Meet the Guardians: The Majestic Twin Stone Lions of Bhaktapur - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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The Twin Stone Lions that stand in the middle of the large plaza east of Siddhi Laxmi Temple are also called Nimha Singha, and Lanpadegal. There always seem to be some people posing for photos with those statues.

Twin Stone Lions in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu
Twin Stone Lions in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu

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Origin of the Name Nimha Singha

  • ‘Nimha Singha’ (also spelled Nimha Simha) refers specifically to the stone lion statues.

  • Singha’ or ‘Simha’ means lion in Sanskrit.

  • Nimha’ can be interpreted as lower or new, depending on local context and dialect, though often it’s used to refer to a particular pair of lions in Bhaktapur.

  • These are the physical lion sculptures you see in front of temples or historical structures, especially in places like Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Origin of the Name Lanpadegal

  • Lanpadegal’ is the local nickname or placename, derived from the Newar language, meaning ‘temple obstructing the road’.

  • Lanpadegal originally referred to the Harihar temple that once stood directly behind the stone lions. The spot is still called Lanpadegal, and the remaining stone lions are often associated with that name.

What was Harihar temple?

The Harihar Temple was a three-story pagoda-style structure that was positioned prominently at the eastern entrance of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which gave it high visibility. It was richly decorated with wood carvings and ornate windows.
Unfortunately, Harihar Temple was destroyed in the 1934 earthquake and never rebuilt.

Origin of the Name Harihar temple

Harihar is a composite deity that merges two major gods of the Hindu pantheon:

  • Hari = Vishnu, the Preserver

  • Har (or Hara) = Shiva, the Destroyer

The fusion of Vishnu and Shiva in one deity symbolizes the unity of creation and destruction, preservation and transformation - a deep spiritual concept showing that divine powers are not in conflict, but complementary.

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