Bhairabsthan Temple – Nepal

Address

Bhairabsthan Temple – Nepal

Tansen-Ridi-Tamghas Road,

Tansen, Palpa district,

Bhairabsthan 32500, Nepal

Moolavar

Bhairava 

Introduction

• Location: The Bhairabsthan Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairab (a fierce form of Lord Shiva), located approximately 9 km northwest from the city of Tansen, in Palpa district, Nepal. The temple is situated at an elevation of about 1470 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The temple is particularly famous for its iconic trident, which is considered the largest of its kind in Nepal. The village of Bhairabsthan is named after this temple, signifying its cultural and spiritual importance to the local community.

Puranic Significance

• History and Origin: The Bhairabsthan Temple was established by King Mukunda Sena of the Sena dynasty during the 11th and 12th centuries, when Palpa served as the capital of the region. According to legend, when King Mukunda Sena attacked Kathmandu, he returned with the murti (idol) of Lord Bhairab from the Matsyendra Nath Temple in Kathmandu. He then installed the idol in Palpa, thereby founding the Bhairabsthan Temple as a sacred site for worship.
• Main Worship Days and Festivals:
  • The temple sees a large influx of pilgrims from all over Nepal, particularly during Mahaastami of the Dashain festival, a major Hindu celebration in Nepal.
  • Mangsir (November-December) also witnesses a significant number of devotees visiting the temple to offer prayers.
  • The primary days for worship are Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Bhairab.
• Rituals and Offerings:
  • Animal Sacrifices: During festivals and on specific auspicious days, animal sacrifices such as goats and chickens are performed as part of the temple rituals. These sacrifices are offered to Lord Bhairab to seek his blessings and protection.
  • Prasad: The main prasad (sacred offering) at the temple is Rot, a type of bread made from rice flour mixed with various spices and fried in ghee. The Rot is first offered to Lord Bhairab and then shared among the devotees as a form of blessing and communal sharing.

Century/Period

11th and 12th centuries

Nearest Bus Station

Tansen

Nearest Railway Station

Raxaul Station

Nearest Airport

Maria Reiche Neuman Airport (NZC). 

Location on Map

lightuptemple