Shree Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara. It has more than 250 years of history. The main deity of this Temple is Bindhyabasini Bhagwati, who is believed to be a reincarnation of Goddess Kali.
There is an interesting origin story of Bindhyabasini Temple. Among them, “the then king of Kaski, Siddhinarayan Shah, reached the Vindhyachal mountain while visiting various religious sites in India. There was a discourse about the goddess in the temple’s courtyard. Hearing the glory of the goddess’s power, the king was very impressed and thought of bringing an idol of the goddess from there. After coming back, he sent his trusted people to Vindhyachal mountain to bring the idol of the goddess. When the people who went to take the idol reached the Vindhyachal Mountain and told the king’s message to the priest, the priest told them that they had no such statues. During the same night, the priest had a dream in which he was ordered to provide the statue at any cost to the people from Kaski. The statue, which was brought in a doli, was placed in the place where the statue is currently installed in Vindhyavasini. Later, when he tried to lift the idol, it was reported to the king that the idol did not move, and according to the king’s order, the idol of the goddess was installed there.
From here you can see the beautiful mountain ranges and Pokhara city at the same time. Along with the main temple, nearby there is also a Buddha Bihar, that you can visit. Mostly during the Shrawan month, there are many types of celebrations such as Haritalika Teej, Ganesh Puja, Janai Purnima, Nawadurga Mahotsav, Shri Krishna Janmotsav, Asthami Puja, Laxmi puja, Ramnawami Puja, Shri Panchami, Hanuman Jayanti, Maha Shivaratri, etc. During Nawa Durga Mahotsav, Durga Bali rituals along with the Devi Bhagwat Purana last for 9 days. There is a tradition of doing Nitya Puja daily at 4 am. Also, the visitors or pilgrims can enter the door of the main temple only after half past 5 am.
You can also enjoy the beautiful sights of snow peaks from the temple area.
Annapurna South 7291 m.
Ghandruk Snow Peak 6441 m.
Annapurna I 8091 m.
Khang Sarkang 7485 m.
Tarkikang 7119 m.
Mardi Himal 5781 m.
Fishtail 6997 m.
Annapurna III 7555 m.
Annapurna IV 7525 m.
Annapurna II 7937 m.
Lamjung 6983 m.
You can also find these important locations to visit within the Bindhyabasini Temple Area.
Shree Bindhyesari
Shree Bindhyesari Temple lies on an elevation of 25 feet high right in the center of this religious place. The white-colored octagonal temple built in dome style indicates the Nirguna form of Goddess Vindhyeshwari. Although it is not certain who built such a beautiful temple, it can be assumed that the temple was built in this form at least 300 years ago. It can be confirmed through the sanad and red seal obtained by the Brahmins, conducting the puja. For the past few years, the recitation of Sri Madhdevi Bhagwat is done every Navratri of Ashwin and Shatchandi on the occasion of Navratri falling in Chaitra. Millions of devotees have been blessed by participating in Havan and other festivals.
Shree Ganesh
At the first sight from the main entrance of the temple complex, one can have a darshan of Vighnaharta Ganesha inside the temple, which is built in a general dome style. On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the worship of Ganesha is celebrated as a special festival with the large participation of devotees.
Shree Hanuman
You can see the east-facing stone statue of Shree Hanuman just in front of Ganesh Temple. It is believed that worshipping Hanuman can result in better health and life. Hanuman is worshipped every year on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Under the Banyan Tree’s shade, there is a complete lesson of Hanuman Chalisa inside the Hanuman temple.
Saraswati
In the middle of Sri Vindhyavasini temple and Ganesha temple, you can see the temple of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, on the north side. Similarly, other deities like Surya are in the east, Vishnu in the west, and Pashupati in the north. This temple is crowded with pilgrims on every Basant Panchami.
Shree Radha Krishna
Shree Radha Krishna can be worshipped on the front side of Shree Bindhyabasini temple which is extended towards the northern side. Devotees flock to see Radhakrishna, who represents nature and humans and teaches the lessons of spiritual love. On the day of Bhadra Krishna Ashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated in a special festive atmosphere.
Shree Laxmi Narayan
Sri Lakshminarayan can be seen on the east side of Sri Radhakrishna. Devotees throng to see Shri Lakshminarayan with the belief that it will remind them of Satya Yuga and bring happiness and prosperity. On the day of Lakshmi Puja, the new moon of Kartik Krishna Paksha, a special pooja is performed in a festive atmosphere.
Shree Sitaram
To the west of Sri Radhakrishna, you can see Sri Sitaram. Devotees throng to have a glimpse of Shri Sitaram, who can learn the ideal lessons of the Treta Yuga. On the day of Chaitra Shukla Ram Navami, special worship and sermons of Lord Shri Ram are also held.
Shree Shiva
On the west side of Shri Vindhyavasini temple, there is a Satsang room and a Shiva temple. Everyday worship is offered to Lord Shiva in the hope of national peace. In the special puja from 5 am to 7 am, there is a significant presence of devotees who perform rudrabhishekam as Karta. Devotees who are affected by mental pain, physical disease, and social causes perform Rudrabhishek and they are directly benefited by it. 26.5 feet high Trishul pillar has been erected in its courtyard. It has become a subject of attraction for devotees and tourists.
Shree Nawagraha
The Nawagraha and Ashtachiranjeevi temples, which were built on the north side of the Shiva temple by expanding the Satsang room, are very crowded, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There are a large number of people who are benefited by performing pujas from learned Brahmin batuks.
Public Yagya Mandap
There are two Yagya Mandapams in this religious complex with Havankunda for worship, marriage, and bratabandha. Devotees from different places come here for prayer and Havan according to the Vedic method. Various devotees have been helping in the Havan by providing barley, sesame seeds, samidha, and ghee.
References
Bindhyabasini Dharmik Chetra Bikas Samiti
A Historical Introduction to Vindhyavasinee
Pokhara Shakti peeths: Premraj Pahari
