Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Nashik, Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar Temple, located about 30 kilometers from Nashik, Maharashtra, is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Guhyeshwari Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal
Guhyeshwari Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to Adi Shakti.
The Story of Guhyeshwari Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal
In the capital city Kathmandu of Nepal, stands the Guhyeshwari Temple, meaning the goddess of the cave. This temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to Adi Shakti, the primordial goddess.
According to legend, there was once a grand yajna (sacrificial ritual) organized by King Daksha, who invited all the deities except for his son-in-law, Lord Shiva. Witnessing the insult to her husband, Daksha's daughter Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. This enraged Lord Shiva, who then carried Sati's body and began performing the Tandava, a dance so powerful that it threatened to destroy the three worlds.
To pacify Lord Shiva’s wrath, Lord Vishnu used his chakra to sever Sati's body into several pieces. Wherever these parts of her body fell on Earth, a "Shakti Peetha" was established.
At this sacred site, it is believed that both knees of Goddess Sati fell, marking the location where the Guhyeshwari Temple was later built.
Unique Traditions
This temple is next to the Pashupatinath Temple and devotees visit the Guhyeshwari Temple before the main Pashupatinath Temple, as Shakti is believed to be revered before Shiva.
Women here offer sindoor (vermilion) to the goddess, and the Guhyeshwari temple is considered highly auspicious for those seeking to marry.
How to reach Guhyeshwari Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal
1. By Air:
- Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which is well-connected to major cities in India and other countries. The temple is about 5 kilometers from Tribhuvan International Airport. You can hire a taxi or use a local ride-hailing service to reach the temple directly.
2. By Road:
- From Kathmandu City Center: The temple is approximately 4 kilometers from the main city center of Kathmandu, near the famous Pashupatinath Temple. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or even a local bus to get to Guhyeshwari Temple.
- From India: If you're traveling from India by road, you can enter Nepal through various border points like Sunauli, Raxaul, or Jogbani. From the border, you can take a bus or taxi to Kathmandu and then proceed to Guhyeshwari Temple.
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