Yaksheshwor Mahadev Temple (Pashupatinath of Bhaktapur)

The Yaksheshwor Mahadev Temple, popularly called the Pashupatinath of Bhaktapur, is one of the oldest temples in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Built by King Yakshya Malla in 1475 AD, the temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva and named after the king himself — 'Yaksheshwor' literally means 'Lord of the Yakshas.'

The two-tiered pagoda is modelled after the celebrated Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and houses a four-faced Shivalinga with silver-plated faces peeking out in the four cardinal directions, similar to its more famous counterpart.

The temple is particularly noted for its 24 wooden struts, each bearing different carved images of Shiva and Shakti, including erotic scenes inspired by Kamasutra texts — a common motif in Newari temple art believed to ward off lightning, as the goddess of lightning is said to be a shy virgin.

Situated directly behind the Vatsala Durga Temple in the Durbar Square courtyard, Yaksheshwor remains one of the most actively worshipped temples in the square, drawing devotees especially during Teej and Maha Shivaratri. Despite being overshadowed by grander neighbors, it offers an intimate encounter with Malla-era craftsmanship and living Hindu devotion.