Pokhara Sri Bindhyabasini Temple- Nepal

Address

Pokhara Sri Bindhyabasini Temple- Pokhara-Baglung Hwy, Bindhyabasini temple road, Pokhara 33700, Nepal

Deity

Amman: Sri Bindhyabasini (Durga)

Introduction

• Location: Bindhyabasini Temple is situated in Pokhara City, Nepal, at an elevation of about 3,000 feet above sea level. The temple is located on a small hillock between the main old market and Bagar.
• Historical Significance: Considered one of the oldest temples in the Pokhara valley, it is linked to the Bindhyabasini Temple in Vindyachal, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Puranic Significance:

• Legendary Origin: The temple’s history is tied to a divine vision experienced by King Khadag Bum Malla, who dreamt that Goddess Durga commanded him to build a temple in her honor. The deity was later brought to Pokhara by King Siddhi Narayan Shah of Kaski in the 17th Century CE, before the unification of Nepal.
• Goddess Durga: The temple’s primary deity is Goddess Durga, who is revered as the guardian deity of Pokhara, believed to protect the city from harm. The Sanctum houses a Saligrama idol of Durga.
• Local Belief: Some local traditions suggest that Goddess Bindhyabasini is a divine replacement for the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva (Lord Krishna), who was exchanged and is now represented by the goddess.

Special Features:

• Architectural Style: The temple is built in Shikhara style, considered older than the more common Pagoda architecture. It features a white exterior with a golden gate.
• Temple Premises: Two golden metal lions stand beside the temple gate, and metal gong-bells frequently create an eerie sound in the background. A large tree is also present on the temple grounds.
• Regulation: The local “Dharmik Chhetra Bikas Samiti” is responsible for the management and upkeep of the temple.

Festivals:

• Fulpati: A major festival celebrated with grandeur.
• Navadurga: A festival dedicated to the worship of nine forms of Goddess Durga.
• Shivaratri: A significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with fervor.

Century/Period/Age

17th Century CE.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Pokhara

Nearest Railway Station

Jayanagar or New Jalpaiguri

Nearest Airport

Pokhara

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