Yachhu Temple

NEPAL, Patan

This temple’s Sanskrit name is Baladhara Gupta Samskarita Baladhara Gupta Mahavihara. Little is known about its history, and there is no early reference to it in inscriptions or other records. As its name suggests, it is associated with Baladhara Gupta and may have been constructed by him, but the exact year of construction is unknown. The earliest reference to this temple is a palm leaf inscription dated 1662, which states that a member of the Uku Baha Sangha resided at this temple in 1624. The temple has undergone a number of renovations, including in 1753, 1922, and 1934.
The temple consists of a courtyard, the main shrine, and the building opposite the shrine, which is a rest house. The entrance to the main shrine is guarded by two stone lions. On each side of the doorway there are small windows, and the walls are decorated with colored frescoes. Above the doorway is a wooden tympanum with an image of Aksobhya Buddha flanked by attendants. The second story has five small windows, above which is a mural of the Dhyani Buddhas. The struts supporting the eaves are plain. Above the eaves is a cupola, which was added in a recent renovation. In front and on top of the cupola are small stupas. Inside the shrine there is a statue of Aksobhya Buddha facing north. Within the courtyard there are a small stupa and a stone Dharmadhatu mandala.