Kathmandu - Tindeval Mandir

The courtyard of the Tindeval Mandir boasts a varied collection of sculptures ranging from Shiva with his trident to the Buddhist vajra. The temple itself is a shikhara with three towers, a rarity in Nepal. The base is decorated with terracotta reliefs incorporating various symbols, including nagas. On the Bagmati side of the temple, nearest the ghats, are a number of smaller shrines.

The huge scale of the complex reflects its former importance and wealth. Around the steps leading down to the Bagmati cluster a vast assortment of sculptures of differing periods. A Brahmin residing with his family in the courtyard of the nearby pagoda happily provides information about the gods to anyone interested. Despite some excellent wood-carvings the tall pagoda is in wretched condition; one wing of the courtyard has already had to be demolished.