Patan - Bhimche Bahal

The Bhimche Bahal or Mayuravarna Mahavihara is located a minute or two's walk north-east from the Sundhara (Golden Fountain). The monastery is said to have been founded by a monk who stayed true to his Buddhist faith at a time when Hinduism was fast displacing it. Fleeing persecution he took refuge south of the Bagmati, building the bahal on a spot to which a peacock led him.

A Chinese moon gate gives access to the monastery on the north side, the entrance to the courtyard being south of the gate near a fountain and a small shrine to Ganesh. The heart of the spacious, well-maintained complex is a three-tiered pagoda, built in 1939, containing a religious symbol of Aksobhya. Beyond the temple are two smaller shrines, the more