Kathmandu Shiva-Parvati Temple- Nepal

Address

Kathmandu Shiva-Parvati Temple- Kathmandu, Nepal- 44600

Deity

Shiva Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Location: Situated in the Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Architecture: A rectangular, two-story building facing south, notable for its single roof, which is uncommon in Nepalese temple architecture. It stands next to the larger Maju Dega temple, destroyed in the 2015 earthquake.
• Historical Significance: The temple was likely built during the reign of Ran Bahadur Shah (1777–1799) and is associated with the Shah Dynasty.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is known as the Shiva-Parvati Temple due to the presence of mannequins of Shiva and Parvati on the upper level, appearing to gaze across the square.
• Its formal name is Navadurga, referring to the nine manifestations of the goddess Durga, whose idols are housed on the ground floor but are not visible to the public.
• It stands on what was once a dabali platform, used for performances, and is only accessible to priests and custodians.

Special Features:

• The temple is adorned with intricate carvings on every inch of its walls, showcasing different forms of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and traditional Nepali designs.
• The idols of Shiva and Parvati in the top floor window are painted in white and blue, with colorful accessories, giving the impression of them watching over the square.
• The temple is built on a raised three-level platform, resembling the performance stages at Durbar Square.
• Two stone lion statues guard the entrance, a common feature of Nepali temples.

Festivals:

• The main festival celebrated here is Mahashivratri, honoring Lord Shiva with grand rituals and offerings.

Century/Period/Age

18th-century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Kathmandu

Nearest Railway Station

Raxaul and Gorakhpur.

Nearest Airport

Kathmandu

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