Location

Province: Province 3

Pilgrimage and Main Attraction

The history behind the Temple originated from ancient times. It is said that when God Indra became jealous of Rishi Gautam's wife Ahalya, he appeared on earth as Rishi Gautam and slept with her. Angered by infidelity, Rishi Gautam cursed his wife to become a stone while cursed Indra to develop thousands of testicles on his body. 

After the curse, God Indra sought help with his Guru Brihaspati, who suggested that he meditate for 12 years in the name of Mukeshwor Mahadev. So, Indra went on to meditate for 12 years and Mahadev, happy with the confrontation, directed Indra to go on a trip. He also gave him a dried bamboo stick and told him that the moment a bud grows from the stick would be when he shall be free from the curse.

With the faith and patience for the bamboo stick to bud, Indra went on the trip. Then right when he reached nearby the Triveni River, the stick had a small bud growing on it. And subsequently, the testicles on his body vanished except one on his forehead. Hence, the stone on which the stick started budding became known as the symbol of Vishnu and Mahadev. The area of the Triveni river was initially called the Newari word 'Pa-lahu-ti,' which became Panauti with the evolvement of the word.

A statue of Mahadev was also made upon the miraculous stone, and it became known as the Mahadev built by Indra, hence called Indreshwor Mahadev.

The exact date when the temple was constructed cannot be traced. However, according to history, it is said to have been made by Jaya Singh Ram. Therefore, some historians have guessed it to be around the 12 to 13th century.

The temple is in Pagoda style, three stories, and the roof is of Nepali terracotta style called Jhingati. Furthermore, the pinnacle is gold-plated. Inside the temple, there is a four-cornered Shivalinga, expected to have been constructed in 13the century, which is made up of copper by gold plated.

The hill above the temple is called Kunja Parvat. And close to the temple is a Sachi tirtha named after Indra's wife.

Geographical Location

Indreshwor Mahadev is on the junction of three rivers, Roshikhola, Punyawati and Baasdol at Kavrepalanchowk district. It is on the west side of Panauti Municipality, and it is one of the 64 Jyotirlinga of God Shiva.

Direction

As this is located in the reformed area of Panauti, local transportation can be taken from Panauti Market, while by foot it only takes 15 minutes.

Main Festivities and Jatras

Here every 12 years, Makar-Mela is organised. Then on Bala Chaturdashi, Shivaratri and Teej worshippers gather around the temple. In addition to that, on Jestha Shukla Purnima, ceremonial rituals are conducted. Therefore, this temple holds importance to purity bathing and ceremonial worships.