Nepali Temple
A Replica of Pashupatinath: The Nepali Temple, officially known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir, is a unique site in Varanasi as it is a miniature, near-replica of the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.: Royal Origin: The temple was conceptualized by the Nepali King Ra na Bahadur Shah, who lived in exile in Varanasi from 1800 to 1804. Though he was murdered before its completion, his son finished the construction, which took nearly three decades, using timber imported from Nepal.: Architectural Novelty: It stands out dramatically from the local architecture because it is built in the traditional Nepali Pagoda style, making it a unique sight on the riverbanks of the Ganga and a testimony to the close religious and political ties between the two nations.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30-45 MinutesPlace Type:
Temple, Architectural Marvel, PagodaEntry Fees:
General Entry: Free for all visitors, as it is an active place of worship. :
Foreigner Fees (Historically): While often cited as free, some reports mention a nominal fee (Rs.15) for foreign nationals, which is used for the temple's upkeep. Be ...General Entry: Free for all visitors, as it is an active place of worship. :
Foreigner Fees (Historically): While often cited as free, some reports mention a nominal fee (Rs.15) for foreign nationals, which is used for the temple's upkeep. Be prepared for a small voluntary donation. :
Photography Fee: No separate fee is charged for photography, but discretion is advised, especially inside the sanctum.Timing:
Regular Timings: Generally 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM (for the sanctum). The ghat area is open 24 hours. :
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM) after the initial religious rush, to have enough time and space t...Regular Timings: Generally 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM (for the sanctum). The ghat area is open 24 hours. :
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM) after the initial religious rush, to have enough time and space to carefully study the intricate wooden carvings and architecture without the midday crowds and heat.Special Events:
Shivratri Festival: As it is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupatinath), Maha Shivratri is the major annual festival, celebrated with special Nepali rituals, music, and elaborate decoration. :
Local Navratri Celebrations: The adjacent L...Shivratri Festival: As it is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupatinath), Maha Shivratri is the major annual festival, celebrated with special Nepali rituals, music, and elaborate decoration. :
Local Navratri Celebrations: The adjacent Lalita Devi Temple sees significant foot traffic and special rituals during the Navratri festival, connecting the site to the worship of the Goddess as well.Best Photo Spots:
The Pagoda Silhouette: The temple's tiered roofline provides a spectacular and distinct silhouette against the backdrop of the traditional ghat architecture, best photographed from a boat on the river, capturing its full profile. :
The Erotic Car...The Pagoda Silhouette: The temple's tiered roofline provides a spectacular and distinct silhouette against the backdrop of the traditional ghat architecture, best photographed from a boat on the river, capturing its full profile. :
The Erotic Carvings: Close-up detail shots of the intricate wooden struts and carvings on the temple's balconies, highlighting the craftsmanship and the controversial 'Mini Khajuraho' aspect. :
View of Manikarnika: The end of Lalita Ghat near the temple offers a good, respectful vantage point to photograph the intense scene of the Manikarnika Ghat pyres from a distance. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Worship Lord Pashupatinath: Offer prayers and pay homage to the central Shiv Lingam within the temple, known as Pashupatinath (Lord of the Beasts), a replica of the one in Kathmandu. :
Study the Wood Carvings: Spend time meticulously examining the hundreds of intricate wooden sculptures and carvings that adorn the entire structure, paying special attention to the Mithuna (erotic) scenes and the various depictions of Hindu deities, which showcase the high craftsmanship of Nepali artisans. :
Explore Lalita Ghat: Walk around the ghat area, which also houses a Dharamshala and the Lalita Devi (Gauri) Temple. The ghat offers a direct view of the cremation activities at the adjacent Manikarnika Ghat from a respectful distance. :
Photography of the Pagoda Style: Capture th...Worship Lord Pashupatinath: Offer prayers and pay homage to the central Shiv Lingam within the temple, known as Pashupatinath (Lord of the Beasts), a replica of the one in Kathmandu. :
Study the Wood Carvings: Spend time meticulously examining the hundreds of intricate wooden sculptures and carvings that adorn the entire structure, paying special attention to the Mithuna (erotic) scenes and the various depictions of Hindu deities, which showcase the high craftsmanship of Nepali artisans. :
Explore Lalita Ghat: Walk around the ghat area, which also houses a Dharamshala and the Lalita Devi (Gauri) Temple. The ghat offers a direct view of the cremation activities at the adjacent Manikarnika Ghat from a respectful distance. :
Photography of the Pagoda Style: Capture the temple's unique tiered roofing and wooden facade, which contrasts dramatically with the typical stone architecture of Varanasi ghat buildings; the temple's colorful exterior and lush surroundings (tamarind and peepal trees) make for stunning photographs. :
Morning Boat Trip Start: The ghat is an excellent, slightly less crowded point to begin or end a sunrise boat trip along the Ganges, as it is centrally located near the main cremation and activity areas.
Information
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Why Famous:
The 'Mini Khajuraho': It is famous for its unique and intricate erotic wooden carvings on the temple's struts, which are surprising to find in a deeply traditional temple in Varanasi, leading to its popular nickname. :
Nepal's Footprint in Kashi:...The 'Mini Khajuraho': It is famous for its unique and intricate erotic wooden carvings on the temple's struts, which are surprising to find in a deeply traditional temple in Varanasi, leading to its popular nickname. :
Nepal's Footprint in Kashi: It is a significant marker of Nepal's presence and patronage in the holy city, being the only major structure in the distinct Pagoda style amidst the Nagara architecture of Varanasi. -
Architecture:
Pagoda Style: The temple is constructed in the traditional Nepali Pagoda architectural style, characterized by multiple tiers of roofs (usually two or three) with wide, overhanging eaves supported by intricately carved wooden struts. :
Materials ...Pagoda Style: The temple is constructed in the traditional Nepali Pagoda architectural style, characterized by multiple tiers of roofs (usually two or three) with wide, overhanging eaves supported by intricately carved wooden struts. :
Materials and Carvings: It is built primarily of termite-proof timber imported from Nepal, along with stone and terracotta. The temple is famous for its elaborately carved wooden sculptures, especially on the struts and windows. Many of these carvings depict various deities and, notably, a series of explicit erotic sculptures, similar to those found at the famous Khajuraho temples, earning it the nickname 'Mini Khajuraho. ' The temple sits on Lalita Ghat, which the King of Nepal also built. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to VNS (approx. 25 KMS). Take a taxi/cab to Godowlia Chowk. :
By Train: Nearest is BSB (approx. 4. 5 KMS). Take an auto-rickshaw to Godowlia Chowk. :
By Road: Vehicle access ends at the main ch...By Air: Fly to VNS (approx. 25 KMS). Take a taxi/cab to Godowlia Chowk. :
By Train: Nearest is BSB (approx. 4. 5 KMS). Take an auto-rickshaw to Godowlia Chowk. :
By Road: Vehicle access ends at the main choke point like Godowlia. The final stretch requires walking through the extremely narrow lanes (approx. 10-15 minutes), following the signs or asking locals. :
By Local Transport: The most comfortable access is by walking along the riverbank path from Manikarnika Ghat (adjacent) or Dashashwamedh Ghat (approx. 1 KM). -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is best for the pleasant weather needed for exploring the ghat and the tight lanes of the old city. :
Daily Preference: Mid-morning is ideal to appreciate the details of the wooden architecture i...Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is best for the pleasant weather needed for exploring the ghat and the tight lanes of the old city. :
Daily Preference: Mid-morning is ideal to appreciate the details of the wooden architecture in good sunlight, avoiding the darkness of the early morning rush and the intensity of the midday sun. -
Near Tourist Places:
Manikarnika Ghat (Adjacent), Kashi Vishwanath Temple (0. 8 KM), Man Mandir Ghat (0. 4 KM), Dashashwamedh Ghat (1 KM), Scindia Ghat (0. 4 KM), Annapurna Temple (1 KM), Gyanvapi Mosque (1 KM), Kala Bhairava Temple (2 KM), Godowlia Market (1. 5 KM), Tulsi Manas Temple (4 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be highly respectful near the temple and, especially, of the nearby cremation activities at Manikarnika Ghat. The lanes are very crowded and can be slippery. :
Packing: Bring binoculars for a better view of the high-up, deta...Health & Safety: Be highly respectful near the temple and, especially, of the nearby cremation activities at Manikarnika Ghat. The lanes are very crowded and can be slippery. :
Packing: Bring binoculars for a better view of the high-up, detailed wooden carvings. Dress conservatively out of respect for the holy site. :
Accommodation: The area is full of budget and mid-range accommodation. Lalita Ghat itself is quieter than Dashashwamedh but close to the activity. :
Other Tips: Be cautious of the ghat's proximity to Manikarnika and avoid engaging with touts. Focus on the architectural uniqueness.
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