Ashoka Stupas | Lalitpur

The Ashoka Stupas of Patan (Lalitpur) are a set of four ancient Buddhist monuments marking the four cardinal corners of the historic city. According to local tradition and historical chronicles, they were commissioned by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to the Kathmandu Valley in the 3rd century BCE.

Visual Characteristics

Unlike the high-domed, whitewashed Shikhara or Pagoda styles found elsewhere in Nepal, these stupas are hemispherical mounds (tumuli) of earth and brick. They represent the earliest form of Buddhist architecture. Most are covered in grass or moss, giving them a distinct green, organic appearance, topped with a small square stone structure (harmika) and a modest pinnacle.

The Four Cardinal Stupas

Each stupa is located at a traditional entrance point to the ancient city of Patan:

North Stupa (Zampi Tura): Located near the Kumbheshwor Temple. It is the most developed of the four, featuring a concrete casing and a more defined structure.

East Stupa (Teta Tura): Located near the Ring Road at Imadol. It is a large, grass-covered mound featuring several smaller shrines and a modern gate.

South Stupa (Lagankhel Tura): Situated in the busy Lagankhel area. It is the largest of the four and remains a simple, grass-mantled earthen mound.

West Stupa (Pulchowk Tura): Located on a hillock in Pulchowk. It is well-maintained and serves as a prominent landmark for those entering Patan from the west.

Architectural Style & Materials

Style: Early Buddhist Stupa (Mauryan influence).

Construction: Primarily compacted earth and unbaked bricks.

Components: * Anda: The semi-circular mound representing the universe.

Harmika: The square pedestal on top representing the residence of the gods.

Vedika: Low stone or brick walls surrounding the base for circumambulation.

Historical & Archaeological Significance

While Emperor Ashoka's direct involvement is debated by some historians, the stupas are undeniably ancient, likely dating to the Licchavi period or earlier. They predate the more famous Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas in their original forms. They serve as physical markers of Patan’s history as a "Buddhist city" designed in the shape of the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law).

Access & Logistics

Location: Scattered across Patan. The West and North stupas are the most accessible for tourists.

Entry: No entry fees; they are located in public spaces or open courtyards.

Transport: The West Stupa is a 15-minute walk from Patan Durbar Square; the North Stupa is a 10-minute walk.

Connectivity: 4G/LTE signal is stable at all four sites.

Nearby Landmarks

West Stupa: Near Labim Mall and the UN House.

North Stupa: Near Kumbheshwor Temple and Banglamukhi.

South Stupa: Near the Lagankhel Bus Park and Patan Hospital.

East Stupa: Near the Gwarko intersection.