Rato Machhendranath temple, Patan

The Rato Machhendranath Temple is located to the south of Patan Durbar Square. it lies inside the courtyard of Ta Bahal. The main deity is Rato Machhendranath( god of rain and plenty). Buddhists regard Rato Machhendranath as an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, while Hindus see him as an incarnation of Shiva.

The temple is three storeyed pagoda style temple carved with magnificient wooden roof struts. The temple is surrounded by small stone carved Garuda, snake elephant, peacock, horse, Ganesh, lion, buffalo etc which are caged inside. It has also a big bell and a bajra outside the temple. The main image of Machhendranath resides here for six months a year then in July or August, it is transported in a tall chariot during Machhendranath Jatra. At the end of this procession the God is stored six months in Bungamati. Then again it is shifted to Patan.