Seto Macchendranath Temple, Kathmandu
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The Seto Macchendranath Temple, in Old Kathmandu, is one of Nepal's holiest and most ornate temples. It is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Inside the temple are bronze statues of the goddess Tara holding a lotus. Outside, metal banners hang from the pinnacle of its gilded roof. Called dhvajas, these banners, provide a pathway to heaven.
Behind the gilded doorway is the inner sanctum, which holds an image of the Seto Macchendranath. Buddhists revere this idol as Avalokitesvara. Hindus consider it a manifestation of Shiva. It is draped with katas (white scarves) by Buddhists and orange or yellow garlands by Hindus.
Source: Fodor's Southeast Asia, 23rd ed.
