In Kathmandu, Nepal, a unique shrine to the goddess Vaisha Dev, the patron saint of toothache, draws scores of visitors seeking relief from dental pain. Known as the Toothache Tree, this old stump, located between Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square, is covered with rupee coins nailed by sufferers hoping for the goddess`s aid.

Despite modern dentistry, people continue this tradition, which dates back to the Lichchhavi kingdom (400-750 CE). Legend says a gold idol once resided in the tree, but it was stolen long ago. Today, the area around the Toothache Tree is known as the city`s dental district, with numerous clinics nearby.