Shilu Mahadev Temple, Hindu temple in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
Shilu Mahadev Temple is a Hindu shrine in Bhaktapur featuring a contemporary domed structure set upon five stacked platforms. Stone sculptures of elephants, lions, and bulls guard the entrance and create a ceremonial gateway to the sacred space.
The temple was constructed during King Jitamitra Malla's reign and has served the community since that time. The 2015 earthquake caused significant damage to the upper portions, though the foundation remained strong enough to support rebuilding efforts.
Locals call this temple Phasidega because of its distinctive pumpkin-shaped dome that stands out in the square. Inside, visitors encounter Hindu deity sculptures and a sacred Shiva linga that remains the focal point of worship and pilgrimage.
The temple sits in the northeast corner of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and is reached through the eastern exit of the main plaza. Visitors can walk directly to the site, and it sits near the palace area, making it easy to visit during a tour of the square.
The five platforms of the temple represent the Pancha Maha Preta, five cosmic forces in Hindu cosmology named Rudra, Ishwor, Vishnu, Brahma, and Sadashiv. This symbolic layering gives spiritual meaning to what appears as a simple architectural feature.
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