Patan - Koteshvar Mahadeva Mandir

The Koteshvar Mahadeva Mandir, dedicated to Shiva in his most powerful aspect as "god of the million gods", stands at the confluence of the Bagmati and Manohara, on the side furthest from the city. The lingam is thought to date from the 8th c.

Travelers returning from Tibet performed their ritual ablutions at the sacred confluence, cleansing themselves after contact with infidels and the unclean before being allowed to enter the city. They would gather at the Kuti Bahal, south of the temple, where there is a 15th c. chaitya.