Bahal · Buddhist
Yachu Bahal (Baladhara Gupta Mahavihar)
बलधर गुप्त महाविहार❊याचुबहाः
Shakyamuni Buddha·Medieval Malla period·Lalitpur
Baladhara Gupta Mahavihar (Yachu Bahal) is one of the 18 traditional bahals of Patan, a quiet Buddhist monastery courtyard in the old city.
Dedicated to
Shakyamuni Buddha
Period
Medieval Malla period
Hours
Dawn to dusk
Admission
Free
Neighborhood
Patan Old City
Yachu Bahal, formally Baladhara Gupta Mahavihar, is one of the traditional 18 principal bahals of Patan. The 'Gupta' (hidden/secret) in its formal name is fitting — like many Patan bahals, it reveals itself only to those who seek it out through the labyrinthine lanes of the old city.
The monastery follows the classic Newar vihara plan with an enclosed courtyard, central shrine, and surrounding residential quarters. The sangha of Bajracharya and Shakya families continues to maintain the bahal and observe Vajrayana Buddhist ceremonies passed down through generations.
The courtyard contains traditional Buddhist sculptures and ritual objects, preserving the artistic and spiritual heritage that makes Patan's bahals collectively one of the most significant living Buddhist traditions in South Asia.
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.
Mahabouddha Temple (Temple of a Thousand Buddhas)
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.
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.
Bhinche Bahal (Mayurvarna Mahavihar)
One of the 18 principal mahavihars of Patan, the 'Peacock-colored Monastery' is a well-preserved example of the traditional bahal pilgrimage circuit.
Rudravarna Mahavihar (Okubahal)
An ancient 6th-century Newar Buddhist monastery in Patan with three interconnected courtyards, renowned for its exquisite stone and metal sculptures.
Coda
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