Best Temples in Nepal

Here are some of the religious places of Nepal that are worth a visit for their architecture, spirituality and beauty.

1. Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal is a temple complex by the River Bagmati in Kathmandu Valley. Pashupati is an avatar of Lord Shiva, in his All-father avatar. Here he is the patron god of the entire country of Nepal. Pashupatinath is the main Nepal Shiva temple. The main shrine here is a double-storied pagoda-like Newari structure with the sacred Shiva lingam inside.

2. Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath Temple is a classic Tibetan style Buddhist shrine, located near Thamel. Also known as the Monkey Temple, this Nepal temple offers a stunning view of the entire Kathmandu valley. After ascending 365 steps one can get to see the main shrine with a golden Buddha statue, prayer wheels and many small temples around.

3. Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan is the oldest temple of Nepal. Nestled amidst the champak trees of Bhaktapur, this 4th century temple has a very popular legend about Lord Vishnu associated with its past. There are numerous wall carvings all around the temple complex, including the ten avatars of Vishnu and some tantric deities like Goddess Chhinnamasta.

4. Muktinath Temple

Located along the famous Annapurna circuit trekking route of Nepal, Muktinath Temple is believed to be the place where Goddess Sati’s forehead had fallen when Lord Shiva did the dance of destruction after her death. A unique feature of this temple is the 108 bull faces, through which water flows and is used for sacred baths. Staying true to Nepalese culture of intermingling Hinduism and Buddhism, this shrine is known as Muktinath-Chumig-Gyatsa among the Buddhist followers in spite of being a Nepal Hindu temple.

5. Budhanilkantha Temple

Budhanilkantha Temple, also known as Narayanthan Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here instead of his usual standing or sitting posture, the Lord is reclined in a straight manner on his eternal home, the coil of Sheshanag, floating in the Ocean of Cosmos. This shrine is located at the base of Shivapuri Hill. Though only Hindu devotees are allowed into the sanctum, others can observe stature from the outside. The statue has been cut and carved out meticulously of a single basalt monolith.

6. Dakshinkali Temple

Kali is the goddess of death and destruction of the evil and protector and preserve of the good, and a feminine symbol of doomsday. Dakshinkali temple in Pharphing Village, 14 km from Kathmandu city is devoted to this fearless goddess mother. This temple is known to be very awakened – which means the wishes of the devotees here get fulfilled. Dussehra and Tihar (Diwali) are celebrated her with fervour.

7. Bajrayogini Temple

Located on the banks of Sali Nadi in Sankhu Valley of Kathmandu, Bajrayogini is a famous tantric temple known for mysterious caves and the striking idol of the goddess Bajrayogini.  People visit this temple, take a dip in the river to wash off their sins and offer puja to the goddess.