Bahal · Buddhist
Mahabouddha Temple (Temple of a Thousand Buddhas)
महाबुद्ध मन्दिर
Shakyamuni Buddha·Built 1585 CE (rebuilt after 1934 earthquake)·Lalitpur
A unique shikhara-style tower entirely covered in terracotta tiles, each bearing a hand-carved image of Buddha, modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.
Dedicated to
Shakyamuni Buddha
Period
Built 1585 CE (rebuilt after 1934 earthquake)
Hours
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission
Local 50 · USD 1
Neighborhood
Mahabouddha Tole, Patan
Mahabouddha Temple, also known as the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas, is one of Nepal's most architecturally unique sacred structures. Located in a narrow courtyard southeast of Patan Durbar Square, this shikhara-style tower is entirely covered in terracotta tiles, each bearing a hand-carved image of the Buddha — over 1,000 in total.
Built in 1585 by priest Abhaya Raj after a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya, the temple is modeled after the famous Mahabodhi Temple in India. This Indian-influenced architectural style is extremely rare in the Kathmandu Valley, where pagoda-style temples dominate.
The temple was severely damaged in the 1934 earthquake and painstakingly rebuilt. Surplus terracotta bricks from the reconstruction were used to build a smaller second shrine dedicated to Maya Devi, the mother of the Buddha, in the same courtyard.
The surrounding neighborhood is famous for its metalworking tradition, and the narrow lanes leading to the temple are lined with workshops producing bronze and brass statues using traditional lost-wax casting techniques.
Best visited in autumn.autumn: best, 10°C to 27°C. Best light on the 9,000 terracotta Buddha tiles. Clear skies and comfortable temperature for Patan exploration. monsoon: possible, 20°C to 30°C. The narrow courtyard stays relatively dry. Terracotta tiles glisten in the rain. A hidden gem even in wet weather. spring: good, 12°C to 30°C. Warm weather. The terracotta Buddha tiles catch afternoon sun beautifully. Combine with nearby Golden Temple. winter: good, 2°C to 20°C. Low sun angle illuminates the intricate terracotta details. Cool but pleasant for a short visit.
The Almanac
The narrow courtyard stays relatively dry. Terracotta tiles glisten in the rain. A hidden gem even in wet weather.
Folio III
Nearby Sacred Sites
Places within a short walk that help turn this stop into a small sacred cluster.
Guji Bahal (Vaishravarna Mahavihar)
One of the 18 principal mahavihars of Patan, named after Vaishravana (Kubera), the Buddhist guardian king of the north and deity of wealth.
Rudravarna Mahavihar (Okubahal)
An ancient 6th-century Newar Buddhist monastery in Patan with three interconnected courtyards, renowned for its exquisite stone and metal sculptures.
Yachu Bahal (Baladhara Gupta Mahavihar)
Baladhara Gupta Mahavihar (Yachu Bahal) is one of the 18 traditional bahals of Patan, a quiet Buddhist monastery courtyard in the old city.
Ta Bahal (Dharma Kirti Mahavihar)
Dharma Kirti Mahavihar (Ta Bahal) is one of Patan's 18 principal bahals — the 'Monastery of Dharma's Glory', preserving Newar Buddhist traditions.
Tanga Bahal (Jestha Varna Mahavihar)
One of Patan's oldest and most principal vihars, located opposite the Rato Machhindranath Temple's monastery near Mangal Bazaar.
Coda
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