Chyasin Deval (Octagonal Krishna Temple)

Chyasin Deval is an architecturally unique octagonal stone temple near the northern entrance to Patan Durbar Square. Built in 1723 AD by Princess Yogamati — the same royal patron who built the Hari Shankar Temple — it was erected as a memorial to the eight queens of King Yoganarendra Malla who committed sati (self-immolation) upon his death.

The name 'Chyasin' literally means 'eight-sided' in Newari, describing its distinctive octagonal plan — a form found nowhere else among the Kathmandu Valley's hundreds of temples. Each of the eight sides is said to honour one of the queens. The temple is built in the stone shikhara style rather than the wooden pagoda form that dominates the square, giving it a visual contrast that makes it immediately recognisable.

As the second Krishna temple in the square (alongside the more famous Krishna Mandir), Chyasin Deval creates a theological bookend: the older Krishna Mandir celebrates divine love, while the memorial temple commemorates ultimate earthly devotion. The temple's position near the square's main entrance means it is often the first monument visitors photograph.