Bindhyabasini Temple in Pokhara
Nestled in the heart of Pokhara, Nepal, lies the Bindhyabasini Temple, a sacred site that draws visitors from all over the world. This ornate temple is perched atop a hill in old Pokhara, offering stunning views of the bustling city below. As one of the thousands of religious temples in Nepal, Bindhyabasini stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of the country's rich cultural heritage. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this mystical temple is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Bindhyabasini Temple is a revered site dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati, also known as Shakti. As one of the main Shaktipiths in the area, the temple attracts many devotees who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. According to local legends, the temple has a direct connection to the Vindhyachal Temple in Uttar Pradesh, India.
The Bindhyabasini Temple is a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims. The temple, which is painted in white, is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, who is believed to be the protector of the city. During the festival of Dashain, the temple is crowded with devotees who come to offer animal sacrifices to their deity. The temple is also a popular venue for weddings and other religious ceremonies. Visitors can find a peaceful spot under the shade of a large tree on the temple grounds to meditate and unwind.
A brief history of Bindhyabasini Temple
The Bindhyabasini Temple's origins are shrouded in mystery, but the most widely accepted story is that King Khadag Bum Malla was visited by the Goddess Durga in a dream and instructed to build a temple in her honor. To appease the goddess, the king had the temple constructed in 1845 BS. The temple's exterior has undergone several renovations over the years, with the current pagoda structure and white cladding being the most recent. Despite its uncertain beginnings, the Bindhyabasini Temple remains a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike.
The Bindhyabasini Temple has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of King Yalamber in the 3rd century BC. Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations and restorations, with the most recent one being in 2015 after the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Today, the temple is a popular destination for tourists, especially Indian and Nepali visitors, who come to seek blessings and marvel at the temple's architecture and cultural significance. The temple's accessibility through transportation and online promotion has contributed to its growing popularity in recent years.
Laxmi Narayan Temple in Bindhyabasini
Getting to Bindhyabisini Temple
The Bindhyabasini temple resides in Bagar, Pokhara. More specifically, it lies on the Pokhara Baglung highway. The roadways are aptly developed so commuting will not be a problem. If you are traveling from Lakeside, then you can easily catch a bus that takes you to this temple. It may take somewhere between 25 to 30 minutes. If you feel the urge to explore the valley in a simplified way, then choose to hire a private Vehicle through a tour agency with a guide, if you want to have a guided Pokhara tour, they charge you a bit extra, but it is a better alternative if you do not know your way around the city.
Permits and fees to enter Bindhyabasini Temple
To enter the Bindhyabasini temple, you don’t require any sort of permits or fees. Don’t wear shoes while entering the temple as it is considered unholy. You should only take photos when you have permission to do so. There is always a donation box so if you are feeling generous, then you make some swift donations.
Some interesting facts about Bindhyabasini Temple
- In Bindhyabasini Temple, Durga is represented in the form of a Saligram. In Hinduism, a Saligram is a holy stone and is used for religious purposes. It is an ammonite fossil, which is mostly found in the Kaligandaki river of the Upper Mustang. It is said to be a symbolic form of Lord Vishnu.
- The Bindhyabasini temple resides about 3,000 feet above sea level and is located in the busy Old Bazaar of Pokhara.
- The Goddess Durga is the guardian deity of Pokhara and protects the city from harm.
- The temple is built in pagoda style and is white-coloured.
- It is almost one and a half-story tall, and on the top, there is a golden Gajur.
- The gate of the temple is golden in colour.
- From the temple, you can catch amazing sights of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri Mountain.
Things to do around Bindhyabasini Temple
The road leading to the Bindhyabasini temple is filled with ancient settlements that remind you of the ancient Newari architecture of Nepal. In the 17th century, the king of Kaski had invited artisans from Kathmandu to build artistic buildings and sculptures in Pokhara. Many of them went back to Kathmandu, but some of them stayed in Pokhara.
The houses we see here are reminiscent of ancient times. You can choose to include the visit to Bindhyabasini temple during the tour of the Pokhara valley. You can opt to go souvenir shopping in these old Newari streets and learn the culture here.
Since its foundation, the Bindhyabasini temple has been a major hub for not only Hindus but international tourists as well. The chanting of prayers, the sound of bells, and the powerful smell of incense take the visitor on a religious journey that is bound to provide unforgettable memories.
Conclusion
A visit to Bindhyabisini Temple is included in the Pokhara Day Tour, Spirit of Nepal Tour, and Taste of Nepal Tour, Furthermore, The Pokhara is the gateway of many Annapurna Trekking such as Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Khopra Dada Trek and many others. So, you can make a short tour of the temple if you are going on those treks as well.
