One of the five Pandavas, the Bhimsen Temple at the end of Durbar Square is a sacred religious place in the region. Bhimsen is considered to be the god of trade and business. It is also believed that he has superhuman strength. That’s why the drawings and carvings in the temple depict him as a red muscleman, someone who is crushing and elephant with a knee or lifting a horse.

The three-storey pagoda has an unusual rectangular plan that sets it apart from other temples in Patan. The current temple was completely rebuilt in 1682 after a fire and was later restored after the 1934 earthquake, and again in 1967. Once repairs following the 2015 quake are complete, non-Hindus may once again be able to climb to the upper level (the inner sanctum is usually upstairs in Bhimsen temples) to view the wild-eyed statue of Bhimsen.

About Bhimsen