Kathmandu - Matsyendranath Mandir 
Between Indra Chowk and Asan Tol a column on which two statues of Buddha sit back to back marks the entrance to the Jana Bahal, abode of the White (Shveta) Matsyendranath. Near the column a mandala (magic diagram) has been worked into the pavement. The shrine was set up by Gunakama Deva, thereby bringing the cult of Matsyendranath to Kathmandu from Patan, though in a slightly altered form.
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The White Matsyendranath is an aspect of Padmapani Lokeshvara. His shrine was originally in Jamal but was moved to the Jana Bahal in the 15th c. at the time of Yaksha Malla. The bahal was restored in the 17th c.
Related Attractions
Main Temple
A wrought-iron grill with floral decoration separates the courtyard from the two-storied main temple, the roof struts of which are carved with various multi-limbed forms of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. At first floor level there is a framed painting of the 108 aspects of the deity. Gilded embossed copper-work (halampo) hangs in traditional fashion from each copper-gilt roof. Only the white doll-like face of the deity is visible, all else being swathed in the Bodhisattva's magnificent clothing and jewelry. At his side are two Taras, the White Tara and the Green.
Temple Courtyard
The buildings on the south side of the courtyard were destroyed by fire in 1917 and replaced by others in the Rana style. Old and new unfortunately fail to blend. The courtyard presents a pageant of everyday life - children playing games, beggars, and Newari Buddhist priests engaged in their rituals. Bhajans in honor of the deity are sung morning and evening (at about 9pm) under the portal.
Votive Stupas
The courtyard contains a collection of sculptures and 31 votive stupas, of which the Kanaka Chaitya, standing directly in front of the temple entrance, is the earliest. Constant washing with lime has left the stupa uniformly white, but its shape suggests it dates from the Licchavi period. Below the sculptures is a statue of a female figure incorporating an oil lamp which is strikingly similar to a Greek nymph.
