Gokarneshwor Mahadev temple

Gokarneshwor Mahadev temple stands on the banks of the Bagmati River with a traditional pagoda structure featuring multiple stacked roofs. The site contains numerous stone sculptures of Hindu deities arranged throughout the temple complex.

Archaeological evidence suggests the temple dates back to the Licchavi dynasty, making it one of the oldest religious structures in the Kathmandu Valley. This ancient lineage demonstrates how the site has served as a center of worship across many centuries.

During the Kushe Aushi festival in August, devotees gather here to perform rituals honoring their deceased fathers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The ceremonies blend family remembrance with worship at this sacred location.

The temple can be reached by public buses from Chabhiel or Bouddha, with the journey taking about 45 minutes to one hour. The early morning is the best time to visit when the site is quieter and the riverside setting is most enjoyable.

Local legend tells that Lord Shiva wandered these forests as a deer, and the temple stands where Brahma buried three pieces of the broken antlers. This mythical origin story remains an important part of how visitors understand the site today.