Dashain is an occasion for Hin­dus to celebrate power (Shakti) and the triumph of good over evil, marking the legendary killing of demon Mahishasur by Goddess Durga. During the 10 days of Dashain people flock to different temples dedicated to Goddess Durga. Here is a list of six that are especially popular among Kathmandu residents during Dashain. Naxal Bhagwati Temple

The temple of Naxal Bhagwati stands proudly at the center of Naxal as a traditional three-tiered pagoda structure. Dedicated to the ninth incarnation of Goddess Durga, the temple sees a large number devotees during Dashain.

They come especially during ‘Asht­ami’ (eighth day) and ‘Nawami’ (ninth day) to have their wishes fulfilled, which is something the shrine is famous for. Legend has it that when Queen Navasagar in the year 1050 of Kaligat Sambat founded the tem­ple, the priests laid the foundation, saying that anyone performing a rit­ual exactly as prescribed would have their wish fulfilled.

 

Guhyeshwari Temple

Located about a kilometer east of the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of Bagmati River, the Guhye­shwari is recognized as a ‘Shakti Peeth’: it is believed that a body part of Sati Devi fell on this site after the grief-stricken Lord Shiva wandered the earth carrying her deceased body. The temple itself was built by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. During all 10 days of Dashain, Hindu devotees from all around the city visit to worship ‘Shakti’ in this shrine. Fol­lowers believe the goddess radiates a powerful positive energy.

 

Sankata Temple

Tucked in a quiet neighborhood of Te bahal, alongside the busy New Road, Sankata is believed to be an avatar of Goddess Durga. For all 10 days of Dashain, devotees from all walks of life swarm the temple to worship nine incarnations of God­dess Durga. It is believed that God­dess Sankata, as the name suggests, frees her followers from all kinds of troubles. So apart from Dashain the temple also sees throngs of worship­pers every Saturday and hence it is also known as ‘Sani Sankata’.

 

Shova Bhagwati Temple

This is another temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located on the banks of a river. The pagoda-style temple with three-tiered roof has statues of various incarnations of Goddess Durga in its complex at Chamati by the Bishnumati River. Devotees visit the temple on all 10 days of Dashain. On the ninth day, ‘Nawami’, there is a tradition of performing five ani­mal sacrifices (water buffalos, goats, ducks, hens and mountain goats), also known as ‘panchabali’, at Shova Bhagwati. Believed to be the god­dess of perfection, Shova Bhagwati is revered as a powerful energy that can grant people's wishes. It is a particu­lar favorite of married women.

 

Shree Bhadrakali Temple

Located on the east side of Tud­hikhel near Shahid Gate, the tem­ple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, an angry manifestation of Goddess Durga. The temple sees a significant number of devotees during Dashain, as the goddess is a representative of strength and power. People pay tribute to the goddess as it is widely believed that, when she is pleased, the goddess can fulfil their wishes. Bhadrakali is also the patron deity of Nepal Army.

 

Taleju Bhawani Temple

The Taleju Bhawani Temple, one of the most distinguished structures in Kathmandu Durbar Square, is dedicated to Goddess Taleju, anoth­er wrathful incarnation of Goddess Durga, who was also the patron deity of the erstwhile Malla kings. The temple has a special place in Dashain celebrations in Kathmandu as the devotees are allowed to visit the tem­ple only one day of the year: the ninth day of Dashain or ‘Nawami’. So every year from 5 pm to 7 pm on this day devotees patiently queue to pay their respect to and get the blessing of the goddess. Kumari, the living goddess who is believed to be the human form of Goddess Taleju, also visits the tem­ple on this day.