नेपाली मंदिर

Wander off Lalita Ghat’s busy steps, and suddenly you find yourself before a temple that looks straight out of Kathmandu — the Nepali Mandir, also called Kathwala.

Built in the early 19th century, it was commissioned by King Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal, who lived here in exile between 1800 and 1804 under the name Swami Nirgunanda. Longing for his homeland, he wished to construct a replica of Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple. Though he returned to Nepal and was tragically assassinated in 1806, the temple was initiated by Queen Rajyalakshmi of Nepal in 1841 and was completed in 1843 by the patronage of King Rajendra Vikram Shah and his prince Surendra Vikram Shah. Today, the temple is under the control of Guthi Institute, which maintains its repairing and conservation.

It is also called as the Samarajeshvara Shiva Temple. What distinguishes this temple is its pagoda-style architecture, built from termite-resistant Nepalese wood, stone, and terracotta. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Pashupatinath, the temple is more than an architectural marvel. A small Nandi statue stands guard, and under its wooden eaves, Nepali pilgrims often stand in reverent silence, connecting Varanasi to Kathmandu. The temple also exhibits elements of Tantric art and symbolism, reflecting the diverse religious influences present in Varanasi. Surrounding to the inner sanctum, there are four entrance gates corresponding to the four directions. In the inside exists the Narmadeshvara lingam ornamented by the serpents.

The temple and its dharamshala remain under the care of the Nepalese Government — a living link between the two nations. Open nearly 24 hours daily, it remains peaceful even amid the city's bustle. In a city of familiar tiers, Nepali Mandir stands apart, whispering a quiet story of exile, cultural unity, and devotion — where art and architecture bridge borders, and every carved panel carries echoes of two sacred cities.