This monumental work, one of
the largest Nepalese scroll paintings (paubha) in the
world, depicts the temple of Rato Macchendranath in the ancient
kingdom of Patan in the Kathmandu Valley. In the center of the
composition sits the Red Lord, known as either Rato Macchendranath
or Red Padmapani Avalokiteshvara. In the registers above are
scenes from the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha, accompanied
by images of Hindu gods receiving his teachings. The many patrons
and devotees are arranged in rows across the bottom registers,
each in a pose of worship and wearing clothes of the time period.
They are each identified by inscription.