Co Temple

NEPAL, Kathmandu

The temple has Sanskrit names of Indradeva Samskarita Sri Asanalokesvara Mahavihara and Kacchapala Giri Mahavihara. Situated at the very top of a hill in the village of Chobhar, it is one of the two temples located outside Patan but listed as one of the Eighteen Major Temples of Patan. The exact year of its construction is unknown. The earliest reference to the temple is in a palm leaf manuscript dated 1558 and it is therefore assumed that the temple was built before then.
The temple consists of a closed courtyard surrounded by buildings. Though the main shrine forms part of the courtyard, it is a freestanding structure with three stories and three eaves. The main shrine is also known as the Shrine of Anandadi Lokesvara because it contains an image of Anandadi, also called Adinath Lokesvara. The entire facade of the first story of the shrine is covered with imitation brick work in brass repoussé. The entrance to the shrine is guarded by two lions, next to which there are two metal banners and then two large bells. Above the doorway there is a tympanum depicting the Five Dhyani Buddhas with Vairocana Buddha at the center. Above the five Buddhas there is an image of Vajrasattva. The eaves are made of tiles except for the uppermost eave, which is made of gilt copper. The lower eave is supported by unpainted struts carved with eight-armed deities.
In front of the main shrine there is a delicate stone stupa. At the four cardinal points of the stupa’s body there is a large Buddha niche with a small Buddha niche in between. The spire consists of upturned lotuses, stacked rings, and a finial.