258 



THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



A VIEW OF THE VISHNU TEMPLE OF CHAXGU-XARAIN 



By a swing around nearly fifty miles in the vicinity of Khatmandu the pious pilgrim may 

 visit the four shrines of Xarain. The Changu shrine is the most frequented. Climbing the 

 seemingly endless stairs is an essential part of the tribute to this deity, but the worshiper 

 must be careful to avoid one step, which bears the sacred emblem of The Eye. Note the 

 leaning figures beneath projecting eaves of the roof. By these the Nepal architect seeks to 

 avoid a top-heavy effect which otherwise might result from the massive coverings he uses. 



