Kumbheshwor Hiti & Konti Pukhu Hiti: Your Guide to Patan's Sacred Water Spouts - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Kumbheshwor Hiti and Konti Pukhu Hiti are two traditional stone water spouts that lie directly across the street (Kwalakhu Road) from each other.

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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.

Kumbheshwor Hiti

The Kumbheshwor Hiti is a sacred spring believed to be connected to the holy lake of Gosainkunda in the Himalayas, making it one of the most spiritually significant stone spouts in the Kathmandu Valley.

The name Kumbheshwor comes from ‘Kumbha’, meaning water pot in Sanskrit, and ‘Ishwor’, a word for God or Lord, referring to Lord Shiva. The stone spout is located within the premises of the Kumbheshwor Mahadev Temple, one of the oldest temples dedicated to Shiva in the Kathmandu Valley. According to local belief, the water flowing through the spout are sacred and carry the divine energy of Gosainkunda, a glacial lake deeply associated with Lord Shiva.

As with other traditional hitis, admire the detailed carvings adorning the stone water spouts which depict Newar deities and religious symbols.

Today, you will see locals come here washing themselves and their clothes. So, please be respectful when visiting.
The hiti has three large water tanks, we don’t know if they are used to supplement the water flow or if they have another function.

Konti Pukhu Hiti

Konti Pukhu Hiti is another traditional stone water spout.
The name Konti Pukhu Hiti breaks down into three parts in the Newar language:

• Konti means stepwell or tank-like structure.

• Pukhu means pond.

• Hiti refers to a stone spout, a traditional public water fountain.
  Together, the name roughly translates to ‘Stone Spout of the Pond at the Stepwell’, highlighting both the design and functionality of the site. It reflects the ingenious way in which ancient Kathmandu communities harvested and distributed water.

Unlike Kumbheshwor Hiti, Konti Pukhu Hiti has only one functioning stone water spout and people tend to prefer to use Kumbheshwor Hiti for their morning routine and

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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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