are advisable. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in less crowded areas. While there are no specific high-crime zones in Golden Temple, petty thefts can occur in crowded places. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 101 for fire services. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is Patan Hospital, located a short distance away. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout Patan for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting the temple; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect religious practices; silence your phone and avoid taking photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do be courteous to locals; don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with 'Namaste' and a slight bow; don’t rush through interactions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food; don’t eat in public areas near the temple as it’s considered disrespectful.

To experience Golden Temple like a local, visit during the morning when the temple is less crowded and the morning prayers are taking place. Explore the side streets for local artisan shops and cafes, where you can enjoy traditional Newari food. Engage with local residents, who are often happy to share stories about the temple's history. Make sure to try the local specialty, 'Yomari,' a sweet dumpling, from nearby vendors.