Bhairavnath Temple is one of the renowned temples of Bhaktapur that is located in Taumadhi Square. This temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who is believed to be the most ferocious form of Lord Shiva. The temple was initially a single-story structure, but later on, two more stories were added to it. The statue of Lord Bhairav is about 12 feet long and is one of the largest statues in the Kathmandu Valley.
The temple has a fascinating history. It is believed that the temple was first established by King Ananda Deva in the 13th century. However, the temple was not triple-roofed at that time. Later, during the reign of King Vishwa Malla, the temple was beautifully restored and converted into a one-story temple. King Jagatjyoti Malla further enhanced the temple by decorating it with golden roofs. In the 18th century, King Bhupatindra Malla modified the temple into a triple-roofed structure and added seven golden pinnacles to it.
The Bhairavnath Temple has witnessed its share of destruction and reconstruction. The devastating earthquake of 1934 collapsed the temple, but it was later rebuilt in its original form. The more recent earthquake of 2015 also caused damage to the temple, but it has since been repaired.
The Bhairavnath Temple is a significant cultural and religious site in Bhaktapur. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come to worship Lord Bhairav and admire the temple's architecture. The temple is also known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Bhaktapur.