Khadga Devi Temple

Khadga Devi Temple is one of the most important and significant temples located very near to Bandipur town which is seen like a residential house but the roof of the temple is different and attractive. This is a Hindu temple but does not contain any statues of any god and goddesses, which is a bit strange but the temple has its own values and belief. Instead, the temple contains a Khadga (a sacred sword), which is wrapped in layers of cloth. According to belief, if anyone looks at that sword (Khadga), s/he invites instant death by vomiting the blood. By the belief of this fact, the sword is wrapped in the layers of cloth for hiding its direct look. The Khadga is worshipped as a symbol of the female power, hence the name of the temple as Khadga Devi temple, which means goddess of the sword.

This temple is just 10-15 minutes of walk from Bandipur town. The trail to this temple follows the ways of a wide flight of stone steps which leads up to the hillside and finally to this beautiful and strange temple. The sword (Khadga) is believed to be of Mukunda Sen, the 16th-century king of Palpa (Tansen), which according to belief is a gift from Lord Shiva and the blade is revered as a symbol of shakti (consort or female energy) and once a year during Dashain it gets a taste of sacrificial blood. Visitors are not allowed to enter the temple at all time, probably due to some religion factor.

However, the view from this temple is also amazing but less impressive compared to Thani Mai Temple. The sword (Khadga) inside the temple has contributed to the name of the temple. This temple is opened to devotees only once a year on the day of Phulpati (7^th day of Vijaya Dashami) during the Hindu’s main festival, Dashain.