KATHMANDU,
With Ghatasthapana, the 15-day Dashain festival has officially started.
On Wednesday, barley seeds were sown to grow jamara in Hindu households. On the first day of Dashain, Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped. Subsequently, the manifestations Brahmacharini Durga, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda Durga, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidaatri are worshipped on the days leading up to Bijaya Dashami, the day that celebrates the victory of the goddess over evil forces.
The nine days of Dashain symbolise the fight between Durga and Mahisasur. Devotees across the Valley visit different temples of the goddess on respective days. During Dashain, numerous shrines are worshipped in and across the Valley. Devotees visit these shrines early in the morning.
Sobha Bhagwati
Located on the banks of the Bishnumati river, the original name of this temple is Shovagya Bhagwati, which later deteriorated to Sobha Bhagwati. The goddess here is supposed to defeat the ego that resides within all people. During Navaratri, devotees throng here in the hope that the goddess will destroy any evil force that rules an individual.
Taleju
The first Malla king of Kathmandu, Ratna Malla, is said to have built a Taleju temple on the northern side of his palace in 1501. The temple is built in traditional vihara style and opens only on the day of Mahanavami. On the night of Mahaashtami, 108 buffaloes, goats and eggs each are sacrificed to the goddess here.
Sankata
Located near New Road, the word ‘Sankata’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘sankat’, meaning plight. Hindus believe that Sankata is the goddess who eliminates any trouble of her devotee. During Navaratri, prayers are offered here every night.
Bhadrakali
Located near the Shahid Gate, Bhadrakali is the temple of goddess Kali. Even today, Nepal Army begins its Dashain only after receiving prasad of Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and is an auspicious form of Goddess Kali.
Baglamukhi
Located in Patan, Goddess Baglamukhi is known also as Pitambhar Vidhya and is the goddess of love and peace. It is said that worshipping all the gods inside this temple compound equates to worshipping all the 330 million Hindu gods.
Naxal Bhagwati
Located in the centre of Naxal, the goddess of this temple is also called Mardini, which means destroyer. Currently under renovation, it is said that anyone who worships the goddess here must discard any ego before doing so.
Guheshwori
Located across Pashupatinath, this temple on the banks of the Bagmati river is regarded as one of the most important pilgrimages in Nepal. It is also regarded as the shrine of Goddess Satyawati or Sati Devi, wife of Lord Shiva.
Dakshinkali
Located 22 km from Kathmandu in the village of Pharping, Dakshinkali is named after the goddess Kali—the fearful form of Lord Shiva’s consort Parvati. Devotees throng here not only during Dashain but throughout the year.
Kalikasthan
This shaktipith is located on way to Anamnagar from Dillibazaar. The goddess here is called by many names, including Ambika. Hindus consider it one of the most powerful Kali temples in the Valley.
Katyayani
The sixth form of Goddess Durga is known as ‘Katyayani’, who is worshipped on the six day of Navaratri. The temple of the goddess is located in Baneshwor.
