Chitai Golu Devta Temple in Almora, Uttarakhand
Chitai Golu Devta Temple is about 8 kilometers from the Almora in the scenic Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Golu Devta, the God of Justice.
Taal Barahi Temple in Pokhara, Nepal
The Taal Barahi Temple is situated in the serene waters of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal. It is a sacred temple dedicated to Maa Durga in her Barahi avatar.
Taal Barahi Temple, Pokhara: A Divine Island Temple
Story of Taal Barahi Temple, Pokhara
The Taal Barahi Temple is situated in the serene waters of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal. It is a sacred temple dedicated to Maa Durga in her Barahi avatar.
According to local legends, there was a time when Phewa Lake didn’t exist. The area was a village where people lived their daily lives. One day, an old woman came to the village asking for food and shelter, but no one helped her. Only one kind-hearted couple showed compassion, offering her bread and a place to stay in their home.
Before leaving the next day, the old woman warned the couple that a massive flood would soon engulf the village and urged them to move to higher ground for safety. The couple followed her advice, and the prophecy came true—an enormous flood drowned the entire village, but the couple survived because they had heeded the old woman’s warning.
This flood gave birth to Phewa Lake, and in gratitude, the couple returned and built a temple in the middle of the lake, dedicated to Maa Durga. It is believed that the old woman was Maa Durga herself in disguise, testing the people's compassion.
Maa Durga in Her Barahi Avatar
The temple is named Taal Barahi because it is believed that Maa Durga appeared in her Barahi avatar to protect the land. According to myth, after defeating the demons in her Barahi form, Maa Durga came to this serene spot in Pokhara, where she chose to reside. Her presence brought peace to the region, and since then, devotees have worshipped her at this sacred site.
How to Reach Taal Barahi Temple
Tal Barahi Temple is on a small island amidst the Phewa Lake. Once reaching the shore, one has to take a boat ride to reach the temple. The boat ride takes just a few minutes, and you’ll find various options, including rowboats and pedal boats.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pokhara Airport, which has regular flights from Kathmandu. From the airport, the temple is just a short drive and boat ride away.
By Road: Pokhara is well-connected by road from Kathmandu and other major cities in Nepal. Once in Pokhara, you can easily reach the shores of Phewa Lake to take a boat ride to the temple.
Best Time to Visit Tal Barahi Temple
The best time to visit Taal Barahi Temple is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the views of the Himalayas are clear. Visiting during the festival of Dashain offers a unique cultural and religious experience.
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