Rudravarna Mahavihara; or Oku Bahal; was built in the mid-17th century. The temple is located around a courtyard which overflows with chaitya and metal figures of all kinds and sizes. There are massive Garudas; elephants; peacocks; figures of praying worshippers and a statue of Juddha Shamsher Rana; who granted the temple generous restoration aid after the earthquake of 1934.

In the corners of the courtyard; which is lined with oil lamp railings; there are bronze figures of the mischievous monkey god Hanuman; which show him variously eating a pumpkin; a banana and something which looks like a chapati; the traditional bread of the Indian subcontinent. Some sources suggest that the kings of Patan were crowned in this most elaborate of courtyards.

The temple complex is of a square design; and the building housing the main shrine is topped with a two-tiered roof. Inside; a profusely decorated figure of the Akshobhya Buddha is kept. Every day at around 3.30 pm a priest will come to open it up and perform some puja. At the beginning of the puja; the priest stands for a few moments on a pair of gilded; richly ornamented paduka; or sandals; the insignia of kings or deities; by standing on the paduka; the priest invokes the spirit of the gods. Then he beats a longish wooden tube; held over his shoulder; to wake up the deity in whose honour the puja is being held. The rite has probably been conducted in this manner for centuries. Pictures From Asia Rainer Krack