Page:Picturesque Nepal.djvu/295

 is said to have been founded by a Newar Raja, Sheo Deo Brahma, and as an indication of its age existing records state that it required restoring as early as 880 A.D., which pious act was performed by Raja Rudra Deo, hence its name. While returning from a ramble among the alleys and byways of this wonderful old town, the writer happened to catch sight of this historic pile, a dark doorway with a medley of brass glinting in the dying sunlight attracting his eye, and the following description was taken down at the time.

As usual a crowd gathered around and choked the narrow gully, as I showed my interest, and, addressing the motley group collectively, I asked if a stranger might be permitted to enter the shrine. An animated discussion occurred, but, after a time, as no serious objection was raised, I passed through the first door. Beyond this lay a passage, profusely ornamented with heavy wood-carving, and through an opening at the far end a vision of colour and metalwork drew me on. Again the question was asked whether