- Address: Kwalakhu Rd Patan 44700 Nepal
- Year of foundation: 1392
One of the most ancient temples, not only in Patan , but throughout Nepal is Kumbeshwar. It is located in the valley of Kathmandu and is considered here almost the only multi-storey building.
general information
The shrine was built in the 14th century (presumably in 1392) by King Jayasthichi Mulla Kumbeshwar. Outwardly the temple looks original, has clear proportions and harmoniously blends in with the surrounding architecture. The facade of the building is decorated with small details, which the craftsmen skillfully carved out of wood.
Kumbeshwar is translated as "God of the water vessel", and is one of the names of Shiva. The shrine received its name from a source located near it on the left side. The temple is considered the winter residence of a Hindu deity, since in the summer it usually resides in Tibet, on Mount Kailas .
The temple of Kumbeshwar has 5 tiers and is dedicated to the god Shiva. About this visitors tells a statue of a bull named Nandi, erected in front of the main entrance. In 1422, a reconstruction was carried out here, during which sculptures were erected near the reservoir: Vasuki, Sitaly, Ganesha, Gauri and Narayan.
Description of sight
The inner courtyard of the temple is vast and filled with small stupas and sculptural images. There are also two small lakes with clear water, intended for ritual bathing and delivering the soul from sins. According to legend, the water comes here from the sacred reservoir of Gosainkund (Gosainkund), located in the mountain valley of the Himalayas.
This shrine is quite popular and revered among Hindu pilgrims. Thousands of people flock here daily. Especially there are many of them in the summer (in July and August). During this period, there are religious festivals Janai Purnima and Raksha-bandhan. In the lake near the temple set the lingam (a symbol of the Hindu deity), cast from silver and gold. The spectacle is very interesting:
- bathers dive into the water to be purified by the soul and body;
- representatives of the caste ksatriyas and brahmanas change the sacred string, which is tied around the left hand;
- shamans wear bright clothes, dance near the temple and beat the drums.
On such days Kumbeshwar is decorated with flowers and religious symbols, which gives it a special color. You can enter the temple only with closed elbows and knees, and your legs should be barefoot. This rule applies to both men and women, and even children.
How to get there?
The Kumbeshwar shrine is located one kilometer from the central Durbar square in Patan . The temple can be reached on foot or by car along the roads of Kumaripati and Mahalaximisthan Rd.