Guhyeshwari Temple

Guhyeshwari Temple is one of the important and respected holy temples in Kathmandu valley dedicated to lord Guhyeshwari or Adi Shakti. The temple is just 1 kilometer east from Pashupatinath temple and is one of the Shakti Peeth which is an important destination of Hindu devotees and Tantric worshippers (mostly). The beautiful and religious temple located near the banks of Bagmati River was built by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. The name of this temple was originated from two words of Sanskrit i.e. Guhya meaning secret and Ishwari meaning goddess which collectively implies Secret Goddess. The temple is built in pagoda style and is a very attractive and important temple near Pashupatinath in Kathmandu valley.

Guhyeshwari temple is one of the Shakti Peeth, where Satidevi’s hips or hind part is said to have fallen and this temple with Pashupati temple is a beautiful representation of Shiva and Shakti unity. The pagoda-style temple has a distinct interior and has a flat figure parallel to the ground which is worshipped by bowing down. Bhairav Kunda is a pond near the temple where pilgrims put their hand inside the pond and whatever they get is considered holy and is accepted as a blessing from the divine. Surrounded by the vast forest and different monuments, Guhyeshwari Temple holds many myths. However, various pujas are performed by the Newar community in this temple and the Newari feast is also held during festival time. During Dashain festival, devotees from all over the Kathmandu valley come here to worship to God. The temple has equal value for Buddhist people too as they worship Guhyeshwari as Bajrayogini. Besides the significance and importance of the temple from both religious points of view, the surrounding of temple is peaceful with a vibrant atmosphere.

Nevertheless, according to tradition, Guhyeshwari Temple is visited before the main Pashupatinath Temple because of the belief of worshipping Shakti before Shiva, which is found to be still followed by members of the earlier Royal family. Guhyeshwari Yatra is a festival, in which the tour that starts from Guhyeshwari following Pashupatinath Temple and ends at Hanuman Dhoka, Basantapur, which is been widespread since a long time.