Bhimsen Temple | Lalitpur

The Bhimsen Temple is a unique three-story pagoda located at the northern end of Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, Nepal. Built in 1680 by King Srinivasa Malla, it is dedicated to Bhimsen, the second of the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, who is revered in Newari culture as the God of Trade and Commerce.

Visual Characteristics

The temple is distinct due to its rectangular base, unlike the square bases common to most Newari pagodas. It features three tiered roofs: the lower two are tiled with traditional clay, while the uppermost roof is covered in gilded copper. The facade is heavily decorated with brass and gold-plated ornaments, including a golden pinnacle (Gajur) and a long ribbon-like metal banner (Dhvaja) hanging from the top roof to the first floor.

Architectural Style & Materials

Style: Three-tiered rectangular pagoda.

Materials: Red brick, carved wood, and gilded copper.

Windows: The first floor features three large, heavily gilded windows. The central window is where the deity is traditionally housed.

Carvings: The wooden struts supporting the roofs are intricately carved with depictions of various deities and mythological scenes.

Religious & Economic Significance

Patron of Merchants: Bhimsen is the primary deity for the Newari business community. Local merchants visit the temple to pray for success in trade and to seek protection for their goods.

Non-Traditional Deity: While Bhimsen is a human hero in the Mahabharata, in the Kathmandu Valley, he is elevated to a powerful god known for his immense physical strength and protective nature.

Rituals: Unlike many other temples, animal sacrifices are not typically offered here; instead, devotees offer incense, flowers, and sweets.

Access & Logistics

Location: M8FG+G3F, Lalitpur 44600, Nepal.

Position: Northernmost major temple in the Patan Durbar Square complex.

Hours: Open 24 hours (Rituals are most active during early morning and evening).

Entry: The ground floor is open to the public; the upper floors housing the main idol are generally restricted to priests and specific devotees.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Resilience: The temple was severely damaged during the 2015 earthquake. It was meticulously restored through a community-led initiative funded primarily by local businessmen and the Lalitpur Chamber of Commerce, rather than international aid.

Connectivity: 4G/LTE signal is stable in the surrounding plaza.

Surrounds: The temple overlooks a large stone-paved area often used for local markets and public gatherings.

Best Time to Visit

The temple is most vibrant in the morning (07:00–09:00) when local merchants perform their daily puja before opening their shops. The Bhimsen Jatra, held annually, involves a chariot procession that is a major cultural event in Patan.

Nearby Landmarks

Vishwanath Temple: 0.05km South.

Patan Museum: 0.1km South.

Krishna Mandir: 0.15km South.

Manga Hiti: 0.05km Southeast (ancient water spout).