Maha Vishnu Temple: Discovering the Great Vishnu Shrine in Kathmandu Durbar Square - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Located right behind (east) Indrapur Temple is Maha Vishnu Temple, or often just called Vishnu Temple.
Maha Vishnu Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square is a small but spiritually rich shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation.

The temple is not open to visitors.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we typically promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.

Origin of the name Maha Vishnu Temple

The name Maha Vishnu translates to ‘Great Vishnu’, referring to the supreme form of the god Vishnu in Hinduism. Vishnu is worshipped as the protector of the universe, responsible for maintaining cosmic order and balance. In Nepalese tradition, Vishnu is highly revered, and many temples throughout the Kathmandu Valley are dedicated to his various forms.
The temple’s proximity to the Indrapur Temple, which honors Indra (the king of the gods), highlights the interconnectedness of the Hindu pantheon and the way Kathmandu’s sacred spaces often reflect mythological relationships.

Architectural Style of Maha Vishnu Temple

The Maha Vishnu Temple is built in the traditional Newar pagoda style, with a multi-tiered roof, intricate wood carvings, and a raised brick platform. Though more modest than the grander structures nearby, its symmetry and craftsmanship exemplify the elegance of 17th and 18th-century Kathmandu Valley temple design. Inside, the sanctum houses a sacred image of Lord Vishnu, which devotees come to honor with offerings and quiet prayer.

Religious and Cultural Significance of Maha Vishnu Temple

This temple is actively used for worship, especially on auspicious days related to Lord Vishnu, such as Ekadashi (the eleventh lunar day) and Harishayani Ekadashi, when Vishnu is believed to go into cosmic sleep. Pilgrims and locals alike visit to offer flowers, oil lamps, and incense, seeking blessings for health, protection, and prosperity.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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