Balkumari Temple, Patan, Nepal: Travel Guide

About the Shiva Shrine in Lakeside

If you've come from the Kathmandu Valley, you'll notice there are not as many shrines or temples in Pokhara. The Newari people and the Malla kingdom are largely credited for most of the temples and shrines in Nepal. Their influence was mostly within the Kathmandu Valley.

In Pokhara's Lakeside, there are however a few temples and shrines. This Shiva Shrine is just a small example but one of only four in Lakeside. The Taal Barahi Temple is the other. In Friendship park, there is the Kedareshwar Mahadev Mani temple which is quite new. Just up the road near the Waterfront Hotel is a set of steps leading to the fourth.

Inside the Shiva Shrine, there are several Shiva Linga and tridents. The metal trident is not unusual, but this many in one place is. Probably a collection that's built up over the years.

If you'd like to visit more temples in Pokhara, then do read my post on the disappearing temples of Pokhara.

Did you know?

This shrine to Shiva is used everyday by many believers who come here in the mornings to bless themselves.

Shiva's influence in Nepal

Shiva is one of the most popular Hindu gods in Nepal and is part of the holy trinity. The three Hindu gods of the trinity are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer.

Images of Shiva are spread throughout Nepal. Common features include the third eye on his forehead, a snake around his neck, a nearby crescent moon, the Ganges river flowing from his hair, and a trident (trishula) nearby.

Shiva is often depicted with his wife Parvati and his two children, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shiva has many roles and is known as "the Destroyer" or "the Transformer". He is also the god of Yoga.

In many Shiva temples or shrines, you will see the bull Nandi standing or kneeling before it. This is Shiva's transport, and Nandi is usually either guarding the area or waiting for Shiva to carry him somewhere. It seems Nandi is not present in the Lakeside Shiva Shrine (possibly due to the steps being damaged), but there are paintings of snakes which seem to be guarding it.

Every year, there is a festival in Nepal which celebrates Shiva known as Shivaratri. It's celebrated in Pokhara, but you'd never really notice it. The best place to experience it is in Pashupatinath in Kathmandu.

Directions to the Shiva Shrine in Lakeside

The small red brick shrine is located in north Lakeside. The Lakeside pathway finishes/starts nearby. The shine is located just at the main corner nearby Banyan Tree guest house/Cafe Banyan Tree. Becareful if climbing up to it as the soil is often loose in that area.

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