Banepa, August 28
A Kshama Puja — a ritual seeking forgiveness— was performed today at the Palanchok Bhagawati Temple after the idol was reportedly seen sweating during an evening aarti a few days ago.
Ward Chairperson Ram Kaji Shrestha said the ritual was performed after devotees noticed sweat appearing on the idol during the evening aarti.
Palanchok Bhagawati is a renowned Shakti Peetha, a sacred shrine dedicated to the divine feminine. The temple is located in Panchkhal Municipality-9. The idol was bathed, and special rituals and prayers seeking forgiveness were performed according to tantric traditions.
According to local religious beliefs and folklore, sweat appearing on the idol of Palanchok Bhagawati is regarded as a sign of an impending divine calamity or political crisis.
Locals say similar signs were observed before events including the 2015 earthquake, the floods and landslides of 2024, and the 2001 royal massacre.
Locals have viewed the flood in the Sunkoshi River on August 26 in the same context. A priest performed secret rituals as part of the Kshama Puja.
