Image title: West wing (facing Durbar square)

Top-left: The restored image of Hanuman on the ridge was originally donated by King Bupatindra [Bhupatindra] Malla of Bhaktapur [Bhaktapura]. According to legend it was a malicious gift in disguise, actually being an icon of Saturn who is believed to be the source of bad fortune.

Top-right: One corner pavilion before (in 1983) and after reconstruction. Following severe damage in the earthquake of 1934, the two pavilions and the top floor gallery linking them had been repaired with little regard to their previous form. In 1987 they were reconstructed to their original design with the help of historic photographs. Also, the large factory produced roof tiles were replaced with the handcrafted and much smaller traditional tiles, and the bell was again installed in its previous position.

Middle: Front elevation showing the reconstruction of 1987.

Bottom-left: The only new feature added to this elevation is a pair of bronze plaques flanking the gate. They were made in the traditional "lost wax casting process.

Bottom-left: Lost in the 1934 earthquake, the wooden benches in front of the palace have been reconstructed, providing a welcome resting place for the elders of the local community.

Bottom-right: Details of the copper-clad "Golden Door" before and after restoration which included regilding

Bottom-right: Once every year, a square copper vessel is placed in front of the gate containing an image of Akshobhya Buddha immersed in water. For a whole month, this Buddha is worshipped in a public ritual recalling the ancient sanctity of this site, once a monastery at the edge of a stream.

Gallery information:

The Patan Museum is located on the Durbar square of Patan (Lalitpur/Lalitapura, Kathmandu, Nepal) which is associated Keshav Narayan Chowk (Keshavnarayan)—a form of Lord Vishnu. Being listed as a World Heritage Site, the whole of Durbar square is filled with exquisite temples, sculptures and other ancient structures, of which the ancient history history can be traced to the Malla Kings of Lalitpur. It is an important site for both Buddhism and Hinduism.