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Bindhyabasini Temple
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Landmark
Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Pokhara. It is perched on a small hill in the northern part of the city and is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, a manifestation of Durga. The temple is believed to have been founded in the 17th century by King Khadag Bum Malla. The central object of worship is a saligram (a fossilized ammonite), which is considered a representation of the goddess. The temple complex, built in a whitewashed pagoda style, has a tranquil atmosphere and panoramic views of Pokhara city as well as the majestic peaks of Annapurna and Machapuchare. Similar to Dakshinkali Temple, animal sacrifices also take place here on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The temple is an animated center of faith, especially during the Dashain festival, when large crowds flock here to pay their respects to the goddess.
- Location: Nepal
- Top sights: Annapurna Butterfly Museum · Gurkha Memorial Museum · Tabin Dai House
- Nearby: Begnas Lake (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 23 | 27 | 38 | 103 | 245 | 416 | 306 | 221 | 69 | 3 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Bindhyabasini Temple is open to all Hindus and tourists. You can enter the temple courtyard and see the goddess Bhagwati statue, but the inner shrine is only for priests.
Typical hours
The temple is typically open from early morning to late evening, morning prayer starts shortly after sunrise. Best to visit during the evening Aarti ceremony.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the outdoor area but often prohibited inside the temple. Please ask permission before photographing idols or priests.
Time needed
A visit typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Add extra time for climbing the hill and enjoying the view over Pokhara.
Combine with
Combine the temple visit with a walk along Phewa Lake, just 10 minutes away. The Peace Pagoda on the other side of the lake is also worth a trip.
Getting there
The temple is centrally located in Pokhara on a small hill. You can reach it easily on foot from the city center or by a short taxi ride.
Insider tip
Visit the temple early in the morning to catch the peaceful mood and avoid the heat. Don't forget to ring the bell at the entrance for good luck.
Geography
Facts
- Goddess: Bhagwati, a form of Durga.
- Location: On a hill in the north of Pokhara.
- Founded: Presumably in the 17th century by King Khadag Bum Malla.
- Main cult image: A Saligram (fossilized ammonite).
- Architecture: Pagoda style.
- View: Panoramic view of Pokhara and the Annapurna massif.
- Rituals: Animal sacrifices on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
- Festival: Main attraction during the Dashain festival.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Bindhyabasini Temple (11)
Gurkha Memorial Museum🏛 museum
A museum dedicated to the history and heroic deeds of the world-renowned Gurkha soldiers.
🌐 gurkhamuseum.org.np🕒 08:00-16:30
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bindhyabasini Temple?
It is located on a small hill in the old town of Pokhara.
Is entry free?
Yes, the temple is free for anyone to visit.
What does the place offer?
A great view of the city and the Himalayas.
When is the best time?
Early morning is very peaceful there.
Are there many stairs?
Yes, climbing the stairs requires a bit of fitness.
Bindhyabasini Temple: where is it located?
Bindhyabasini Temple is located in Nepal.
Bindhyabasini Temple: what is there to see?
Highlights include Annapurna Butterfly Museum, Gurkha Memorial Museum, Tabin Dai House.
Bindhyabasini Temple: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Bindhyabasini Temple: why is it worth visiting?
Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Pokhara.
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History & landmarks
International Mountain Museum
A museum in Pokhara dedicated to the history of mountaineering, the peoples of the Himalayas, and the flora and fauna of the region.
Tal Barahi Temple
A two-story pagoda temple on a small island in Phewa Lake in Pokhara, dedicated to the protector goddess Ajima.
Davis Falls
A waterfall in Pokhara where the water plunges into an underground tunnel that is 500 meters long and reaches 30 meters deep into the earth.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
A deep, damp limestone cave in Pokhara, located right across from Davis Falls, containing a large stalagmite in the shape of a Shiva Lingam.
Sarangkot Viewpoint
A famous ridge west of Pokhara, known for its breathtaking sunrises over the Annapurna Massif and Machapuchare.
World Peace Pagoda
This Buddhist monument on Anadu Hill above Phewa Lake was built by Japanese monks from the Nipponzan-Myōhōji community.
Manakamana Temple
A Hindu temple in the Gorkha District dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati.
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