Kakeshwar/Kageshwor Mahadev Temple Kathmandu,Nepal

The Kageshvar is a square temple on the northern side of Kathmandu’s Darbar square. Originally known as the Bhuvanalaksmesvara (after its benefactor, Queen Bhuvanalakshmi), it now serves as a substitute for the temple of the same name (and greater fame) about fourteen kilometers to the northeast.

According to the art historian Mary Slusser, this was one of the last temples of note constructed in Darbar square, erected c. 1711. Prior to 1934 it was Newar-style monument, probably with two or three tiers of roofs. However, the earthquake of 1934 destroyed the upper levels, which were rebuilt in the sikhara style. Slusser notes that the result is “a very unfortunate architectural marriage”

Kakeshwar Temple, situated in the historical city of Kathmandu, is a notable religious site that has endured significant transformations over the centuries. Originally built in 1681, the temple has faced several calamities, including being rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1934 and then suffering destruction again during the 2015 earthquake. Currently, it is under reconstruction, with efforts being made to preserve its unique architectural heritage.

The architectural design of Kakeshwar Temple is particularly distinctive, blending various styles. It features a Newari-style floor, which is typical of the local Newar community in Nepal, known for its rich cultural and architectural traditions. The upper storey of the temple adopts an Indian shikhara style, a towering structure common in North Indian temples, which adds a graceful yet imposing presence. The temple is capped with a spire shaped like a kalasa, a water vase, which is traditionally indicative of a female deity and adds a spiritual and aesthetic significance to the structure.

While the temple is cherished for its architectural amalgamation, the reconstruction efforts following the 2015 earthquake have led to some alterations in its original structure. Despite these changes, the Kakeshwar Temple remains a prominent landmark in Kathmandu, drawing visitors not only for its religious importance but also as a testament to the resilience and enduring craftsmanship of Nepal’s architectural heritage.