Since remote past the temples of Banaras represent the synthesis of varied cultural streams. As far as wall paintings are concerned, the city was an acclaimed centre, the tradition of which continues till today on different occasions to beautify the temples, mathas, akhadas, and residential buildings. These paintings may be divided between religious and social or secular groups. The Mahamaya temple is unique for its architecture as well as paintings inside the garbhagrha. The subjects of the paintings are narratives, divine figures, lokapalas, saints and rsis, valour of devis, day to day life of local people, nature etc.