Kathmandu is a city well known for its religious monuments. A number of pagoda style temples, monasteries and stupas can be found right around the corner of every local community. Although they might not be as renowned as the Pashupatinath Temple, or the Swoyambhunath Stupa, they are equally revered and idolized as the deities and guardians of the Nepali people. The purpose of this gallery is to showcase a few of those temples, and highlight the significance it holds to the local communities.
Bhatbhateni Temple Mothaa: Dyaa
This temple is located just opposite the Naxal Bhatbhateni and is cherished by the Hadigaun community and locals. It is a beautiful temple with excellent woodwork and a remarkable exterior with glazed tiles, which depict Brahmayani and members of the Astamatrika group (a group of goddesses). On the second floor walls, one can notice the offerings of household utensils- the practice of which is believed to fulfill one’s wishes. A Brahman couple is also worshiped and their blessings are known to cure children’s diseases.
Ganesh temple, Gairidhara
The Kamaladi Ganesh Temple in Gairidhara is dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh who is also known to help devotees overcome obstacles in their lives. Beside the beautiful pagoda style temple, you can find smaller monuments housing other gods such as Durga, Mahadev, Krishna, and Buddha. This temple is crowded on Tuesdays- an auspicious day for devotees to offer their prayers to Lord Ganesh. Additionally, locals are also known to visit the temple on special occasions like when they start a new job, buy a new house or vehicle to seek blessings for success and good fortune.
Naag Pokhari
Naag Pokhari is a cherished sight in Kathmandu which was built in the 17th century by Queen Subarna Prabha. Iis a well known location for the celebration of Naag Panchami, which is a Hindu celebration of serpents. It is a quaint little place where locals also come to enjoy the scenery while also performing their rituals. A tall statue of the Naag stands in the middle of the square pond and you can see ducks, fishes and snakes (if you’re lucky) swimming around its perimeter.
Narayan Hiti (Dhunge Dhara)
This location, initially erected Dhunge Dhara (traditional Nepali water tap), was reconstructed in ancient times by the reigning monarch for the purpose of bathing and worshiping the goddess Durga (whose shrine stands above the fountain). If worshiped every day, the goddess was known to grant longevity to the king’s reign. The snout of the Dhara is sometimes a creature of crocodile, elephant, boar, the tail of a peacock, and is seen throughout Nepal's dhunge dharas.
Naxal Bhagawati Temple
Naxal Bhagwati temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga. The temple was built by Queen Navasagar in the 10th century, when she was impressed by a grand idol presented to one of her subjects. She was so moved by the idol that she named it after herself; “Navasagar Bhagwati”. It is also believed that the foundation was secured by ancient priests with tantric mantras and heavy prayer and therefore, is very solid . Therefore, the Naxal Bhagwati is seen as one of Durga’s forms and is heavily admired by people from all over the country.
Text and Photos by: Riam Basnet
