Mahakala Gompa

This gompa was renamed after a Hindu god although it was originally dedicated to the 3 Buddhas of the past, present and future. This is quite evident as you can see prominent positions given to the three Buddhas just above the main deity of the gompa. This could be another half-hearted attempt of spreading Hinduism in this part of Nepal where Buddhism is more prevalent. The gompa itself is a bit on the scary side. It is also known as the house of masks as it houses a huge collection of evil looking masks. The story so goes that if you are used to seeing these horrific masks in this life, then after death, when confronted by demons he will not be scared anymore. However, one mask is said to be so terrifying it is not shown to anyone because the one who sees will apparently perish immediately.