Patan - Kumbeshvara Mandir

The Kumbeshvara Temple is dedicated to Shiva in the form of a water- pot (kumbha). Shiva is said to spend the six winter months here, returning to the holy mountain Kailash for the rest of the year. The importance of the shrine derives from its location, reputed to be the spot pinpointed by the Sarveshvara lingam for the foundation of Patan. Old sculptures from the Licchavi period, including stelae of Vasuki and Vishnu (4th c.), confirm the great age of the site. Together with the Matsyendranath and Degutale Temples with which it is aligned, the Kumbeshvara Mandir forms the religious backbone of the city.

The temple, originally of only two stories, was first erected by Jayasthiti Malla in 1392. The three upper tiers were added by Yoganarendra Malla, bringing the apex level with the Matsyendranath and Degutale Temples which stand on higher ground. The water used for ritual ablutions is said to come from the sacred Gosainkund Lake (so rendering unnecessary a lengthy pilgrimage in search of Himalayan water).