Ashok Binayak Temple

Ashok Binayak Temple is a single-story shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh, located in the Durbar Square area of Kathmandu. The building displays gold-covered exterior walls and protective bars, with a statue of the deity as its focal point.

The temple was established as one of four original Ganesh shrines that formed part of the spiritual geography of the Kathmandu Valley. Together with Chandra Binayak, Surya Binayak, and Jal Binayak, these sites emerged from a shared system of worship in the region.

The shrine draws daily visitors who leave flowers and fruits as offerings, making it a living place of worship where people express their devotion to Lord Ganesh. This practice shows how the temple remains woven into the spiritual routines of those living nearby.

The site is found near Maru Tole in the Durbar Square area, following standard temple etiquette for visitors. You should remove your shoes and wear modest clothing before entering the shrine.

The shrine lacks the traditional pointed roof crown called a gajur, which is unusual among other temples in the area. This missing feature gave rise to its local name Maru, derived from the Newari word meaning does not have.