Introduction
In Hinduism, there are three types of Followers. They are the Shaivas, the Vaishnavas, and the Shaktas. Shaivas basically worship Siva, Vaisnava worship Vishnu, and the Shaktas worship Kali or Bhagwati. It doesn’t mean Shakta doesn’t worship Bishnu and Shiva. They pray to all the deities, but the emphasis has been given to their own deities.
The goddess has great importance for the Shakta sect of Hindus. She is worshipped in many aspects: as Durga, the Protector and slayer of the devils, as Taleju, the patron deity of the Valley rulers, and as Kumari, the living virgin goddess, as Dakshin Kali, Gorakhkali, and Manakamana Temple as wish fulfilled, and so on. Other female goddesses, such as Laxmi, Goddess of wealth, and Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge and art, are worshipped in Nepal, and are different images of Bhagawatis.
Likewise, Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and the source of good fortune, Machhendranath, Indra, Hanuman, etc., are special to Nepal alone and are celebrated with unique local festivals, and those temples are very famous in Nepal, especially in the Kathmandu valley.
Major Bhagwati Temples in Nepal are also known as Shakti piths. Worshippers sacrifice animals like a duck, chicken, goat, buffalo, sheep, etc, during the Bada Dashain festival as well as Chaitra Dashain.
Bhagwati Temples in Nepal are:
1. Dakshin Kali Temple:
Dakshinkali Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Nepal. It is situated around 22 kilometers outside of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. Kali is a powerful and fierce form of the goddess Durga, known for her strength and ferocity. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and during the festival of Dashain. During Dashain, animal sacrifices are offered to the goddess as part of the ritual worship. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape, with forests and hills adding to its serene ambiance. Many devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, offer prayers, and perform religious ceremonies. The area also attracts tourists who are interested in exploring the cultural and religious aspects of Nepal.
2. Gadhi Mai Temple:
Gadhimai Temple, also known as Gadhimai Temple of Bariyarpur, is a Hindu temple located in Bariyarpur, Bara District, Nepal. The temple is primarily known for the Gadhimai Festival, a religious event that involves the mass sacrifice of animals. The Gadhimai Festival has been held every five years at the temple grounds, with the most recent occurrence taking place in 2019. During the festival, devotees from Nepal and neighboring countries gather to honor and appease the goddess Gadhimai, a form of the Hindu goddess Durga. It is believed that sacrificing animals will bring prosperity and fulfill the wishes of the devotees. The festival gained international attention and sparked significant controversy due to the large-scale animal sacrifices involved. Animal rights activists, both within Nepal and globally, have strongly condemned the practice. Despite the criticism, the festival has been deeply rooted in the local tradition and has been practiced for centuries.
3. Chinnamasta Temple:
The Chinnamasta Temple, also known as Chinnamastika Temple, is a revered Hindu temple located in Nepal. It is dedicated to the goddess Chinnamasta, a tantric form of the Hindu goddess Devi. Chinnamasta is depicted as a self-decapitated goddess, holding her own severed head in one hand and brandishing a sword in the other. She stands on the bodies of Kamadeva, the god of desire, and his consort Rati. The symbolism behind this image represents the transcendence of the material world and the power of self-sacrifice. The temple at Rajrappa is believed to be situated at the spot where Chinnamasta performed her self-sacrifice. The area around the temple is considered sacred, with the Bhairavi and Mahavidya temples located nearby. Devotees visit the Chinnamasta Temple to seek blessings, perform prayers, and offer puja (worship) to the goddess. The temple sees a significant influx of devotees during festivals such as Navratri, Kali Puja, and Durga Puja. The Chinnamasta Temple holds great significance for tantric practitioners and followers of the Shakta tradition, who venerate the goddess as a representation of power and transformation.
4. Guheswari Temple:
Guheswari Temple, also known as Guhyeshwari Temple, is a revered Hindu temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the most important Shakti Peethas (sacred sites dedicated to the goddess Shakti) in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Guhyeshwari, an aspect of the goddess Parvati, who is considered the consort of Lord Shiva. The word “Guhyeshwari” means “the goddess of secrecy” or “the hidden goddess.” According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that a part of Sati Devi’s (a form of Parvati) body fell at this spot after Lord Shiva carried her corpse on his shoulder in grief. The Guheswari Temple holds immense religious and cultural significance for the people of Nepal. It is considered one of the holiest places in Kathmandu and attracts numerous devotees, especially women, who come to seek the blessings of the goddess. The temple complex consists of the main shrine, which houses the sacred idol of Guhyeshwari, along with several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. The architecture of the temple reflects the traditional Newari style, with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. During festivals like Navaratri and Dashain, the temple witnesses a large influx of devotees who offer prayers, light oil lamps, and perform religious rituals. The atmosphere during these festivals is vibrant and filled with devotion.
5. Shova Bhagawati Temple:
It is indeed a significant Hindu temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is dedicated to the goddess Shova Bhagwati, who is considered a manifestation of the goddess Durga. The temple is situated in the vicinity of Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shova Bhagwati is highly revered by the local Newari community and is considered the guardian deity of the Kathmandu Valley. The temple holds great religious and cultural importance and attracts devotees who come to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess. It is particularly revered during festivals such as Navaratri (nine nights dedicated to the goddess Durga) and Dashain (a major Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal). The architecture of the Shova Bhagwati Temple showcases the traditional Newari style, with intricate wood carvings and beautiful pagoda-like structures. The temple complex also includes smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.
6. Naxalbhagawati Temple:
It is a renowned Hindu temple located in Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, another form of the goddess Durga. The temple holds religious significance for the local community and attracts devotees who come to offer prayers and seek blessings. The goddess Bhagwati is revered as a powerful and protective deity. The temple’s architecture reflects the traditional Newari style, which is characterized by intricate wood carvings and pagoda-like structures. The temple complex also includes other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. During festivals like Navaratri and Dashain, the Naxal Bhagawati Temple becomes a center of religious activity. Devotees visit the temple to perform rituals, offer prayers, and participate in religious ceremonies.
7. Kalikasthan Temple:
It is a popular Hindu temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is situated in the Kalikasthan area, which is named after the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Lord Shiva is considered the destroyer and transformer within the Hindu trinity. Devotees visit the Kalikasthan Temple to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple holds significance for both locals and pilgrims who visit it for spiritual purposes. It provides a peaceful environment for devotees to engage in meditation and worship. The architecture of the temple showcases the traditional Newari style with intricate carvings and design elements. Kalikasthan Temple also offers panoramic views of the surrounding Kathmandu Valley, making it a picturesque location. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings.
8. Maitidevi Temple:
The Maitidevi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is dedicated to Goddess Sati in her form as Mata Maitidevi, an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. The temple’s origins are steeped in legend, believed to date back to the time of the Mahabharata. According to mythology, the temple marks the spot where the maya (heart) of the goddess Sati fell after her body was dismembered. This places it among the powerful 51 Shakti Peethas, making it a significant site for Shakta worship. The temple’s architecture is traditional, featuring pagoda-style roofs and intricate wood carvings typical of the Kathmandu Valley. Devotees flock here, especially during festivals like Dashain and during the Maitidevi Jatra, to seek the goddess’s blessings. The surrounding area, also named Maitidevi, is a bustling neighborhood that derives its identity from this ancient temple. It serves as a vital center of faith, culture, and community for the local residents.
9. Kumari Temple (Living goddess):
The Kumari Temple is a unique and sacred site located in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, dedicated to the Living Goddess of Nepal. It is the home of the Royal Kumari, a young pre-pubescent girl chosen from the Shakya caste of the Newar community. The Kumari is believed to be the mortal vessel of the Hindu goddess Taleju Bhawani, a manifestation of the divine female energy or Shakti. The selection process is rigorous, where the candidate must exhibit 32 perfections of character and endure tests of courage, such as staying calm in a room with 108 sacrificed buffaloes.
Once chosen, she resides in the temple, leaving only for major religious festivals, where she is carried in a palanquin. The temple itself is an exquisite example of Newari architecture, featuring intricately carved wooden balconies, windows, and courtyards built in the mid-18th century. Devotees and tourists visit to receive her darshan (a sight of the divine), as her brief appearance at a window is considered a great blessing. Her reign ends with her first menstruation or a significant loss of blood, after which she returns to normal life, and a new Kumari is selected. This tradition represents a profound fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism, deeply rooted in Nepal’s ancient culture and monarchy. The Kumari remains a powerful symbol of divinity, tradition, and the living heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
10. Taleju Bhawani:
Taleju Bhawani is a powerful and revered goddess who serves as the titular and family deity of the ancient Malla kings who ruled the Kathmandu Valley. She is considered a fierce manifestation of the Divine Mother, often associated with the Hindu goddesses Durga and Parvati. According to legend, she originally appeared to the Malla kings in a human form, providing them with counsel and protection to establish their kingdoms. The most sacred Taleju temples are located within the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, reflecting her direct link to royal power. Her worship is central to major Nepalese festivals like Dashain, during which animal sacrifices are traditionally performed in her honor.
The selection of the Royal Kumari, the living goddess, is deeply connected to Taleju, as the Kumari is believed to be her temporary earthly vessel. Access to her inner sanctum was historically restricted to the kings and their Hindu priests, emphasizing her role as a divine sovereign. The intricate, multi-tiered temple architecture dedicated to her symbolizes her supreme status and celestial abode. Thus, Taleju Bhawani represents not just a divine figure but the very nexus of religion, royalty, and culture in Nepal.
11. Ugratara of Dadeldhura:
Ugratara of Dadeldhura is a highly revered and powerful temple located in the far western region of Nepal. It is dedicated to Goddess Ugratara, a fierce form of the Hindu mother goddess Tara, whose name translates to “the fierce one.” This temple is one of the most significant Shakti Peethas in Nepal, believed to be the place where the goddess Sati’s maya (illusion or divine power) fell to earth. Perched atop a hill in Dadeldhura town, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The deity, Ugratara, is worshipped as a protector and granter of wishes, known for responding to the sincere prayers of her devotees.
A major annual festival, the Ugratara Jatra, draws thousands of pilgrims from across Nepal and India, creating a vibrant and devout atmosphere. The temple’s remote location adds to its aura of sanctity and mystique, making the pilgrimage a profound spiritual journey. It serves as a vital center of faith and cultural identity for the people of the Sudurpashchim Province. The site embodies the deep-rooted Shakta tradition and the enduring power of goddess worship in the Himalayan region.
12. Badi Malika:
Ugratara of Dadeldhura is a highly revered and powerful temple located in the far western region of Nepal. It is dedicated to Goddess Ugratara, a fierce form of the Hindu mother goddess Tara, whose name translates to “the fierce one.” This temple is one of the most significant Shakti Peethas in Nepal, believed to be the place where the goddess Sati’s maya (illusion or divine power) fell to earth. Perched atop a hill in Dadeldhura town, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The deity, Ugratara, is worshipped as a protector and granter of wishes, known for responding to the sincere prayers of her devotees.
A major annual festival, the Ugratara Jatra, draws thousands of pilgrims from across Nepal and India, creating a vibrant and devout atmosphere. The temple’s remote location adds to its aura of sanctity and mystique, making the pilgrimage a profound spiritual journey. It serves as a vital center of faith and cultural identity for the people of the Sudurpashchim Province. The site embodies the deep-rooted Shakta tradition and the enduring power of goddess worship in the Himalayan region.
13. Baglung Kalika:
Baglung Kalika is a revered temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, located in the scenic district of Baglung in western Nepal. Perched strategically on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Dhariyari rivers, it is a site of immense natural beauty and spiritual significance. The temple is one of the important Shakti Peethas in Nepal, where the goddess is worshipped in her powerful and protective form. According to local legend, a king discovered the self-manifested idol of the goddess at this very spot, leading to the temple’s establishment. The primary idol is a unique, natural stone swayambhu image that is adorned with a golden mask, representing her fierce yet benevolent aspect.
Devotees flock here throughout the year, with major gatherings occurring during the festivals of Dashain and Chaitra Ashtami, seeking blessings for protection and fulfillment of wishes. The temple’s location offers a tranquil and panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and rivers, enhancing the spiritual experience for pilgrims. It serves as a vital cultural and religious hub, deeply intertwining the identity of the Baglung region with the worship of the Divine Mother. The journey to this sacred site is considered both a physical pilgrimage and a path to spiritual merit for Hindus.
14. Gorakh Kali:
Gorakh Kali, also known as Gorakhnath Kalika, is a revered temple located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty. This sacred site is uniquely dedicated to the syncretic worship of the goddess Kali and the sage Gorakhnath, a revered figure in the Nath Yogi tradition. The temple’s origin is deeply tied to the legacy of King Ram Shah, a prominent 17th-century monarch known for his just rule, who was a devout follower of both deities. It is believed that the goddess Kali herself manifested here to protect the kingdom and bless the royal lineage. The temple complex houses two main shrines: one for the fierce, black-stoned idol of Gorakh Kali and another for Gorakhnath, reflecting their intertwined divinity.
The site holds immense historical importance as it was a key spiritual center for the Gorkha kings, whose descendants, like King Prithvi Narayan Shah, later unified Nepal. Devotees visit to seek the goddess’s protection and the sage’s blessings, especially during the festivals of Dashain and Ram Navami. The unique combination of Shakta and Nath traditions at this one site makes it a significant center for Tantric practices and pilgrimage. Thus, Gorakh Kali stands as a powerful testament to the fusion of royal history, spiritual power, and religious syncretism in Nepal.
15. Tripurasundari of Dhading:
The Tripurasundari Temple in Dhading is a revered Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Tripurasundari, a beautiful and benevolent form of the Divine Mother. Perched on a hilltop in the village of Khare, this temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is believed to be one of the places where the maya (illusion or divine power) of the goddess Sati fell to earth, marking it as a site of immense spiritual power. The temple’s remote and serene location necessitates a significant trek, making the pilgrimage a test of devotion and a journey of natural beauty.
The primary idol is a sacred, self-manifested (swayambhu) stone that is adorned with a golden mask, representing the goddess’s radiant beauty. Devotees visit to seek blessings for prosperity, knowledge, and liberation from worldly troubles, believing the goddess to be a wish-fulfiller. A major annual festival, the Tripurasundari Jatra, draws thousands of pilgrims who participate in vibrant rituals and celebrations. This temple is not just a religious site but a vital center of cultural identity and heritage for the local community. Its powerful aura and stunning setting make it a cornerstone of Nepal’s Shakta tradition and a hidden gem for spiritual seekers.
16. Tripurasundari of Dolkha:
The Tripurasundari Temple in Dolakha is one of the most revered and significant Shakti Peethas in Nepal, dedicated to the goddess in her form as the “Beauty of the Three Worlds.” Located in the historic town of Dolakha, east of Kathmandu, this temple is renowned for its unique and powerful self-manifested (swayambhu) deity. The primary idol is a natural, warm-water spring that emanates from a sacred stone shivalinga, which is adorned with a magnificent golden mask of the goddess. This natural phenomenon is considered a direct manifestation of divine energy, with the water’s temperature and flow believed to reflect the goddess’s mood and the political state of the country. The temple’s origin is steeped in legend, with one story linking it to the goddess Sati and another to the medieval saint Gorakhnath, who is said to have established the deity.
It holds immense historical importance, as it was consulted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah during his campaign to unify Nepal. Devotees flock here to seek blessings for protection, health, and the fulfillment of wishes, especially during major festivals like Dashain and the unique Jatra held every twelve years. The site represents a profound fusion of natural wonder, deep Tantric traditions, and national history. As such, Tripurasundari of Dolakha stands as a pillar of Nepali faith, culture, and spiritual power.
17. Palanchowk Bhagawati Temple:
The Palanchowk Bhagawati Temple is a revered and ancient shrine dedicated to the goddess Bhagawati, a fierce manifestation of the Divine Mother, located in the Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal. Perched on a scenic hill, the temple is renowned for its exquisitely carved, black stone idol of the goddess, which is considered a masterpiece of Nepalese sculpture. This intricately detailed statue depicts Mahishasura Mardini, the form of the goddess slaying the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, and is believed to date back to the 7th century. The temple is one of the significant Shakti Peethas in Nepal, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during the festivals of Dashain and Chaitra Ashtami.
Many believe that the goddess here is a powerful wish-fulfiller, particularly for those seeking success, protection, and victory in their endeavors. The site’s serene and elevated location offers a tranquil atmosphere for worship and reflection, enhancing its spiritual aura. Its historical and artistic significance, combined with its deep religious importance, makes it a vital cultural landmark. The Palanchowk Bhagawati thus stands as a profound testament to Nepal’s rich heritage of goddess worship and sculptural artistry.
18. Manakamana Temple:
The Manakamana Temple is one of Nepal’s most revered and popular pilgrimage sites, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati, a wish-fulfilling deity. Located atop a prominent hill in the Gorkha district, it is believed that the goddess grants the wishes (mana) of all who worship her with a pure heart. The temple’s origin is linked to the 17th-century Queen of King Ram Shah, who was believed to be an incarnation of the goddess herself. According to legend, after the king’s death, the queen performed sati, and a farmer later discovered a sacred stone at the site, which became the object of worship. For centuries, the journey to the temple was a challenging day-long trek, reinforcing the devotion of its pilgrims.
Today, the Manakamana Cable Car provides a breathtaking and convenient aerial ride to the temple, significantly increasing its accessibility. Devotees often offer animal sacrifices, particularly pigeons and goats, to the goddess as part of their vow to receive her blessings. The temple is perpetually crowded, especially on Saturdays, and during major festivals like Dashain. It stands as a powerful symbol of faith, deeply intertwined with the culture and history of the Gorkha region. A pilgrimage to Manakamana remains a profound spiritual journey for countless Nepalis and Indians seeking the goddess’s divine grace.
Conclusion:
The network of Bhagwati temples across Nepal forms the vibrant, pulsating heart of the nation’s Shakta tradition, representing the worship of the Divine Mother as a supreme power. While each temple possesses its own unique legend, deity form, and local character, they collectively represent a unified theological principle: the goddess (Shakti) as the active, protective, and creative force of the universe. These temples, including renowned ones like Palanchowk, Manakamana, and Shobha Bhagwati, are often strategically located on hilltops or at river confluences, symbolizing their role as spiritual power centers overseeing the land and its people. A central theme uniting them is their identity as Shakti Peethas, sacred sites linked to the myth of Sati, where parts of her dismembered body fell, permanently infusing the landscape with her divine energy. This establishes Nepal itself as a sacred geography, a body of the goddess. The primary function of these temples is to serve as a direct conduit for devotees to access the goddess’s grace, often for very tangible blessings like protection, victory, health, and the fulfillment of specific wishes.
Furthermore, Bhagwati temples are deeply interwoven with the political history of Nepal, particularly the unification campaign of Prithvi Narayan Shah, who sought and received blessings from deities like the Gorakhkali and Dolakha’s Tripurasundari, legitimizing his rule and cementing the goddess as a protector of the state. The rituals performed, from simple offerings to the symbolic animal sacrifices during Dashain, are not merely requests but acts of cosmic maintenance, believed to restore balance and order. Architecturally, they showcase the exquisite Newari woodcraft and pagoda styles, making them not just places of worship but also custodians of artistic heritage. The annual festivals and pilgrimages to these sites are powerful engines of cultural continuity, reinforcing community identity, social cohesion, and the transmission of traditions across generations. In essence, the Bhagwati temples are far more than individual shrines; they constitute a cohesive and dynamic ecosystem of faith. They demonstrate the living, breathing nature of Hinduism in Nepal, where ancient mythology, royal history, profound philosophy, and daily devotion seamlessly merge. Ultimately, they stand as an enduring testament to the belief that the Divine Mother, in all her forms, actively watches over Nepal, shaping its destiny and blessing its people.
