North of the Kastha Mandap, is the small, popular Ashok Binayak, or the Maru Ganesh Temple. It is one of the most important Ganesh temples in the valley. Pilgrims often visit this temple before visiting the other temples in the Durbar Square and to help ensure a safe journey. It is not known how old the temple is, but the gilded roof dates from the 19th century. Ganesh rat carrier is across from the temple.