Janabaha is a majestic temple courtyard located in Kel tole, between Ason and Indra Chowk (Wongha). It is composed of two words in native language. Jana literally means people and Baha means Buddhist Monastery and derives its name from a Sanskrit word Bihara, meaning joy or enchantment and thus is a place of religious bliss. The place is one of the eighteen prominent vihars of the Kathmandu Valley where one of the 4 Lokeshwor (Aryavalokitesvara) is situated.
Janabaha is one of the few baha with a fully fledged storied temple standing in the middle of a courtyard. Inside the courtyard are smaller shrines, chaityas (stupas), and stone pillars representing various deities. The Kanak Chaitya Mahavihar (Janabaha) complex is dotted with more than fifty different chaityas, pillars and other objects of religious significance.
