About the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple


Located at the far eastern side of Bhaktapur Durbar Square at the end of the Palace of 55 Windows is the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple, a favorite of many visitors. It's also known as Lohan Dega, Siddhi Lakshmi, Siddhi Laxmi, or simply Stone Temple.

The Siddhi Lakshmi Temple in Bhaktapur
The Siddhi Lakshmi Temple in Bhaktapur, Durbar Square

Despite the 2015 earthquake, the temple remains standing and was taken down in 2017 for complete reconstruction, which was completed in 2018. More details below.

A popular spot for photographs, tourists are encouraged to queue up opposite the temple and allow those ahead to take their photos before taking their own.

Although the temple withstood the 2015 earthquake, significant internal damage required reconstruction. The Digital Archaeology Foundation has digitally preserved this temple in 3D, allowing people to view a "before and after" comparison. The Siddhi Lakshmi Temple was fully restored in late 2018.

Did you know?

Nearly one-third of Bhaktapur's temples and buildings were destroyed in the 1934 earthquake. Many were restored, but some were lost forever. In 2015, several temples were also destroyed, but most were left standing and have now been fully restored.

 

Siddhi Lakshmi Temple Fully Restored


In 2017, the Siddhi Laxmi temple was systematically deconstructed to repair internal damage from the 2015 earthquake and was rebuilt over two years. It's interesting to note that the Vatsala Durga temple, located nearby, also underwent similar stone reconstruction. The Digital Archaeology Foundation has posted some 3D reconstruction photographs of what the temple used to look like.

Reconstruction took longer than expected due to the masonry work involved. However, the temple looks identical to when it was taken down for repair, and the restoration work was completed in mid-2018. It's very pleasing to note that the temple retains its original appearance despite the passage of years and the effects of weather on its stonework.

Today, the Siddhi Lakshmi temple has returned to its former glory. Traditionally restored in Bhaktapur, the temple stands in stark contrast to the controversial restorations in Kathmandu City, where some buildings were restored using concrete.


Interesting Notes About the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple


Stone guardians protect the temple. Pairs of male and female human guardians, each holding a child by the hand and a dog on a leash, flank the central staircase on surrounding platforms leading to the small shikhara-styled temple at the top.

Close up look at Siddhi Lakshmi Temple in Bhaktapur
Close up look at Siddhi Lakshmi Temple in Bhaktapur, Durbar Square

The subsequent platforms feature pairs of horses, rhinos, man-lions, and camels, all made from the same pale stone as the rest of the temple.


Entrance Fee


There is no charge for visiting the Siddhi Lakshmi Temple as it is covered under Bhaktapur's main entrance fee.


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