Thursday, May 5, 2011

BAJRABAHARI TEMPLE

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Altogether there are four Barahi temples inside the Kathmandu Valley. In the east of valley there is Nilbarahi temple, in west Dhumbarahi temple, in north Swet-Barahi temple and finally in south its lies Bajrabarahi temple. Bajrabarahi temple is located at the south corner of Kathmandu Valley. It is approximately 7 km away from Satdobato Chowk and takes 30-45 minutes to reach from there. The temple is located at the middle of a huge jungle. In the east of this temple it lies Jharuwarashi & Badikhel, in west it lies  Bulu & Pyanggaon, in north Lele and in south it lies Thecho VDC. There is also a Gumba (Buddhist monastery) at the south-west of temple. There are altogether three main gates to enter inside the temple area. It is believed that by worshipping the Goddess,  one will be free from all the worries & sorrows  and will get salvation if he/she pray full of deImage0571votion. The temple has become famous  for its beautiful park, beautiful scenarios, fresh and healthy environment,  and for picnic spot too. Thousands of followers can be seen every year in the festivals of Bada Dashain, Jatras and other Hindu festivals.
History mentioned that the idol of the Goddess Bajrabarahi was made by King Shree Niwas Malla for the first time during 1722 B.S. The idol was plated with gold which is standing on two buffaloes. It has got three eyes, four hands and face similar to wild boar. The idol is highly decorated by different kinds of ornaments. The Idol was formally lunched in the temple during 786 B.C in the month of Chairta, Sukla Asthami. The Idol was taken for a ride all over Lalitpur District on Thursday, Chaitra Sukla ASthami and finally established a temple in Chapagaon. In 2025 B.S it was once stolen by the poachers but later on the Police were able to find it. Due to security reasons the original idol was kept in Chhauni Museum.
Well talking about the specialty of  Bajrabarahi Temple, it does not not have pinnacle in it. It is believed that one shouldn’t even dare to think about keeping pinnacle on the top. If anyone dare to put the pinnaclecemertey on the top of the temple then he must have to go through any of these three Conditions as: a) either he had to put the pinnacle when any dead body from Chapagaon VDC is burning in the grave and the pinnacle should be kept after the half burning of the dead body & it should not be late until the body is completely  burned,  b) If ever the people from Bulu village bring the dead body to their own grave which is situated somewhere inside the jungle,  c) And there must be burning of dead bodies in all the nine graves surrounding the temple. It is also said that once a local villager from Thecho thought of placing the pinnacle on the top of the temple but in his nightmare, he saw that instead of climbing the top of the temple he was climbing towards the sky. So he gave up the idea of placing the pinnacle. As result until today no one has ever tried to think of placing the pinnacle.
The people also believe that once their pets gave birth to a new one than they have to bring the offerings for Goddess Bajrabarahi. By doing so the Goddess Bajrabarahi wspiny_babbler_jtill protect the newly born babies. People who worship Goddess with their total devotion, they will protected from evil spirits and black shadows. There is a different tradition of celebrating Jatra (festival) twice a year which is rare in the country. The local people also believe that one should not take any leaf or any piece of wood outside the jungle, if they do so then misfortune might fall upon them. On the other side it helps to protect the jungle from encroachment too. But these days some community people have started taking away the fallen leaves and steams for their daily purposes. Even a community of “Podey” , they took the wooden logs from the jungle to burn the dead bodies of their belongings. There is a supernatural concept that once the leaves were swept outside the jungle, then it returns inside the jungle before the night falls. Another mysterious fact is that we can hear lots of whispering of birds and can see few monkeys inside the jungle at the day time but they do not stay inside the jungle at night. We can find an endangered species of bird, The Spiny Babbler (Turdoides nipalensis) in the Timaliidae family. No where else on earth it is found but only in Nepal. It is called Kade Vyakur in local language.
Thus, there are so many mysteries that has to be revealed and so many cultures that has to be preserved. Whoever comes to this temple one will never forget its beauty so easily. The natural environment, the greenery and the wide open heart of the local people will make you feel that your visit to Bajrabarahi Temple is really very meaningful and memorable. Brajabarahi Temple is the pride of our nation too. It is our duty to  protect and conserve the cultural heritage and natural resources.
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