Nepali architecture is a unique strain of art and pragmatism. Nepal is situated in between trade routes from India to Tibet and China. Therefore Nepali architecture has been influenced by these cultures. The Nepali Temple in Varanasi is a replica of the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. There is evidence to suggest that the land was actually transferred by the ruler of Varanasi to the Nepalese king back in 1843.

The 167-year-old structure, the Lalita Devi temple, is headed by Pandit Gopal Prasad Adhikari. The temple and its dharamshala belongs to the Nepal government. He is a Nepali migrant and a teacher of Vedanta Darshan and proud to have a bit of Nepal in India. The temple is also called Mini Khajuraho because of its exquisite art work. A special wood had been used while building this temple to ensure safety against termites. The workers were brought in from Nepal and there is a display of excellent craftsmanship. It is surrounded by tamarind and peepal trees. There is a statue of Nandi Bull outside the garbagriha. Nandi is the name for the bull which serves as the mount of the god Shiva and as the gatekeeper of Shiva and Parvathi. The Garbha Griha is the innermost sanctum of a Hindu temple. The primary deity resides here and in this case it is Shiva Lingam called Pashupatinath Mahadeva. 

The temple offers magnificent views of Varanasi and the holy River Ganges. From the temple’s platform, there is a unique perspective of the city’s everyday life.  Visitors walking along the Ghats, a tired pilgrim stopping for a rest, an Indian tour group, perhaps a family of monkeys. A tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world, it is said to be unparalleled to any other temple in India. The temple presents a beautiful opportunity to observe and appreciate the art of Kama Sutra carved out of wood.

• A nice little temple, a peaceful refuge from the chaotic pace of Varanasi.
• Get a guide to explain the historical facts.
• It is clean and not crowded.
• Lessons in Sanskrit are held for small boys in the temple.
• Culture and language are well preserved in this place.
• Tourists can attend ceremonies where songs are sung and offerings are made to the Lord Shiva.

• Festive Villa: Continental
• Madhur Milan Cafe: Indian
• Lotus Lounge: Continental
• Kerala Cafe: South Indian

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