Chandeshwori

Chandeshwori Temple, nestled in Banepa approximately 25 kilometers east of central Kathmandu, is renowned for its impressive three-tiered temple, which was last rebuilt in the 17th century. This sacred site is dedicated to Chandeshwori, one of the Nine Durgas (Navadurgas), a goddess akin to the Tibetan deity Ekajati.

The temple features a mural of Chandeshwori slaying the demon Chanda. The temple also consists of the painting of lord Bhairava on one of its wall which is the biggest graffiti of the Nepal Mandala.

Chandeshwori

Chandeshwari is the avatar taken by Hindu goddess Kumari of Hindu. The 'Nepal Mahatmya' of ''Skanda Purana'' mentions the story related to goddess Chandeshwari.

Myth

Chandeshwori(Sati / Parvati and in Banepa known as Chandeshwori), revered throughout Nepal, is credited with slaying the demon Chanda. This legend tells of Chanda, who became a menace to the world after receiving a boon from Shiva that made him invincible except by women. Desperate, the gods sought Brahma's counsel, who directed them to the forest near Banepa, where the mother goddess resided.

Narada provoked Chanda to confront the gods, leading him to Banepa with his army of demons. The gods, transforming into birds, fled at the sight of Chanda. The mother goddess, initially hiding in a tree, appeared on a lion when Chanda approached. A fierce battle ensued, marking the landscape around Banepa, and culminated in Chandeshwori's victory as she killed Chanda with her trident. From Chanda's belly, a lingam emerged, which can be seen in the small temple near the Chandeshwori temple (rebuilt after the April 2015 earthquake) complex.

This myth not only highlights the goddess's valor but also intertwines with the physical and cultural landscape, with the Chandeshwori temple and the rocks by the river bearing the marks of the epic battle. The legend is honored annually during Baisakh-Purnima, which also commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

Temple Premise

The three-tiered pagoda of the Chandeshwori temple is notable for its intriguing asymmetrical facade, which may hold some hidden ritual significance according to some speculations. The west wall boasts an imposing mural of Bhairab, the god of terror, who is depicted dancing over a corpse, flanked by his ever-present companions—dogs that are typically seen in charnel grounds. This mural is traditionally repainted every year. Bhairab also graces the temple's roof brackets as the Ashtabhairabs (Eight Bhairabs), paired with the feminine Ashtamatrikas (eight mother goddesses, avatars of Durga).

Just north of the gatehouse lies the Chandeshwori Dyochhen, a repository for the ceremonial objects used in the Chandeshwori Jatra festival. During this festival, the goddess is paraded by chariot to Bhaktapur and back, highlighting her cultural and religious significance.

It's worth noting that this temple should not be confused with the Chandeshwori temple in Patan, which honors a different incarnation of the goddess, Kumari, manifesting as a young girl.

The legends, murals, and architectural details of the Chandeshwori temple provide a profound insight into the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry of Nepal.

Gallery

File:Chandeshwori Temple, Banepa, Nepal.jpg, Entrance Gate of Chandeshwori Temple
File:Stone Spout Dhungedhara Chandeshwori Banepa Kavreplanchowk Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (1).jpg, Dhunge dhara next to the entrance
File:Chandeswori temple, Banepa - panoramio.jpg, Chandeshwari Temple
File:Bhairab painting of Chandeswori temple.jpg, Wall painting of Bhairab at Chandeswori
File:Wood carved roof decoration on the Chandeshwari Temple..jpg, Wood carved roof decoration
File:Chandeshwar Mahadev's Temple Chandeshwori Banepa Kavreplanchowk Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (1).jpg, Chandeshwor Mahadev Temple
File:Malla king and queen doing Namaste (the ritual greeting) in front of the Chandeshwari Temple..jpg, Malla king and queen doing Namaste (the ritual greeting) in front of the Chandeshwari Temple.

References

External links

Chandeswari temple- Banepa

{{Hindu temples in Nepal

Hindu temples in Bagmati Province
17th-century establishments in Nepal
Newa architecture