Kumbheshwar Temple, Five-story Hindu temple in Lalitpur, Nepal.
Kumbheshwar is a five-story Hindu temple featuring ornate wooden carvings on its facades and a central shrine dedicated to Shiva. The complex includes a sacred bull statue at the main entrance, additional smaller temples, several monuments, and two artificial ponds fed by natural spring water.
The original two-story structure was built in the late 14th century under royal patronage, then expanded with three additional levels during the 17th century. These construction phases reflect different periods of religious devotion and architectural development over several hundred years.
Worshippers come here to pray at shrines dedicated to Shiva and participate in religious ceremonies throughout the year. The site draws pilgrims who gather on the surrounding steps and courtyards, making it an active center of devotion in the city.
The temple sits a short walk from a major plaza and is easily accessible on foot from central locations. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the multiple levels and courtyards requires climbing many stairs.
The two ponds are fed by springwater originating from a mountain lake situated north of the Kathmandu valley. This connection to a distant alpine source makes the water spiritually significant for ritual bathing and offerings by devotees.
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