Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple: Discovering Kathmandu Durbar Square's Shrine of a Million Lingas - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Directly behind (south) Nil Barahi Temple is a similar looking, but slightly larger temple. This is Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple.

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 Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple

The name Kotilingeshwar is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Koti’ meaning ‘a million’ and ‘Lingeshwar’, referring to Lord Shiva (also known as Lingeshwar, the deity represented by the Shiva Lingam (abstract or symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, often found in temples)). The name suggests the presence of a multitude of Shiva Lingams, a common feature in temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, where hundreds or even thousands of lingams are often enshrined in a single temple compound. It’s believed that the temple’s lingams represent the infinite nature of the divine and the limitless presence of Lord Shiva.

Architectural Features of Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple

The Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple is built in the classic pagoda style, featuring a multi-tiered roof and intricate wooden carvings typical of temples in the region. The temple houses several Shiva Lingams, each one carefully placed in small niches around the structure. The central shrine contains the primary Shiva Lingam, which is the focus of most worship.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

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