Doleshwar Mahadev Temple, Nepal

Address

Doleshwar Mahadev Temple, Suryebinayak – Doleswor Rd, Suryabinayak 45200, Nepal

Diety

Doleshwar Mahadev Temple, Suryebinayak – Doleswor Rd, Suryabinayak 45200, Nepal

Introduction

• Location: Suryabinayak Municipality, southeastern part of Bhaktapur District, Nepal.
• Significance: Believed to be the head part of the Kedarnath deity located in Uttarakhand, India. Doleshwor Mahadeva is a notable pilgrimage center with significant historical and spiritual importance.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend of Kedarnath:
  • Historical Context: The legend originates from the Mahabharata, a major Hindu epic centered around the battle of Kurukshetra.
  • Event: After the Pandavas’ victory, they sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the bloodshed. Shiva, to avoid them, took the form of a bull.
  • Incident: The Pandavas attempted to catch the bull; during this, its head detached and remained undiscovered.
  • Present Worship: The hump-backed structure at Kedarnath is worshiped as the bull.
  • Connection: Bharat Jangam’s research claims Doleshwor Mahadev as the head of the Kedarnath bull, citing similarities between the two shrines:
    • Both temples have 4,000-year-old Shiva sculptures.
    • Stone inscriptions at Doleshwor are in Kannada.
    • Priests from southern India serve at both sites.
    • Both temples have a cluster of five Shiva shrines and honor Birbhadra, a companion of Shiva.

Special Features:

• Temple Structure: Constructed in pagoda style.
• Alternate Names: Known as Bimaleshwor and Sipare Mahadev.
• Main Deity: Features a large, plain Shiva Linga.
• Artifacts: Includes a large idol of a bull, a tall Trishul (trident), and other sacred items.
• Rituals: Offering milk and bel leaves to Lord Shiva is a significant ritual. The temple, once hidden, is now considered a sacred and valuable site for devotees.

Festivals:

• Shivaratri: Major festival celebrating Lord Shiva, featuring night-long vigils and offerings.
• Teej: A festival celebrated by women, focusing on fasting and worship for marital bliss and family well-being.
• Balachaturdasi: A ritualistic festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with various ceremonies and offerings.

Century/Period/Age

4000 years Old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-Nepal

Nearest Bus Station

Suryebinayak

Nearest Railway Station

Kathmandu Station

Nearest Airport

Kathmandu

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