Monument sights in Kathmandu
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Dhum Varahi Shrine
In an unprepossessing schoolyard just inside Kathmandu's Ring Rd to the northeast of Kathmandu, a huge pipal tree encloses a small shrine and a dramatic 5th-century sculpture of Vishnu as a wild boar with a stocky human body, holding Prithvi, the earth goddess, on his left elbow.
The statue is interesting because it is one of the earliest depictions of an animal-human, created before iconographic rules were established, which perhaps contributes to the unusual sense of movement and vitality that the statue possesses. The statue shows Vishnu rescuing Prithvi from the clutches of a demon.
To get here head north along the Ring Rd from Pashupatinath and take a left about 200m …
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Ashok Binayak
On the northern side of Kasthamandap, at the top of Maru Tole, stands the tiny golden Ashok Binayak, or Maru Ganesh Shrine. The small size of this shrine belies its importance, as this is one of the four most important Ganesh shrines in the valley. Ganesh is a much-loved god and there is a constant stream of visitors, helping themselves to the self-serve tika dispenser and then ringing the bells at the back.
A visit to this shrine is thought to ensure safety on a forthcoming journey so make an offering here if you are headed on a trek.
It's uncertain how old the temple is, although its gilded roof was added in the 19th century. Look for the golden shrew (Ganesh's vehicle…
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