Kathmandu, October 7
A month-long Mela (fair) has begun at the Adinath Temple located on Chobhar Hill in Kathmandu. The Adinath Mela starts on the day of Kojagrat Purnima and continues until Kartik Shukla Purnima.
Devotees throng the temple to worship the combined image of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, known as Ardhanarishwar Adinath. It is believed that participating in the Mela brings freedom from fear, disease, and obstacles, and bestows happiness and prosperity upon families.
The Adinath Temple is revered by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees as a shared place of worship. Believed to have been established during the Lichhavi period by King Amsuvarma, the temple holds great historical and archaeological significance.
Buddhist followers worship Adinath as Lokeshwar, believing that doing so grants longevity, protection from untimely death, and material prosperity. Hindus, on the other hand, worship Adinath as a manifestation of Shiva and Shakti.
Situated about nine kilometres south of Kathmandu, the temple offers a scenic view of the Kathmandu Valley from Chobhar Hill. Nearby religious sites of significance include Manjushree Park, Jal Binayak Temple, and Taudaha Lake.
