Kathmandu Sri Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple- Nepal

Address

Kathmandu Sri Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple- Chitlang Thankot, Chandragiri hill Kathmandu District, Nepal 44600

Diety

Bhaleshwor Mahadev Amman: Parvati

Introduction

Bhaleshwor Mahadev is located in Chandragiri hill in south-west side of Kathmandu Valley. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at the altitude of 2551 meters above sea level. The temple was built by Chandragiri Hills on the historic and religious site. The temple was designed by the architect Shankar Nath Rimal. The temple is connected to the Kathmandu valley by a cable car.

Puranic Significance

In Nepal Bhasa the hill is known as Gon:ga Danda (it is converted its name from Gon:ga means bhalay (Nepali) and Danda means hills). It is also known as Ichheshwor Mahadev. The Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. A temple was erected at the same site where Bhaleshwor Mahadev appeared. The legend of Bhaleshwor Mahadev is also associated with Gandharva, a low ranking deity, named Sumukha. Sumukha forcedly kissed Rambha, an angel who had recently retired as a courtier at Heaven, believed to be Indra’s (king of gods) kingdom. Rambha then cursed Sumukha for his misdemeanor after which he was forced to live on earth leaving his abode in the heaven. Sumukha was wandering around the mortal world while living the curse when met with a sage, Galab, who suggested a way out for Sumukha to repent and break the curse. Sage Galab advised Sumukha that he should offer prayers before Bhaleshwor Mahadev after purifying himself every day as penance. Fortunately, in due course, Mahadev was pleased and he blessed Sumukha, following which he settled down with Rambha. Sumukha was also taken in as a close aide by Bhaleshwor. The Himvatkhanda also has another folklore tied in with the Bhaleshwor Mahadev. A Brahmin named Birupas was suffering from leprosy as a result of the sins he had committed in his past life. The leper Birupas was wandering aimlessly in his misery when he came across SageNemuni who advised him to visit 64 Shiva lingas as atonement for his transgressions. Birupas is said to have visited Bhaleshwor while making rounds of 64 different Shiva temples. It is believed that the people who come here to worship Bhaleshwor get their wishes fulfilled and that they will find abode in the Shivaloka or Lord Shiva’s world in theirafter life

Beliefs

It is believed that the people who come here to worship Bhaleshwor get their wishes fulfilled and that they will find abode in the Shivaloka or Lord Shiva’s world in their afterlife.