Kailashnath Shiva Temple

Kailashnath Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the city of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is considered one of the most sacred temples in Nepal and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva.

The temple is located in Sanga, around 20 km east of Kathmandu, and is situated at an altitude of 4,600 feet above sea level. It was built in 2003 and is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of ancient and modern styles.

The main attraction of the Kailashnath Shiva Temple is its 144-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, which is the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. The statue is made of copper, zinc, and steel, and is covered in gold.

Visitors to the temple can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains, as well as take part in various religious ceremonies and festivals that are held throughout the year.

Overall, the Kailashnath Shiva Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hinduism or seeking spiritual enlightenment. Its unique architecture, stunning statue, and peaceful surroundings make it a truly unforgettable experience.

The Kailashnath Shiva Temple was built in 2003 by the entrepreneur Kamal Jain, who was inspired by the ancient Hindu temples of India. The temple was designed by Indian architect Ganesh Bahadur Tamrakar, and its construction was carried out by a team of more than 50 workers.

The main attraction of the temple is its 144-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, which was built using copper, zinc, and steel, and is covered in gold. The statue is a replica of the Kailashnath Mahadev Temple in Kailash, India, which is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.

The Kailashnath Shiva Temple was built to commemorate the new millennium and to promote Hinduism in Nepal. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Nepal and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

In addition to the main temple and statue of Lord Shiva, the Kailashnath Shiva Temple also features a number of smaller temples, shrines, and meditation halls. These are dedicated to various deities and are used for religious ceremonies and festivals.

Overall, the Kailashnath Shiva Temple is a modern marvel of Hindu architecture and a testament to the enduring power and beauty of Hinduism. Its unique blend of ancient and modern styles, combined with its stunning statue of Lord Shiva, make it a truly unforgettable destination for visitors from around the world.

The Kailashnath Shiva Temple is located in Sanga, which is around 20 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal. Here are some ways to reach the temple:

1. By taxi: The most convenient way to reach the temple is by taxi. Taxis are available from Kathmandu and can take you directly to the temple.
2. By bus: Buses are available from Kathmandu to Sanga. Once you reach Sanga, you can take a taxi or walk to the temple.
3. By car: If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to the temple. The road leading to the temple is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
4. By cable car: A cable car service is available from Kathmandu to the temple. The cable car ride takes around 10 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the valley below.

Overall, reaching the Kailashnath Shiva Temple is easy and convenient, with a variety of transportation options available to suit all budgets and preferences.

The best time to visit the Kailashnath Shiva Temple is during the months of September to November and February to April, which is the peak tourist season in Nepal. During this time, the weather is dry and clear, and the temperature is mild and pleasant.

Visiting the temple during the off-season (May to August and December to January) can also be a good option, as the temple is less crowded and you can enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

It is important to note that the temple can be busy during Hindu festivals and auspicious days, such as Shivaratri and Teej. During these times, the temple can get very crowded and it may be difficult to get inside the temple or see the statue of Lord Shiva. If you plan to visit during these times, it is advisable to arrive early and be prepared for long queues.

Overall, the best time to visit the Kailashnath Shiva Temple is during the cooler months of the year, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are manageable.

Here are some things to do when visiting the Kailashnath Shiva Temple:

1. See the 144-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva: The main attraction of the temple is the statue of Lord Shiva, which is the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. Visitors can see the statue up close and marvel at its intricate details and craftsmanship.
2. Take part in religious ceremonies and festivals: The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and hosts various religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. Visitors can take part in these ceremonies and experience the rich cultural traditions of Nepal.
3. Explore the smaller temples and shrines: In addition to the main temple, the Kailashnath Shiva Temple also features a number of smaller temples and shrines dedicated to various deities. Visitors can explore these temples and learn more about the Hindu pantheon.
4. Enjoy the stunning views: The temple is situated at an altitude of 4,600 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Visitors can take in the panoramic views and appreciate the natural beauty of Nepal.
5. Meditate in the meditation halls: The temple features several meditation halls where visitors can meditate and reflect in a peaceful and serene environment.
6. Learn about the history and significance of the temple: The Kailashnath Shiva Temple has a rich history and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Nepal. Visitors can learn more about the temple's history and significance from the temple guides and information displays.

Overall, the Kailashnath Shiva Temple offers a unique and enriching cultural experience for visitors, with plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and reflect.

Here are some attractions near the Kailashnath Shiva Temple:

1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 30 km from the Kailashnath Shiva Temple. It features a number of ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards, and is considered one of the best examples of Newari architecture in Nepal.
2. Changu Narayan Temple: Changu Narayan Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 20 km from the Kailashnath Shiva Temple. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal and is renowned for its intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures.
3. Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 20 km from the Kailashnath Shiva Temple. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is surrounded by a vibrant Tibetan community.
4. Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 35 km from the Kailashnath Shiva Temple. It features a number of ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards, and is considered one of the best examples of traditional Newari architecture in Nepal.
5. Swayambhunath Stupa: Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 20 km from the Kailashnath Shiva Temple. It is a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and features stunning views of the Kathmandu valley.

These attractions offer a diverse range of cultural and historical experiences, and are all easily accessible from the Kailashnath Shiva Temple.

Kailashnath Shiva Temple is considered one of the most significant Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century AD. It is known for its architectural and sculptural brilliance, which showcases the expertise of the craftsmen of that era. The temple is also believed to have been a center of learning and pilgrimage during its heyday. It is a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of India and draws thousands of devotees and tourists every year.

The Kailashnath Shiva Temple is an excellent example of Indian temple architecture from the 8th century. The temple was built during the Pallava dynasty, and its architecture reflects the style of that era. The temple is carved out of a single rock, which is a massive structure standing at a height of around 80 feet. The temple's architecture is a fusion of Dravidian and Nagara style, which are prevalent in South India and North India, respectively.

The temple has a vimana or tower that rises in a pyramidal shape, which is adorned with intricate carvings of various deities, including Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. The temple also has an artha-mandapa, a mandapa, and a mahamandapa, which are pillared halls with beautiful carvings. The carvings in the temple depict various stories from Hindu mythology, including the life of Lord Shiva and the 63 Nayanars, the devotees of Lord Shiva.

One of the most notable features of the Kailashnath Shiva Temple is the massive Nandi bull statue placed at the entrance of the temple. The statue of Nandi is around 20 feet in height and 30 feet in length, which is the largest statue of Nandi in the world. The statue is also carved out of a single rock and is an impressive example of the ancient Indian sculptural art. The Kailashnath Shiva Temple is a unique and beautiful structure that stands as a testament to the skill and creativity of the artisans of ancient India.

Kailashnath Shiva Temple doesn't celebrate any major festivals as it is primarily a pilgrimage site. However, the temple sees a significant influx of devotees during the festival of Mahashivratri, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. During this festival, special poojas and rituals are performed at the temple to honor Lord Shiva.

The visiting hours of Kailashnath Shiva Temple are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. The temple remains open on all days of the week, including weekends and public holidays. However, it is advisable to check the temple timings before planning your visit as they are subject to change.

There is no strict dress code enforced at Kailashnath Shiva Temple, but it is advisable to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting any religious site. As a sign of respect, both men and women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees. It is also customary to remove shoes before entering the temple premises, so it is recommended to wear easily removable footwear. Additionally, some visitors may choose to wear traditional Indian attire, but it is not mandatory.

Kailashnath Shiva Temple is primarily a place of worship and offers a range of poojas and rituals for devotees. Some of the important poojas and rituals performed at the temple include:

1. Rudrabhishek: It is a ritual performed to appease Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. The ritual involves the chanting of mantras and offering milk, honey, and other items to the deity.
2. Maha Shivratri: This is one of the most important festivals celebrated at the temple, which attracts a large number of devotees. Special poojas and rituals are performed on this day, and the temple is decorated with flowers and lights.
3. Abhishekam: This is a daily ritual that involves the bathing of the deity with water, milk, honey, and other items. It is believed that this ritual purifies the mind and body of the devotee.
4. Aarti: Aarti is a daily ritual performed to honor the deity and seek his blessings. It involves the lighting of lamps and the chanting of hymns.

Apart from these, there are other poojas and rituals performed at the temple, including Navagraha Puja, Panchamrit Abhishekam, and Shiva Sahasranama Archana. The temple also offers various seva packages for devotees who wish to perform specific poojas or rituals.

The Kailashnath Shiva Temple is located in Ellora, which is a small town in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. There are several accommodation options available near the temple, including hotels, lodges, and guesthouses.

Some of the popular accommodation options near the Kailashnath Shiva Temple are:

1. Hotel Kailas: This is a budget hotel located close to the temple. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel offers basic amenities such as room service and free Wi-Fi.
2. Hotel Sonali Regency: This is a mid-range hotel located a few kilometers away from the temple. The hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
3. Ellora Heritage Resort: This is a luxury resort located about 5 km away from the temple. The resort offers comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and gardens. The resort also has a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant.
4. MTDC Resort Ellora: This is a government-run resort located near the temple. The resort offers basic accommodation in cottages and dormitories. The resort also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a playground.
5. Hotel Kailash Deep: This is a budget hotel located about 2 km away from the temple. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk.