2. Patan Krishna Mandir

Situated in Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir is perhaps Kathmandu's finest stone wrought monument. This temple is made in Sikhara architectural style, a style that is commonly found in what is now known as the Indian Subcontinent. It was established by Siddhi Narsimha Malla of Patan in 1637 AD, as a copy of another Hindu temple, a Krishan temple to the South in Mathura. Many agree that its stonework is excels that of its southern counterparts. The temple is completely made of stone and the carving is finer than that of the other smaller Krishna Mandir at Patan Durbar Square built by Yogamati, the great grand daughter of Siddhi Narsimha Malla, in 1723.

Its architecture successfully blends two styles: the solidly formed southern Gupta sikhara form and the open multi-storied style of Moghul. The craftsmanship of the stone carvers can be seen in the intricate images of gods and the perforated stone screen railings of the passages. There is an open passage on the ground floor and it is empty inside. A narrow and low passage leads to the center of the first floor. The first floor is the main area of worship where a large hall holds an image of Krishna with two consorts, Radha and Rukmani, all beautifully carved out of black stone. The flooring also contains images of the ten incarnations of Vishnu. The second floor contains an image of Shiva. The small fourth floor contains no images now; however, the people say that there was formerly a statue of Avalokitesvara. Such placement, perhaps, acted as an example to the harmonious blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. The shrine is the destination of great crowds of worshippers each year at the time of, Krishnastami, Lord Krishna's birthday, when the temple is beautifully lighted by thousands of oil lamps. It is not possible for non-Hindus to enter the temple, but a great deal of beauty of the temple can be seen from the courtyard.