Bhairavnath Temple
भैरवनाथ मन्दिर
A three-tiered rectangular temple on the east side of Taumadhi Square, dedicated to Bhairav, the wrathful form of Shiva. It is the centerpiece of the Bisket Festival chariot procession.
The temple was founded in the 17th century and expanded to three tiers in 1717 by King Bhupatindra Malla. Its ground-level outer walls are hung with copper pots and offerings, and a small window above the main door sees daily offerings from worshippers. Standing at right angles to the Nyatapola Temple, it forms the iconic view of Taumadhi Square. During the Bisket Festival, the image of Bhairav is carried on a huge wooden chariot, which is hauled through the old city's streets in a lively tug-of-war.
Opening hours
Open all day (inner hall not open to visitors)
Nearby sights
- Nyatapola Temple
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Pottery Square
- Dattatreya Square & Peacock Window
- Siddha Pokhari
- Suryabinayak Temple
- Kailashnath Mahadev Statue
- Panauti