Tom Bahal (Aadipadma Mahavihar)

Tom Bahal, formally Aadipadma Mahavihar, is considered the oldest Buddhist monastery in Bhaktapur, earning the title 'Jetho Vihar' (eldest monastery). Also known as Tombaha or Tungbaha in the Rajbamsawali chronicles, the monastery is located in Suryamadhi Tole, southeast of the Suryamadhi Dabali performance platform in the Taulachhen quarter.

The monastery's principal deity is a Lokeshwara (Avalokiteshvara) image, housed alongside a stupa in the central shrine. But Tom Bahal's greatest significance lies in its ceremonial role — it serves as the starting point for both the Panchara (Pancha Dan) five-gift ritual and the grand Samyak Mahadan festival, two of the most important communal Buddhist ceremonies in Bhaktapur.

During the Mohani (Dashain) festival, a Kumari (living goddess) is established at Tom Bahal, connecting this Buddhist monastery to one of Nepal's most distinctive religious traditions. This blend of Buddhist monastic practice with Kumari worship exemplifies the complex layering of religious traditions in Newar culture.

Despite being the senior monastery of Bhaktapur, Tom Bahal remains largely unknown to the general public and international visitors, offering an authentic glimpse into the living Buddhist heritage that runs parallel to Bhaktapur's better-known Hindu temple culture.