Nepal: The Swayambhu Chaitya shrine in the middle courtyard of the Golden Temple (Hiranyavarna Mahavihara),...

The Hiranyavarna Mahavihara, or Golden Temple, is one of the Kathmandu Valley’s major showcases of art and architecture. Supposedly founded in the 12th century by King Bhaskara Deva Varma, the temple, as it presents itself today, mostly dates back to the 18th century. The entire facade of the main shrine is covered with gilded copper, as are the very detailed torana and all the roofs. In the middle of the courtyard sits an additional little temple building, its roof likewise gilded, and its front fitted with a golden door and decorated with a number of golden statues. The two statues at the extreme left show King Bhaskara Deva Varma and his wife kneeling respectfully and gazing towards the main shrine, which is devoted to the Akshobhya Buddha.