The centuries-old statue of Bhimeshwor -- the Hindu god of trade and commerce -- has been perspiring since Saturday evening, drawing hundreds to a temple in Dolakha district, 70km east of Kathmandu.

Shanta Krishna Shrestha, the temple's chief priest, said the sweating is seen as a bad omen that usually precedes disasters or crises for the royal family.

"Most famously the idol sweated just before the royal massacre in 2001," he said, referring to an incident where an apparently drunken crown prince went on a shooting rampage that killed nine royals, including the king and queen.

Local media also said the idol broke into a sweat prior to a massive earthquake in 1934, as well as during massive street protests last year that saw the current king, Gyanendra, forced to relinquish direct rule.