Rato Machhindranath - Temple

is worshipped as the god of rain. Rato Machhindranath was also revered by medieval kings in the Kathmandu Valley as the guardian deity of Kathmandu Valley. Legend has it that it was brought from Assam, by a farmer to Lalitpur in Nepal to prevent a drought during the rice season.

It is known as Bundyo to Newars, the locals of the Kathmandu valley. Rato Machhindranath is also known by the names such as Lokeswor, Avalokiteswor, Aryavalokotiswor and Karunamaya.

The name “Rato Machhindranath” literally translates into “Red Fish God”. Rato means Red and Machhindranath can be broken down into two words “Machhindra or Matsyendra” which means Fish and Nath means God. The temple of Rato Machchhindranath lies in the southern part of the Patan Durbar Square since 1673.

The Rato Machhendranath temple is one of the oldest temples of Patan , Nepal. Rato Machhendranath temple is also known as Patan temple. This temple of Rato Machhendranath dates back from the 16th century.. Each of the four well crafted wooden doors of this temple is guarded by two lion figures while the four corners of the temple are guarded by Khyah, a Yeti-like demonic figure.

The village of Bungamati, regarded as the birthplace of Machchhindranath, is a traditional Newar town located 10 km from downtown Kathmandu. The temple of Rato Machchhindranath is located in the heart of this village and it is known as his second home. It is a well crafted shikhara styled temple. After the chariot festival, Rato Machchhindranath spends the next six month in this temple.