This large fenced tank just off Kantipath is said to have been built by King Pratap Malla in 1667 to console his queen over the death of their son (who was trampled by an elephant). The pool (pokhari means pool or small lake) was apparently used during the Malla era for trials by ordeal and later became a favourite suicide spot. During the earthquake, which damaged the flanking pavilions, the area around tank became a refuge for people sleeping outside because of fears of further building collapses.
The tank and its central Shiva Temple is unlocked only one day each year, on the fifth day of the Tihar festival. At other times you can get the best views from the footbridge over the nearby chowk (the chowk has rather optimistically been declared a no-horn zone!).
