Kathmandu, October 1
The Taleju Bhawani Temple at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square has been opened to the public today on the occasion of Maha Navami, the final day of the Navaratri festival. The temple opens only once a year on this day.
From early morning, devotees have queued up to offer prayers and worship at the temple, which is regarded as the presiding deity (Ishta Devata) of the Newar community. Taleju, also revered as a manifestation of divine power or mother goddess, is also known by the name Tulja.
The goddess was brought to the Mulchok courtyard of Hanumandhoka Palace on the day of Phulpati and will be returned to the main temple on Vijayadashami. On the night of Maha Ashtami, Kalaratri Puja was performed in the Mulchok, during which 54 goats and 54 buffaloes were sacrificed. The ritual is carried out through Tantric methods with the belief that it grants strength for state governance.
On Maha Navami, special worship of Goddess Durga is held at the Dashain Ghar, Kot courtyard, and other shrines and Shakti Peeths with animal sacrifices of goats, ducks, chickens, and buffaloes, along with recitations of Durga Saptashati (Chandi), Shrimad Devi Bhagavat, and other hymns dedicated to the goddess.
The Taleju Bhawani Temple, which opens only once a year, remained closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, however, it was opened after the risk of transmission declined following widespread vaccination.
