Kathmandu - Yetkha Bahal

Houses, some new among many more traditional, encircle the spacious courtyard of the Yetkha Bahal or Bhaskarakirti Vihara. A large stupa occupies the center of the court. Over the entrance to the bahal's interesting shrine is a 12th c. carved wooden torana, showing seven people with Buddha preaching in their midst. The Himalayas are symbolized in a manner typical of early iconography by large rocks above the figures. Lower down are two inward-facing makaras. Note the splendidly carved window frames on the floor above. The magnificently carved wooden roof struts, reminiscent of the Yaksini struts in the Itum Bahal, have recently had to be removed for safety reasons.