Chilancho Bahal (Jagat Pal Mahavihar)

Chilancho Bahal, formally Jagat Pal Mahavihar, is a magnificent Buddhist stupa and monastery complex perched on the eastern hilltop of Kirtipur, about 10 km from central Kathmandu. In the Newar language, 'Chilan' means immortal and 'Cho' means hill — the 'Immortal God on the Hill'. Residents of Patan and Kathmandu know it as Kyapu Baha.

The stupa itself is attributed to Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire (3rd century BCE), referenced in Daniel Wright's historical chronicle of Nepal, though this legendary origin remains unverified. The complex was formally established as a Vajrayana Buddhist monastery in 1515 CE by Jagatpal Varma, a powerful figure during King Ratna Malla's reign who had previously resided at Pim Bahal in Patan.

The main chaitya rises approximately 9-10 meters on a quadrangular base, with smaller chaityas at all four corners — each sharing the same architectural style but in miniature. The white-plastered dome and gilded pinnacle are visible across Kirtipur. Foreign scholar H. Ambrose Oldfield praised it in his 'Sketches From Nepal' as 'one of the most perfect and valuable monuments of Buddhism in the whole valley.'

The sacred inner chamber (Agan-Chhen) houses a Buddha statue maintained by Vajracharya tantric priests. Surrounding deities include Vairochana, Achyovya, Padmapani Lokeshwara, four representations of Tara Devi, Ratna Sambhava, Amitabha, and Amogha Siddhi. Stone sculptures of Khadga Vir and Vajra Vir flank the entrance, and a historic bell dated to Nepal Era 876 hangs in the complex.

An annual festival is celebrated on Ashwin Purnima (the full moon in September-October). The site is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, reflecting the syncretic religious tradition of the Kathmandu Valley.