Indreshwar Mahadev Temple

The three-storey temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. It was originally built in 1294 and rebuilt in the 15th century. An earthquake caused serious damage in 1988 and the temple is poorly maintained. On the roof struts are some impressive Newari woodcarvings of forms of Siva and some erotic carvings. Around the temple and in the courtyard are many shrines dedicated to various deities. Pots and pans that are donated by newlyweds are hung from the roof struts to guarantee a happy married life.

Next to the main temple is the Bhairab Temple which has faces of Bhairab in the three upstairs windows. In the northwest corner is a small two-roofed Siva temple. There is a Vishnu temple with a 2m high Vishnu deity is on the west side.
The story of the temple is that wife of the sage Ahilya, after he went traveling was seduced by Indra, the king of heaven who took the form of her husband and tricked her. When the sage returned from his journey and found out what happen, he cursed Indra to have his body cover with yonis, the female sexual organs. To atone for this Indra and his wife Indrayani preformed austerities for years. After some time, Parvati, the consort of Siva took mercy on Indrayani and turned her into the invisible river that meets the other two rivers at Panauti. After more time passed Siva decided to release Indra from his situation. Siva appeared at Panauti as an important linga and then Indra bathed in the river here and the yonis went away. This same linga is in this temple.

Other Temples
The 17th century Brahmayani Temple is dedicated to Brahmayani who is the main goddess of the town. It is on the other side of the Pungamati Khola and is reached by a suspension bridge. This temple was renovated with French help in 1982-83. The deity of Brahmayani is taken on a chariot around the town annually.

The Krishna Narayan Temple is located where the two rivers meet. It has some ancient woodcarvings and some interesting stone sculptures along the riverbank.

Festivals
There is an annual chariot festival at the end of the monsoon during which deities of the gods from the temples in town are pulled around the streets. The festival begins at the old Durbar Square.

There is a huge festival here every12 years during the Magh Sankranti in late January or early February (the Nepali month of Magh). The next time is in 2010.

Where to Stay
Nath Hotel (259-090; email: nath@mos.com.np)

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides