Chinnamasta Bhagwati Temple

Chinnamasta Bhagwati Temple (श्री छिन्नमस्ता भगवती मन्दिर), also known as Shakhadeswori is a famous temple and one of Shakti Peethas located just 10 kilometers from Rajbiraj and also near to Indian Border in Chinnamasta VDC of Saptari district of eastern Nepal. The temple is one of the famous shrines of Hindu people dedicated to goddess Chinnamasta Bhagwati (goddess whose head is severed). According to mythology, the idol of the goddess was found while digging the area for construction and further, the idol was restored there and worshipped till today. She was named Chinnamasta Bhagwati because her head was severed when her idol was found, which was later replaced by the gold mask.

The Chinnamasta Bhagwati temple is one of the major religious destinations of many Hindu pilgrims from Nepal as well as India too. Goddess Chinnamasta Bhagwati is believed to provide a blessing to her devotees fulfilling their wishes and desires. Animal sacrifice is also performed during some occasion to impress the goddess. Mainly, during Navaratri (ninth days of Dashain) for three days, the temple observes the massive sacrifice of goats and lambs. At this time when animals are sacrificed, not a single fly is found in the area, which is believed to be possible by the power of the goddess. The area around the temple is quiet and peace providing the mesmerizing smell of temple goods, which also houses the Shiva temple, Hanuman statue, Ganesh temple, a wide pond, many other houses designed for performing pujas and yagyas. The devotees take a holy bath or make them pure by touching holy water of the pond before they enter the temple. Also, the water from the pond is offered to the Devi.

However, this beautiful and religiously important temple is one of the popular religious destinations for Hindu devotees. The goddess (Chinnamati Bhagwati) is believed to grant the wishes of her devotees and those who have their prayers heard, often come back to take her blessings and make offerings.