Shiva Temple: A Historical and Architecturally Rich Shrine in Kathmandu Durbar Square - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Behind (east) Maha Vishnu Temple sits another small temple called Shiva Temple.

The Shiva Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, located just east of the Maha Vishnu Temple, is a beautifully preserved three-tiered pagoda which is often thought to be dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, known as the destroyer and transformer within the Holy Trinity (Trimurti) alongside Brahma and Vishnu. Signage and historical references are minimal, and the dedication to Lord Shiva is assumed, as it sits alongside the temples dedicated to Vishnu and Indra, which would form a symbolic triad of divine power in Hindu cosmology.

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Architectural Features of Shiva Temple

Like its neighboring structures, Indrapur Temple and Maha Vishnu Temple, the Shiva Temple follows the classic Newar-style pagoda architecture, complete with a three-tiered roof and gracefully carved wooden struts. Its design mirrors the other two temples, creating a visually harmonious row of sacred buildings, each devoted to a different deity.
The temple's compact footprint and symmetrical proportions make it a fine example of Malla-period temple design, emphasizing spiritual balance and architectural unity.

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