Krishna Mandir (Patan)

Located in the Patan Durbar Square of Lalitpur, Krishna Mandir is an excellent example of Nepalese architecture and stone carving. Built in 1694 BS (1637 AD) by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, this temple is built in the Shikhara style.

Architecture and Features

This temple is built entirely of stone and there are a total of 21 golden pinnacles (gajur) in its design. The temple has three floors and there are idols of different gods on each floor, which reflects religious tolerance:

• First Floor: Idols of Lord Shri Krishna and Radha (scenes from the Mahabharata are carved here).
• Second Floor: Lord Shiva (major events of the Ramayana are carved here).
• Third Floor: Lord Buddha (Lokeshvara).

A statue of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is established on a tall pillar in front of the temple.

History

According to folklore, King Siddhi Narsingh Malla saw Lord Shri Krishna and Radha standing in front of the palace in a dream one night. He had this grand temple built exactly at that spot. Stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are very finely carved on the walls of the temple in stone, which is also called 'an epic written in stone'.

Krishna Janmashtami and Worship Method

Krishna Janmashtami is the largest festival of this temple. On this day, special worship and prayer start from midnight.

• Worship Method: Devotees fast, perform Bhajan-Kirtan, and perform Panchamrit Abhishekh on the idol of Lord Krishna.
• Fair: Thousands of devotees from all over the country come for darshan and the Patan area becomes festive.

Travel Guide: How to Reach

• By Taxi: A 20–30 minute ride from central Kathmandu or Thamel.
• By Public Transport: Take a bus or microbus from Ratna Park (Kathmandu) to Lagankhel or Mangal Bazaar. From Lagankhel, it is a 10-minute walk to the temple.
• On Foot: If you are staying in the Patan or Jawalakhel area, the temple is easily accessible by walking through the historic narrow streets of Lalitpur.

Best Time to Visit

• Autumn (September to November) & Spring (March to May): These seasons offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing.
• Time of Day: Early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) is the best time to witness local devotees performing rituals. Late afternoon offers beautiful lighting for the stone architecture.
• Krishna Janmashtami (August/September): The most vibrant time to visit, although the temple and surrounding square will be extremely crowded.

Visitor Information & Tips

• Entry Fee: To access the temple area, you must purchase a Patan Durbar Square entry ticket (NPR 1,000 for foreign nationals; NPR 250 for SAARC citizens).
• Access: While everyone can admire the exterior and the stone carvings from the square, non-Hindus are generally not permitted to enter the inner sanctum on the upper floors.
• Dress Code: Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect.
• Photography: Photography is permitted in the square and the outer areas of the temple, but avoid taking photos of worshippers during their prayers.
• Architecture Details: Look closely at the stone friezes; the first-floor beams depict scenes from the Mahabharata, while the second floor features scenes from the Ramayana.