Kumbeshwar Temple

 Directly north of Durbar Sq is Kumbeshwar Temple, one of the valley's three five-storey temples. The temple dominates the surrounding streets and is said to date from 1392, making it the oldest temple in Patan. The temple is noted for its graceful proportions and fine woodcarvings and is dedicated to Shiva, as indicated by the large Nandi, or bull, facing the temple.

    The temple platform has two ponds whose water is said to come straight from the holy lake at Gosainkund, a long trek north of the valley. An annual ritual bath in the Kumbeshwar Temple's tank is claimed to be as meritorious as making the arduous walk to Gosainkund.Thousands of pilgrims visit the Kumbeshwar Temple during the Janai Purnima festival in July or August to worship the silver-and-gold lingam that is set up in the tank. It's a colorful occasion: bathers immerse themselves in the tank while members of the Brahmin and Chhetri castes replace the sacred thread they wear looped over their left shoulder. Jhankris (faith healers) beating drums and wearing colorful headdresses and skirts dance around the temple to complete the dramatic scene.

     On the southeastern edge of the courtyard, behind a black lacquered grill, is an important Bhairab Temple, with a life-size wooden image of the god. Next door is the more active single-storey Bagalamukhi (Parvati) Temple. On the western side of the Kumbeshwar Temple courtyard is the large Konti Hiti, a popular gathering place for local women. On the northern side is the Kumbeshwar Technical School.