
The
most remarkable feature of the town of Patan is its four Ashoka Stupas
that are testimony to an ancient architectural tradition. The historians
have agreed that these Stupas might have been erected in connection with
the foundation of Patan towards the end of the 4th century AD. Because
of its circular base and hemispherical dome it can be safely said that
these Stupas have not been constructed in accordance with the Buddhist
architecture.
LAGAN THURA - SOUTHERN STUPA
Among the four Stupas of Patan, the southern mound is known as Lagan
Khel Stupa or Lagan Thura Stupa. It is the largest among the four,
measuring 47.40 meters in diameter and 11.80 meters in height. The mound
is crowned by a recent structure, a miniature cenotaph added on the top.
The shrines of Tathagatas were presumable added in 1878; even as others
were added to the eastern mound in 1846.An inscription tell us that on
the western Stupa the Tathagatas were already in place by 1455.
TETA THURA - EASTERN STUPA
This Stupa is located about 200 meters east of Tyagal Tole of Patan
near the Eastern ring road. This Stupa is comparatively bigger than the
other two Stupas in perimeter. The perimeter of this Stupa is 75.83
meters and height 10.4 meters. It has fire Vedica of height 1.6 meters
with one Tathagata in each direction. The dome of 4.5m in height is
paved with firebricks. A square shaped Harmika enshrines the dome. No
pre 18th century inscription can be found on the structure. There are
three stone inscriptions led in the Vedika. Two inscriptions are
completely damaged and not legible and the one inscription left by the
Tathagata Ratnasambhava is hardly readable.
PUCHO THURA - WESTERN STUPA
This Stupa is located just at the roadside of Pul Chowk Bus stand on
the west end of Patan. The perimeter of this Stupa is 75.52 meters and
height 12 meters. It has firebrick Vedika of height 1.2 meters with one
Tathagata in each direction. The dome that is 6.5 meters tall is too
paved by firebrick. It has no Harmika. The thirteen rings Cakravalis are
constructed directly over the dome in square shaped pyramid structure. A
Yasti is placed is on the top of the spire with a parasol.
IBAHI THURA - NORTHERN STUPA
This Stupa is comparatively more complex and smaller than other three
Stupas. This is similar in structure of Svayambhu Mahacaitya in
Kathmandu. It is nearly circular and has a perimeter of 60.62 meters. It
has five Buddha in the Vedika with their consorts except the Tathagata
Vairocana. It has a Vedika of 1.5 meters and dome of 5.5 meters in
height. A square Harmika is constructed over the dome with 13 steps
Cakravali and a parasol.