Patan - Vishwanath Mandir

The two-tiered Vishwanath Mandir, dating from 1626, is dedicated to Shiva "the Lord of All Being"; images of the god adorn the toranas above the columns. The beautifully carved roof struts depict Surya, Ganesh, Annapurna, Shiva again, and Parvati. Shiva's bearer, the bull Nandi, guards the temple entrance on the west side. The east façade overlooking the main thoroughfare is however the most decorative. Two elephants, whose riders have been identified as Siddhi Narasimha and his wife, flank the steps.