Mahabuddha Temple in Lalitpur

Let’s Imagine a temple that looks like a giant wedding cake made of clay. Imagine every single brick has a tiny Buddha face on it. Could you Imagine? Yes, you can and have witness in Patan Lalitpur. If you could not find then you can ask the local people as Mahabouddha Temple.

History of Mahabuddha Temple

Mahabuddha Temple is one of the oldest and first Newar Buddhist temple in Okubahal of Lalitpur district. Among the 36 Temple listed of Patan Durbar square, Mahabuddha temple is the one.The temple is also known as the temple of thousand Buddha’s, build by the coin maker. Some people called this temple as Mahabaudha temple too. With the 3 generation effort, the temple was made of Teraracota bricks with the fine statues and carving. Started to build in 1564A.D and completed in 1600 A.D in Shikhara style. The Priest Abhaya Raj Shakya was inspired and emulate to build this temple after visiting Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, India.

Though the Priest Abhaya Shakya started to build this temple, he was not able to see the completion of this temple. He died before completing the temple. And the temple was completed by his descendants labored in 1601 A.D. The late King Siva Simha Malla was the witnessed of Mahabuddha Temple. He conquered lalitpur patan in 1597 A.D. and ruled both Kathmandu and Lalitpur together until his death in 1619 A.D.

Exact Location

The location of this temple is little bit hard to find because we cannot find any location board on the way. But when you reached Okubahal and can asked the local people about it. You can asked the local as a Mahaboudha temple too if they don’t understand Mahabuddha Temple.

Is there a 1000 Buddhas?

Renowned as a temple of Thousand Buddhas, you can see the decorative fine Buddha statues carving everywhere. Some people says, there is 999 Buddha instead of thousand Buddha. With the different carving of thousand Buddha, the temple looks more attractive.

Is it worth to visit?

The temple is very worth it to visit and learn about the history. This temple area is very peaceful where you can refresh your mind.

Entry fee of Mahabuddha Temple

Actually there is no any actual entry free for visiting this temple but you can find the donation box. You can donate as your wish for the preservation of old monuments.

Opening Hours of Temple

In Nepal, mostly temples are open in early morning to late evening. So, it is easy to visit according to your suitable time.

Most highlighted things of this Temple

• 450 years old temple
• First Buddha temple in 3^rd century
• Temple of thousand Buddha’s
• 36 years to build this temple
• Made of terracotta bricks
• Shikhar style as Mahabodhi temple of Bodhgaya, India
• Took 3 generation effort to complete
• Open most of the hours
• Preserve by the Mahabuddha temple committe.

Important Tips before visiting

In every Hindu or Buddhist temple, they have their own rules.

• Always visit clockwise
• No photography of inside temple
• Always open your shoes if you are allowed to entry inside the temple or monastery

Do and don’ts in temple periphery

DO

1. Always take permission before taking the pictures.
2. Round clockwise in Temple and Stupa.
3. Dress simple (If possible cover shoulders and knees).
4. Remove your shoes before entering if necessary.
5. Maintain peace and speak softly.
6. Follow signs and instructions from temple staff.
7. Wash your hands or feet if the temple has a purification area.
8. Respect worshippers who are praying.
9. Offer donations or offerings only in designated places.

DONT’S

1. Do not wear revealing or inappropriate clothing.
2. Do not touch sacred objects, idols, or altars unless permitted.
3. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum inside sacred areas unless allowed.
4. Do not use loud phones, music, or disruptive behavior.
5. Do not point your feet toward sacred objects in traditions where this is considered disrespectful.
6. Do not enter restricted areas reserved for priests or temple staff.
7. Do not litter.
8. Do not take photos where photography is prohibited.
9. If you’re visiting a specific temple, such as a Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, or other temple, I can provide customs specific to that tradition.

Is it damage in earthquake?

The temple was destroy in 1934 A.D. by the Nepal- India earthquake. And rebuild it with the donation and the help of the Mahabuddha committee. Again the temple destroy by the earthquake in 2015 April 25^th. With the help of Mahabuddha Temple Renovation Committee team, the temple was rebuild in the same design.