Guards at the Uma Maheshwor Temple in Kirtipur

Guards at the Uma Maheshwor Temple in Kirtipur

The triple-roofed Uma Maheshwar Temple, or Hindu Kvat, is another famous temple of Kirtipur. It is also known as Bhavani Shankar Temple. Already situated at the highest point of the town, its dominant position is accentuated still further by a tall stepped platform. It lies at 1414 m altitude and was built in the year 1655 AD by Vishwanath Raurta. Standing by the temple, one can enjoy the beautiful landscape of the valley including the Himalayan ranges. The Temple is gotten by climbing the stone stairway by the saddle. On either side of the beginning of the stairway is a stone elephant with spikes on them. The is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati. To the left of the main deities is the form of Shiva with Parvati leaning against him seductively. The temple originally had four roofs. It was damaged in the earthquake of 1934 and was restored.

Its advised don't sit on elephants back!