Bhairavi Temple in Dhading draws tourists

KATHMANDU: The Bhairavi Temple located in Nilkantha Municipality-6 has become a popular tourist destination. Situated atop a hill, the temple offers scenic views of Ganesh, Manaslu, and Manapathi Himalayas.

Visitors are flocking to the site for temple darshan, holidays, and to enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

“Bhairavi Temple is one of the eight Shakti Peeths established by King Ram Shah in 1666 BS, as documented in a royal decree,” said Krishna Bahadur Shrestha, Secretary of the Bhairavi Temple Guthi Management Committee. “It is believed that after failing to conquer Nuwakot, Prithvi Narayan Shah stayed at the Bhairavi Temple, made a vow, and later succeeded in his conquest.”

To support the temple’s priests and musicians, Shah allocated 90 ropanis, 11 annas, and 2 paisas of land under the guthi system. Currently, the District Administration Office provides Rs 6,732.50 annually for temple operations.

Special fairs are held at the temple during both the major Dashain festival and Chaite Dashain. The temple also upholds traditions of worship, vows, and animal sacrifices. On the ninth day of the main Dashain festival, a pig sacrifice is performed. The temple is located 18 kilometers from the district headquarters.

Nilkantha Municipality has prioritized the preservation and promotion of Bhairavi Temple, according to Deputy Mayor Deepak Bishwakarma. “After the earthquake-damaged temple was reconstructed, the number of visitors increased. The panoramic Himalayan views from this site have attracted tourists,” he noted.

Priest Bhagwan Rana Magar shared that tourists, including visitors from India, frequently visit the temple for darshan and sightseeing.

Additionally, various local organizations have started organizing treks to the temple, boosting its popularity.

Rajkumar Shrestha, Ward Chair of Nilkantha Municipality-3, highlighted that these treks and promotional efforts have significantly helped in spreading awareness about the site.