What is the Nepali Temple in Varanasi?
The Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat is a Shiva temple built in the Nepali pagoda style of timber, terracotta and stone, modelled on Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. It is attributed to the royal family of Nepal in the early 19th century. Its wooden carvings earned it the local name Kathwala Mandir, 'the wooden temple'. It is close to the riverside end of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
Nepali Temple (Samrajeshwar Pashupatinath Mandir)
- Presiding deity
- Shiva as Pashupatinath
- Location
- Lalita Ghat, Varanasi
- From Kashi Vishwanath
- Under 1 km (approximate)
On this page
History
Historical accounts attribute the temple to King Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal, who lived in Varanasi in the early 19th century, with the work completed after his death. We report the details as commonly described.
Architecture
The temple is a rare example of Nepali architecture in India: a pagoda-roofed shrine with intricately carved wooden struts and windows. As in many temples of the Kathmandu valley, some of the carvings are erotic in theme.
Visiting
- The temple stands above Lalita Ghat, close to the river entrance of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
- It is quieter than the main temples — a good pause on a ghat walk.
- Be respectful when photographing; ask if unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Nepali Temple in Varanasi?
It is attributed to King Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal in the early 19th century, completed after his death.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Nepali Mandir (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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