Nag Bahal (Nagbahal)
नागबहाल
One of Patan's oldest Buddhist courtyards and the gathering site for the Samyak Mahadan festival, where all Dipankara Buddha images from across Patan are assembled.
Dedicated To
Dipankara Buddha
Period
Ancient (exact date unknown)
Hours
Open courtyard (accessible anytime)
Entry Fee
Free
Neighborhood
Nagbahal, south of Patan Durbar Square
Location
Lalitpur, Bagmati
Visiting Etiquette
Walk clockwise around chaityas. Be respectful of residents — this is a living neighborhood. Photography generally allowed in open courtyard.
Nag Bahal is one of the oldest Buddhist courtyards in Patan, located south of Durbar Square in the heart of the ancient city. While the original monastery buildings have been lost to time, the large open courtyard remains a vital center of Newar Buddhist community life.
The bahal's greatest significance lies in its role as the host of the Samyak Mahadan festival, held once every five years. During this extraordinary event, all images of Dipankara Buddha from bahals across Patan are assembled in this square to receive offerings — making it the single most important gathering site for Newar Buddhism in Lalitpur.
The courtyard contains ancient chaityas and stone sculptures dating back centuries, surrounded by traditional Newari residential buildings that preserve the intimate urban fabric of old Patan. The space functions as both a sacred site and a community gathering place, embodying the Newar tradition of integrating spiritual and civic life.
Nag Bahal offers a quieter, more authentic experience compared to the busier tourist sites, giving visitors a glimpse into the living Buddhist traditions that continue to shape daily life in Patan.