Taleju Bhawani Temple in Nepal Opens for Annual Maha Navami Celebration
In Kathmandu, Nepal, the Taleju Bhawani Temple opens its doors for just one day each year during the festival of Maha Navami. Devotees form long lines to worship the goddess, who is considered the main deity of the Newa people and a protector of children. Rituals include the sacrifice of he-goats and he-buffaloes in front of Gaddhi Baithak.
Kalyani Nepal, a devotee, shared her experience, “I reached the temple at around 8 in the morning and the rituals were completed by 9. I am feeling relieved and joyful for being able to come to the temple and worship the goddess.”
The temple, located in the Hanumandhoka Durbar area, is only accessible on the ninth day of the lunar month of Asoj. On this day, the Tulaja Bhawani goddess is taken in a ritualistic procession to Mulchowk, where a special midnight puja is performed, involving the sacrifice of 54 he-goats and 54 he-buffaloes.
Maha Navami marks the final day for sacrifices to Goddess Durga during the Dashain festival. The tenth day, Bijaya Dashami, involves visiting elders for blessings and receiving Tika on the forehead. This tradition continues until Kojagrat Purnima, the 15th day of Dashain.
The Taleju Bhawani temple, dating back to the Malla era, is a significant site for worship during this time. Special offerings, including ‘jamara’, are made to the goddesses, and scriptures like Durga Saptasati and Devi Strota are recited. The day also commemorates Goddess Chamunda’s victory over the demon Raktabij, as mentioned in the Markandeya Purana.
Additionally, security forces conduct ‘kot puja’, a worship of the armouries, on this day.
Doubts Revealed
Taleju Bhawani Temple -: The Taleju Bhawani Temple is a famous temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani, who is an important deity in Nepalese culture.
Maha Navami -: Maha Navami is a special day during the Hindu festival of Dashain. It is celebrated with various rituals and is considered very important for worshipping the goddess Durga.
Newa people -: The Newa people are an ethnic group native to the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. They have their own unique culture, language, and traditions.
Animal sacrifices -: Animal sacrifices are a traditional ritual where animals are offered to deities as part of religious ceremonies. In the context of Maha Navami, it is a way to honor the goddess Durga.
Dashain -: Dashain is the biggest and most important Hindu festival in Nepal. It lasts for 15 days and celebrates the victory of good over evil, with various rituals and family gatherings.
Malla era -: The Malla era refers to a period in Nepalese history when the Malla kings ruled the Kathmandu Valley. This era is known for its rich cultural and architectural developments.