Bajrayogini Temple — Attraction in Shankharapur

Bajrayoginee Temple is a Tantrik temple located at Sankhu in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. It is also well known as Bodhisattva's Temple. The temple is actually a sort of temple complex, with the main temple having been built by King Pratap Malla in the sixteenth century. Bajrayogini is the Hindu goddess of wisdom of which Ugra Tara is the Buddhist equivalent. Thus the temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Bajrayogini Temple is situated roughly 20 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu. The area where it is located is often referred to as Gunbaha, which can be roughly translated from Newari as ‘recreational forest place’. The main temple is a three-story high building, which was obviously carefully constructed with the utmost attention to detail. You will likely find a statue of the goddess Bajrayogini in this temple which will feature a red face with three eyes as well as hands, which have the thumb and middle finger carefully, decorated. Ornaments surround her statue.

If you like this then please open the page and like it.

According to a holy book, which was once discovered long ago, the site of the temple was once a forked piece of stone, which spouted fire. This was quite significant when the rest of the world was covered with snow and before long there emerged a five-colored flame, which came to be the volcanic goddess. The goddess ordered that a temple be built on the sight of her emergence and priests have been making use of the nine surrounding caves for centuries to serve this temple ever since. The first priest to serve here was supposedly given superior enlightenment and Bajrayoginee is considered to be one of the wisest and strongest gods able to grant this gift. There is a beautiful water tap complete with decorative statue in the area, which dates back to the fourth century.The attraction here is not only the various temples but also the many other interesting temples and caves which surrounding it – some of which are considered to be older than the temple itself. Amongst the caves in the area is a carved double chamber with window attributed to being used by Marpa Lotsawa. Whereas nearby is a tiny chamber built into a small cliff which was where Milarepa was walled in for solitary retreat.

The hill top is accessed by a very long carved stone stairway. The entire site is covered richly with Newari architectural metal work, carved wood details, and ancient artifacts. Including a small stupa claimed to pre-date Buddha Shakyamuni.

The earthquake that struck on 25 April 2015 had immense effect on Sankhu Village. Almost 95% of houses and monuments collapsed. Bajrayoginee temple was no exception. The temple is marked unsafe by the engineers. Renovation of the temple is necessary in order to assure safety. The statues of Bajrayogini temple are safely shifted and the temple is supported with...

The famous tantric temple of Bajrayogini, also known as Gum Bihar is located in the hills of Sakhu, northeast of Kathmandu. The temple is also a proof to the belief that Buddhism existed in Nepal from around the start of the first century A.D. The temple was later repaired by Manadev as an act of redemption for his sins (he had inadvertently killed his father) and he later built a stupa in the area that lies next to the temple. The Buddhist shrine Gum Bihar was built during the Licchavi period (300-879 AD).

The Bihar lost its importance to the temple as people began to divert to Hinduism starting from the eleventh century. The three storied temple of Bajrayogini accommodates the image Ugratara Bajrayogini and the main entrance of the temple is plated with gold. The temple of Bajrayogini stands at the shore of Sali Nadi where thousands of devotees gather to take holy dip into the river and worship the goddess Swasthani during the entire month of Magh.

The idol of the goddess is depicted as having two hands, one holding a sword and the other, a lotus and her face and hands are painted red. She is decorated with heavy clothing and ornaments. Also, there are other smaller images of beasts at her side inside the main temple and also a beautiful water tap completes with decorative statue dating back to the fourth century is there in the area. The temple area also houses other interesting temples and caves around it, among which some are considered to be older than the temple itself. Moreover, the courtyard has a number of yagya kundas constructed for fire rituals during which offerings are made to the fire god. The devotees make holy offerings during the fire rituals to please the fire god for the fulfillment of their wishes.

The temple being one of the oldest temples in Nepal has high cultural significance and is an integral part of the Nepali way of life. The area was also selected for the spot of the 29th Soil Conservation Day celebration in...

So ,just a 30-minute walk from Sankhu, the Bajrayogini Temple unfolds as a profound testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Kathmandu Valley. This Tantric Buddhist temple, also known as the Bodhisattva's Temple, holds significant cultural value, resonating with the spiritual heritage of the region.Constructed in the sixteenth century by King Pratap Malla, the Bajrayogini Temple is more than just a singular edifice; it stands as a complex of spiritual resonance. Dedicated to Vajrayogini, a Tantric Buddhist deity often conflated with Ugra Tara, the temple transcends religious boundaries, embodying a sacred space revered by both Buddhists and Hindus alike.The intricate architecture and historical significance of the main temple showcase the meticulous craftsmanship of a bygone era. The spiritual aura surrounding the site is palpable, inviting visitors to partake in a serene journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion.The amalgamation of Buddhist and Hindu influences at Bajrayogini Temple creates a harmonious sanctuary, where devotees and explorers can witness the convergence of diverse spiritual traditions. Whether one seeks solace in meditation or marvels at the artistic details that adorn the temple, the experience is both enriching and awe-inspiring.In conclusion, a visit to Bajrayogini Temple is a pilgrimage into the soul of Kathmandu's spiritual heritage. Its Tantric Buddhist roots, coupled with the convergence of diverse beliefs, make it a cultural gem that beckons travelers to connect with the profound spirituality that defines this sacred site...