Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple / Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir)

Highlights

Overview

The Nepali Temple, officially known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir, is a stunning piece of Kathmandu nestled on the banks of the Ganges at Lalita Ghat. Commissioned in the early 19th century by King Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal during his exile, it is a faithful replica of the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The temple is often called Kathwala Mandir (Kath meaning wood) because it is constructed from termite-resistant Nepalese wood, terracotta, and stone. It is also nicknamed "Mini Khajuraho" due to the intricate and sometimes erotic wooden carvings that adorn its pillars and eaves. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple remains under the patronage of the Nepal government and is a unique symbol of Indo-Nepali cultural ties.