Maha Vishnu
The Maha Vishnu temple stands on a four-stage platform. The temple is constructed in traditional pagoda style with two roofs. Unlike other temples of the Durbar Square, the Maha Vishnu temple has plain struts and doors with no carving. But, the finial – a golden kalash with a golden umbrella on top – is exquisite.
Presently, a new icon has been installed in the temple. The icon of Maha Vishnu previously installed here is a golden image of Baikuntha with his consort goddess Lakshmi. Mahavishnu is also known as Baikuntha who is much popular among the Buddhists as well as Hindus. Due to security concerns, the old icon has been moved to Nasal Chowk inside the Hanuman Dhoka Museum area.
From old records and artifacts, historians surmise that the Maha Vishnu temple was built by eighteenth century King Jagajjaya Malla in memory of his dead son Rajendra Malla. The temple was destroyed during the catastrophic earthquake of 1934 and reconstructed thereafter.
Presently, a new icon has been installed in the temple. The icon of Maha Vishnu previously installed here is a golden image of Baikuntha with his consort goddess Lakshmi. Mahavishnu is also known as Baikuntha who is much popular among the Buddhists as well as Hindus. Due to security concerns, the old icon has been moved to Nasal Chowk inside the Hanuman Dhoka Museum area.
From old records and artifacts, historians surmise that the Maha Vishnu temple was built by eighteenth century King Jagajjaya Malla in memory of his dead son Rajendra Malla. The temple was destroyed during the catastrophic earthquake of 1934 and reconstructed thereafter.