Rato Machindranath Temple | Lalitpur

The Rato Machindranath Temple (also known as the Temple of Bunga: Dyaa) is a significant 16th-century religious structure located in Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal. It is dedicated to the deity Rato Machindranath, revered as the God of Rain and Harvest by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Visual Characteristics

The temple is a three-tiered Newari-style pagoda set within a large, open courtyard known as Ta Baha. It features a whitewashed base and intricate wooden carvings on its struts and doors. A notable visual feature is the collection of metal animal figures-including a peacock, horse, buffalo, and lion-mounted on pillars in front of the temple, each housed in protective iron cages. The roof struts are uniquely decorated with vivid, often grim, depictions of figures in various states of "hell" or suffering, representing the deity's power to rescue souls from such fates.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Ta Baha, South Patan (approximately 400m south of Patan Durbar Square).

Access: Located down a short alleyway marked by a white-columned gateway on the main street. It is a 10-minute walk from the central Durbar Square.

Entry: Free admission to the courtyard.

Connectivity: 4G/LTE signals are stable in the open courtyard area.

Historical & Cultural Significance

Dual Residence: The deity has two primary homes. The red-faced idol stays in the Patan temple for six months and is moved to the village of Bungamati (its birthplace) for the other six months of the year.

Syncretism: Buddhists worship the deity as Padmapani Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), while Hindus revere him as a manifestation of Shiva or a legendary yogi.

Origins: Built in its current form in 1673, the site has been a center of worship since the 15th century. Legend states the deity was brought from Assam, India, by King Narendra Dev to end a 12-year drought.

The Rato Machindranath Jatra (Chariot Festival)

The temple is the focal point of the longest chariot festival in Nepal, occurring annually between April and June.

Chariot Construction: A massive 60-foot (18-meter) wooden chariot is built at Pulchowk.

Procession: The idol is installed in the chariot and pulled through the streets of Patan over several weeks.

Bhoto Jatra: The festival culminates at Jawalakhel with the public display of a jewel-studded black vest (bhoto), a tradition attended by the Head of State.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restoration: The temple was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake but has been largely restored.

Environment: The Ta Baha courtyard is a peaceful, less-crowded alternative to the main Durbar Square, often used by locals for community gatherings.

Shade: The wide courtyard is mostly open-air, but the temple porches and peripheral rest houses (patis) provide shade.

Nearby Landmarks

Minnath Temple: Directly across the road from the alley entrance.

Patan Durbar Square: 0.4km North.

Uku Bahal: 0.3km East.

Sundhara (Golden Water Spout): 0.4km North.