Kumbeshwar Temple

Due north of Durbar Square is the eye-catching Kumbeshwar Temple, one of the valley’s three five-store's. The temple dominates the surrounding streets and is said to date from 1392, making it the oldest temple in Patan. This tall, thin temple features some particularly artistic woodcarving, and it seems to defy gravity as it towers above the surrounding houses. A large Nandi statue and central lingam indicate that the shrine is sacred to Shiva.

The temple platform has two ponds whose water is said to come straight from the holy lake at Gosainkund, a week long trek north of the valley. Bathing in the tank at Kumbeshwar Temple is said to be as meritorious as making the arduous walk to Gosainkund.

The surrounding square is dotted with temples sacred to Bhairab and Baglamukhi . Local women gather at the tank known as Konti Hiti to socialize, wash clothes and fill up their water jugs.

Down an alley to the north of the temple is the Kumbeshwar Technical School. From here you can detour north to see the Northern Stupa, one of four marker shrines showing the old city limits of Patan.

It hosts an annual pilgrimage of Hindus during the Janai Purnima day in July/August. During this event, Hindus of the Brahmin and Chhetri castes replace sacred thread that they wear over their shoulders while Jhankris beat drums and dance around the temple.