Visit to Bindhyavasini Temple in Pokhara

 

Bindhyabasini Temple

Bindhyabasini Temple is the oldest temple in Pokhara city of Nepal and it is located  at pokhara metropolitan miruwa ward no.2 in Pokhara. It regularly attracts a large number of locals, Nepalis across the country and all foreigners. The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Bindhyavasini, a Bhagwati who is an incarnation of Kali. There are small temples of Goddess Saraswati, Shiva, Hanuman and Ganesh in this complex. The temple is situated on a small hill and can be reached from the stone steps to the east and northeast. The view of the Himalayas from the north of the temple is breathtaking while the city of Pokhara can be seen from the south. The entire area of ​​the campus is occupied by 47 ropanis of land. The temple of Goddess Bhagwati stands in the middle of a concrete courtyard. Then you can reach by climbing the long stone steps. The valley is located 10 meters above the surface and offers a beautiful view of Pokhara city and surrounding areas.

 

#A brief history of Bindhyavasini Temple

Temple Circ was founded in 1760. In June 1815, King Yuva Bikram Shah, the then King of Nepal, appointed Kahindra Padya Poudel as the temple priest in place of Harivansh. It says that priests can use the Guthi lands provided for the temple for regular and formal worship. King Siddhi Narayan Shah of Kaski or Parbat Khadgaman Malla dreamed of establishing a temple to the goddess Bindhyavasini. He led his people to bring back the idol of the goddess in the Bindhyachal hills (now Uttar Pradesh, India). People set up camp for one night at the present location of the temple. When they set out again the next morning, they discovered that they could not lift the statue off the ground. 

When the king found out about the situation, he instructed his people to establish a temple and hence the Bindhyabasini temple.Therefore, a temple was finally established at Mohariya Tole in Pokhara. Since then, the place has been a center for worshipers. "Bindhya" means the incarnation of the Goddess and "Besini" means the inhabitant of the place. When Kansa tries to kill the child, who was exchanged, she, who is the goddess herself, disappears and is actually the goddess Bindhyabasini.Pokhara is a popular destination in Nepal, a place full of many fascinating sights for tourists to explore. One of the most popular and found is the Pechi the Bindabasini Temple, locally known as the Bindhyabasini Temple. Standing proudly on the hill, the temple of the strike is quietly seen in the bustling city of Pokhara. It is an important center of religious fervor. 

The temple itself is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, the chosen guardian deity of Pokhara. Durga, also known as Shakti or Kali, has a variety of expressions and in the Vindavasini temple she appears as the thirsty Bhagwati of the goddess's blood as well as Durga Saligram. A saligram is a revered stone according to Hindu mythology. It is said that the temple was built after the goddess ordered King Khadga Bam Malla to erect a statue of her.The Bindabasini Temple was established in 1845 BS. Since its inception, Bhagwati has been worshiped here on a daily basis. Animal sacrifices are usually offered at the temple on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The Hindu festival of Dashain sees a large number of believers coming to the Binhabasini temple to offer sacrifices. In fact, there is little space for tourists during the Dashain festival.The white pagoda-style building of the Hindu Bindabasini temple is 3,000 feet above sea level between the famous Annapurna and Machhpuchhare hills. It is located near the busy old market of Pokhara, the center of commerce in the Himalayas.

#Most Facts :

• Most of Pokhara city was destroyed in the fire of 1949 and the fire was allegedly started in Bindhyabasini temple while performing an offering which later spread out of control.
• Two golden metal lions stand by the temple gate.
• The beautiful decoration of the Bindabasini temple is surrounded by a park-like landscape. Scenic views can be seen from this amazing place over the city of Pokhara and some impressive Himalayas can be absorbed. Adding to the peaceful atmosphere is the fresh scent of "sunshine". For a quiet episode on a piece of heaven, look forward to Pokhara.
• A lift with a capacity of 12 people was installed in the temple premises and inaugurated by the President of Nepal on March 07, 2019. The lift is primarily used by disabled pilgrims and seniors.
• A Senior Citizens Friendship Center was established in January 2016.The facility allows for a meeting point for senior citizens, provides food every day to those who attend and arranges for talks on a variety of subjects.

 
#Temple in the News:

• The royal couple of former King Gyanendar and Queen Komal did puja at the temple March 27, 2004. 
• Indian Army Chief comes visiting, locals know he speaks fluent Nepali, February 13, 2018. 
• Navadurga Festival organized by Bindhyabasini Dharmik Chhettra Bikash Samiti September 21, 2017. 

#Best time you can visit
You can visit religious sites at any time of the year. Locals and visitors worship Bhagwati on a daily basis, so it is often open all year round. Here, the snow-capped mountain tops look best in September-November which is autumn in Pokhara. This is the best time to come if you want to see the best viewing experience as a priority.You can take a stroll in the old market or visit the temple to enjoy the magnificent sunrise at Sarangkot. The road to Sarangkot is located at the end of this hill where the temple stands. Pokhara's famous Phewa Lake is also near the temple.
 
#What to do in Vindhyavasini temple?

• Pilgrims can visit the temple and take offerings and worship there. Right next to the Bindhyabasini temple, there is a Krishna temple where people celebrate his annual birthday, Krishna Janmashtami. They can also visit other temples of Saraswati, Hanuman, Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh and Jogi Pati near the main temple.
• It can be a very spiritual and religious experience. The park-like setting surrounds the temple where people can enjoy a picnic with their friends and family as well as a wedding ceremony.
• There are essential shops for worship items if you miss anything. Especially on Saturday, pilgrims will have the opportunity to enjoy hymns and prayer songs on the premises with Nepali musical instruments. This makes the environment very devotional.
• Apart from this, the exotic balcony around the temple allows tourists to take a panoramic view of the picturesque Annapurna and Machpuchare mountains overlooking the city of Pokhara.
• The breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains and the fragrance of the incense coming from the temple make the moment extremely enjoyable.

#Transpotion:

You can come from any place of Pokhara valley, you can reach Bindhyabasini temple by local city bus from places like Lakeside, Chhorepatan, Mahendrapula etc. You can also reach from your own vehicle.(Bike,car taxi,bus and bicycle)