Bhadrakali Temple

Bhadrakali Temple (also known as Lumarhi Temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Devi Bhadrakali located at the eastern edge of Tundikhel near Sahid Gate in Kathmandu Nepal. The temple is also known as ‘Gentle Kali’ as a form of goddess Kali and considered as one of the main Bhagwati temples in Kathmandu valley. Newari people know the goddess by the name of Lumarhi Devi, derived from ‘lumdi’ in Newari language which means golden bread. According to their belief, a farmer used to plough some land of nearby and place his food, usually bread, on the side of the field. Suddenly one day, the food (bread) turned into gold which later leads to name the temple as a name of Lumdi (Lumarhi Devi Temple).

However, Bhadrakali Temple is one of the most renowned Shakti Peethas of Nepal as a form of Goddess Kali which was built in 1817 and previously known by the name of Mudule Thumpko. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is believed to be built after Goddess Bhadrakali told the priest to dig the hill where they found her statue. From that time, the temple is situated there in the protection of Nepal Army. The main statue (murti) of the goddess is of black stone believed to have preserved by Lichchhavi Kings. The west side has Bahari and Byaghrini, and on the south are the statues of Bhairav, Bishnu and Kumari. Upon reaching the temple premises, there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which devotees circle before paying their respects to the Devi. Navaratri is a major festival celebrated in this temple which usually takes place at Ashwin or Kartik sometimes, which is the day mainly dedicated to this goddess. During Ghode Jatra too, the temple got crowded of devotees. Bhairav Bhadrakali Jatra is a major event which is once celebrated in every 10 years.

Moreover, goddess Bhadrakali is also considered as the patron deity of Nepal army and they have great respect for her. Goddess Bhadrakali is also widely worshipped in Nepal and taken as one of the holiest goddess and in India during Dusshera Festivals.