Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: The Golden Jewel of Patan

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeफेरि भेटौं
  [pheri bhetau]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तिमीलाई?
  [ramro cha. timilai?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईंले अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [tapailai angreji bolnuhuncha?]
• I don't understandमैले सम्झिन
  [maile samjhin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya menu hernu chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु हान्दिन
  [ma masu handin]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया तिर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya tirna chahanchu]

• Help!मद्दत!
  [maddat!]
• Go away!दूर जानुहोस्!
  [dur januhos!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [praharilai bolaunuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [daktarlai bolaunuhos!]
• I'm lostम खोइयो
  [ma khoiyo]
• I'm illम बिरामी छु
  [ma birami chu]

• I'd like to buy...म किन्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kinn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम केवल हेरिरहेको छु
  [ma keval herirahko chu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [yo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मुल्य हाल्न सक्छ?
  [ke tapailai mulya haln sakcha?]

• What time is it?कति बजे भयो?
  [kati baje bhayo?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे भयो
  [ek baje bhayo]
• Half past (10)दसबजे देखि आधा
  [dasbaje dekhi aadha]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sanh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोली
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [paanch]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ छ...?
  [kaha chha...?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?तपाईंले मलाई (नक्सामा) देखाउन सक्छ?
  [tapailai malai (naksama) dekhaun sakcha?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) को हो?
  [arko (bas) ko ho?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....सम्म)
  [ek ticket (....samma)]

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, also known as the Golden Temple, was founded in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Varma. It served as a significant Buddhist monastery and is renowned for its exquisite architectural style, showcasing the rich Newar craftsmanship that characterizes Patan. The temple is dedicated to the deity Ajima and is a central part of the spiritual life in the region.

The temple features an intricate design that incorporates elements of both Buddhist and Hindu architecture, reflecting the syncretic culture of Patan. The use of gold and elaborate carvings in the structure is a testament to the artistic achievements of the Newar artisans. The temple's three-tiered structure is adorned with intricate woodwork and metalwork, which are pivotal to understanding the region's artistic heritage.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar has been a vital cultural hub for centuries, hosting numerous festivals and rituals that celebrate both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The temple serves as a gathering place for devotees and plays a crucial role in the community's spiritual life. Events such as the annual festival of Buddha Jayanti draw visitors from across the region, highlighting the temple's significance in the cultural landscape of Patan.

Throughout its history, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar has faced various challenges, including the 1934 Nepal earthquake, which caused significant damage to many structures in Patan. However, the temple was restored, preserving its historical and cultural integrity. This resilience mirrors the broader story of Patan, a city that has withstood natural disasters while maintaining its rich heritage.

In 1979, the historic city of Patan, including Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition has helped to promote the preservation of the temple and the surrounding area, drawing attention to the unique architectural and cultural significance of Patan as a center of Nepalese history and artistry.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, also known as the Golden Temple, is situated in the heart of Patan. If you're coming from Kathmandu, you can take a microbus or taxi, which typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Within Patan, you can walk to the temple from the Patan Durbar Square area, which is about 10 minutes away on foot. Local rickshaws are also available for short distances.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is located in a pedestrian-friendly area, making it easy to explore on foot. Bicycles can be rented from various shops in Patan. There are no trains in the immediate vicinity, but local buses connect to other parts of the city. Utilize taxis or rickshaws for longer distances or to navigate the narrow streets.

Patan is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to remain vigilant in crowded areas and when using public transport. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas. While there are no specific high-crime zones targeting tourists in Patan, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial the local emergency number 100 for police assistance or 101 for fire services. For medical emergencies, visit the nearest hospital, such as Patan Hospital, which provides 24-hour services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove your shoes before entering the temple. Public Transport: Do give your seat to the elderly and disabled. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod. Avoid using overly casual greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local snacks from street vendors. Don't refuse food that is offered to you, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hiranya Varna Mahavihar like a local, consider visiting during a festival or religious ceremony to witness traditional practices. Try to engage with the local community; many residents are eager to share stories about the temple's history and significance. Explore nearby artisan shops for handmade crafts and take time to taste the local delicacies at nearby eateries.