Ruravarna Mahavihar is a 1500 year old Buddhist monastery full of Nepalese art, architecture and archeological fantasies. This is the one of the 15 major monasteries in Lalitpur. The monastry has its own communal family, those who take Buddhism by performing "Chudakarma" ceremony by the auspicious hands of "Dusmahasthabirs" (high priests) become the family member.

The monastery was established by Lichhavi king, SIVADEVA in the 6th century at the southeast face of the patan city. Four hundred years later the king of same dynasty, king RUDRADEVA renovated the Vihar. Thus the name of the monastery is kept SIVA DEVA SANSKARIT OMKULI RUDRAVARNA MAHAVIHAR.

SIVA DEVA SANSKARIT: as shiva deva stablished the vihar
OMKULI: as the monastery is located at the east south face of the city,
RUDRAVARNA MAHAVIHAR : as king RUDRADEVA renovated and maintained the monastery

This way the monastery got its full name.

The monastery is decorated with the wooden, metal, and stone arts. Numerous Deities, religious animals, Chaityas, Dharma Dhatus, tornas and other various crafts are installed inside the Vihar ever since the Vihar was established. Specially the wooden torans of SALABANGIKA YAKSHYANIS are the most remarkable examples of the art of the 13th century and are the point of attraction for the art lovers.

A beautiful Stupa located in the localited just behind the Rudravarna Mahavihar built under the supervision of the great grandson of pundit AVAYA RAJ SHAKYA, pundit JAYAMUNI SHAKYA . The DHARMA DHATU in front of the Chaitya adds beauty and holiness to the spot. A pit with BASUKI NAAG in the north of the Chaitya is worshipped for rainfall.