Kailashnath Mahadev Statue (Sanga) | Bhaktapur

Information

Landmark: Kailashnath Mahadev Statue (Sanga)
City: Bhaktapur
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Kailashnath Mahadev Statue (Sanga), Bhaktapur, Nepal, Asia

Kailashnath Mahadev Statue is the world’s tallest statue of the Hindu deity Shiva in a standing posture, located in Sanga, on the border of Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok districts.

Visual Characteristics

The statue stands 143 feet (43.5 meters) tall. It is made of copper, zinc, steel, and concrete, featuring a burnished metallic finish. Shiva is depicted in a standing position holding a Trishula (trident), with a serene expression. The complex includes a large park, fountains, and stone-paved walkways on a steep hillside.

Location & Access Logistics

Located in Sanga, Suryabinayak 44800, Nepal, approximately 20 km east of Kathmandu.

Transit: Situated directly on the Araniko Highway. Public buses from Kathmandu (Ratna Park) or Bhaktapur stop at the Sanga gate.

Access: A steep paved road and stairs lead from the highway to the statue base.

Hours: Daily 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM.

Admission: Paid entry for the statue park area (approx. 100–200 NPR).

Historical Origin

Construction began in 2003 and was completed in 2010. It was commissioned and funded by Kamal Jain, an Indian businessman and founder of "Hilltake" (a water tank manufacturer), as a religious and community contribution. It was engineered to withstand high wind speeds and seismic activity common in the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Height Milestone: Often cited as the tallest Shiva statue in the world (though contested by the Viswas Swaroopam in Rajasthan).

Panoramic Views: The hilltop site offers views of the Kathmandu Valley to the west and the Himalayan peaks to the north.

Religious Complex: Includes small temples dedicated to other deities and a 12-Jyotirlinga representation.

Recreation: The site features a resort, spa, and children's playground, making it a popular weekend destination.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex is well-developed with paved paths, though the incline is significant. It includes a resort with dining facilities, public restrooms, and parking at the highway level and near the entrance. 5G/4G signal is excellent due to its proximity to the main highway.

Best Time to Visit

Early Morning: To observe the sunrise hitting the metallic surface of the statue.

Maha Shivaratri: The major festival for Shiva, when the site sees tens of thousands of pilgrims.

Facts & Legends

A technical oddity is that the statue is designed with a hollow interior and internal bracing to manage the thermal expansion of the metal skin. While a modern construction, local devotees associate the hilltop with ancient spiritual energy, believing it was always a "Shakti" center before the statue's installation.