The Bhairavnath Temple stands on the eastern side of Taumadhi Tol. Built under King Jagajjyoti Malla (1614-1637); the temple originally possessed only a single floor; but in 1718 Bhupatindra Malla and his son added two floors; and placed a golden roof on top.

The temple is decicated to Bhairavnath; or Akash Bhairav; the destroyer of demons; who was installed 'for the protection of the country and the removal from sin and distress of the people'.

The Bhairavnath Temple is the focus of the Bisket Jatra; the New Year celebrations in Bhaktapur (13-14 April). Small figures of Bhairavnath and his divine spouse Bhadrakali are carried on separate chariots around town; to finally meet at the Bhairavnath Temple in a riotous celebration. Local lore has it that Bhairavnath; when left to his own devices; can become very mean-spirited; and he is in a much better mood when his wife is around. The figure of the feared Bhairavnath; incidentally; is a mere 30 centimetres high; his equally obnoxious wife only 25. Pictures From Asia Chaweewan Chuchuay