In Patan, near the famous Durbar Square, tucked away from the bustling streets, is the Yempi Mahabir temple. While it is not too visited, it is the site in Nepal from where Guru established the root of the Vajrayana tradition.

Known as Bayul Eyi Tsuglakhang in Dzongkha, it is celebrated through a terma discovered by Ugyen Lingpa that goes:

“The Great One of Uddiyana spent three months in Nepal ༔ vastly benefiting the people of that land. ༔
Among them was Vasudhara, the Newar. ༔
After this, he hid treasures in the Temple of É.”(Revealed by Orgyen Lingpa)

THE BACKGROUND.

Guru Padmasambhava’s connection to this place is similar to the one in Bumthang Kurjey.

The Newar yogi king, Shilamanju, was in distress, as some evil spirits had kidnapped Shilamanju’s daughter, Kunla Kunsashi. The entire royal family supplicated upon their master to help them.

Having arrived here and entered the realm of spirits to retrieve the Newar princess, the site eventually became the first site of the Vajrayana teachings to the Newars – who all converted to Vajrayana Buddhism.

Guru’s Activity Seat

This place became the main seat of Guru in Kathmandu valley, and it is believed he lived here for many years – meeting with many siddhas and lay people. Over time, É Vihara became the springboard for tantric teachings as it expanded to the North. At one point, the place saw a streams of teachers, yogis, siddhas, as did skilled artisans.

According to the Tibetan sources, this is the place where the Tibetan minister, Nanam Dorje Dudjom (who later became one of the eight main disciples) met Guru and extended the invitation sent by King Trisong Detsen.

A sacred relic of this temple is the statue of Buddha Amitabha, from whose heart Guru is supposed to have emanated.

BARCHEL LAMSEL

the complex, the late Jadrel Rimpoche has renovated one section and built a rare Barchel Lamsel altar with all the manifestations of Guru that appear in Barchel Lamsel prayer.

You should take the opportunity to sit down and complete reciting the mantra.

GETTING THERE.

Patan is easily reached within Kathmandu by taxi. Depending on traffic, it takes 30-45 minutes to drive to the main gate from Boudha Stupa. It is near the most recognizable landmarks in Patan is the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple).

Location.

Yempi Mahabir is located in Patan.