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Nestled discreetly behind a row of houses, the Til Madhav Narayan Temple stands as a testament to Nepal's rich history and spiritual traditions. Dating back to 238 N.S. (1118 A.D.), this ancient temple holds a significant place in the hearts of Nepalese people, despite being lesser-known among the current generation.
Situated in the southern arena, just opposite the renowned Nyatapola Temple, the Til Madhav Narayan Temple exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. While its presence is hidden behind a wall of houses, visitors can enter the sacred courtyard through a narrow, open doorway.
Within the temple, the statue of Til Madhav Narayan, one of Lord Vishnu's incarnations, resides. This depiction of Narayan differs greatly from other renditions, as the statue showcases Lord Narayan with only three hands. The presence of the deity is confirmed by the statues of Garuda, conch, and wheel within the temple. Additionally, Lord Natyeshwor stands as a protective presence, ensuring the safety and sanctity of Til Madhav Narayan.
Regrettably, the temple itself remains off-limits to worshipers and visitors. Access to the shrine and a glimpse of the Lord Narayan statue are restricted. Furthermore, photography is strictly prohibited within the sacred precincts, enhancing the sense of reverence and mystery surrounding the temple.
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Operating hours for the Til Madhav Narayan Temple are from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, the temple priest performs the Nitya puja (daily worship) at around 5:30 a.m. and the Sandhya Aarati (evening prayer) at 5 p.m. These rituals add a touch of spiritual devotion and ambiance to the temple's surroundings.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the Til Madhav Narayan Temple holds cultural importance for the people of Bhaktapur. The temple courtyard is considered sacred, playing host to essential rituals such as Ihi, a significant ceremony for Newa girls. This sacred space resonates with the collective memories and traditions of the local community.
The temple attracts devotees not only from nearby regions but also from faraway places like Pharping and Panauti. People visit on important occasions, seeking the divine blessings of Til Madhav Narayan. It is believed that by obtaining clarified butter (ghee) from the naval of Til Madhav Narayan on the fourth day of the Magh, one's heartfelt wishes and desires can be fulfilled.
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One of the grandest celebrations associated with the temple is the observance of Maghe Sankranti. During this festival, the statue of Til Madhav Narayan is immersed in clarified butter and worshipped for four days. On the final day, the clarified butter is distributed to devotees. It is widely believed that this divine offering blesses those facing challenges with infertility, filling their lives with the joy of parenthood.
The legend surrounding the temple adds to its allure. It is said that a trader once discovered an unending supply of sesame seeds, despite having sold tons of them. In awe of this miraculous occurrence, the trader stumbled upon the image of Til Madhav Narayan. This discovery sparked the tradition of offering sesame seeds (Til) to the deity on the auspicious day of Maghe Sankranti. Additionally, the deity is worshipped during Janai Purnima and the Madhav Narayan Festival in Bhaktapur, further affirming its significance.
Exploring the Til Madhav Narayan Temple is an opportunity to connect with Nepal's ancient heritage, unravel the secrets of its spiritual past, and witness the devotion of its people. As you step into the hidden courtyard and feel the reverence that surrounds this sacred place, you become a part of a timeless tradition, carrying its stories and blessings into the present day.
photo credit: Bhaktapur
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