Bindhyabasini Temple

The Bindhyabasini Temple (Nepali: बिन्ध्यबासिनी मन्दिर) is the oldest temple in the city of Pokhara, Nepal. It's located in Ward No. 2, Miruwa. It regularly attracts a large number of locals, Nepalese from across the country, and foreigners alike. The main temple is devoted to the goddess Bindhyabasini, a Bhagawati (भगवती) who is the incarnation of Kali. There are also temples for other gods and goddesses, such as Saraswati, Shiva, Hanuman, and Ganesha on the premises. The temple is situated at the top of a small hill and can be accessed via stone staircases on the East, North and South-East. The Statue of Lord Hanuman covered in Sindoor next to statue of Lord Ganesha welcomes the devotees near the entrance.

History
The temple was established circa the 1760s. King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah, the then king of Nepal appointed Kahindra Padhya Poudel in June 1815 AD as temple priest replacing Harivamsha Padhya. It's stated that the priest could use the Guthi Lands endowed for the temple to perform regular and ceremonial puja.

The temple was built in 1842 B.S. in 47 ropanis of land. The legend of the Bindhyabasini temple begins when the king of Kaski, Siddhi Narayan Malla, or the king of Parbat, Khadgaman Malla dreamt about establishing a temple for the goddess. So, he ordered some of his men to bring back a statue of the goddess from the present Uttar Pradesh of India.

During their journey, the men set up camps at the current temple location. However, the next morning they could not move on their journey because the deity could not be lifted from the camps. So, eventually, the temple was established in Mohariya Tole of Pokhara.

Since then this place has been a hub for worshippers. The meaning “Bindhya” means the incarnation of a goddess and “Basini” means the dweller of a place.

Legend on the establishment of the temple
The king of Kaski, Siddhi Narayan Shah, or the king of Parbat Khadgaman Malla had a dream about establishing a temple for the goddess Bindhyabasini. He had his men go to Bindhyachal Parbat (currently in Uttar Pradesh, India) to bring back a statue of the goddess. The men when returning set up camp for a night at the current location of the temple. When they woke up the next morning to resume their journey, they found they couldn't lift the statue from the ground. When informed of the situation, the king directed his people to establish the temple, hence the beginning of the Bindhyabasini Temple.

Most of Pokhara city was destroyed in the fire of 1949 and the fire was allegedly started in Bindhyabasini temple while performing an offering which later spread out of control.

Common belief about Goddess Bindhyabasini
Goddess Bindhyabasini is commonly believed by the residents of Miruwa to be the replacement for the eighth child (Lord Krishna) of Devaki and Vasudeva. When Kansa tries to kill the child, who's been exchanged, she, who's herself a Devi disappears and is goddess Bindhyabasini.

Architecture
There's no information about the style of the original temple (and it is assumed to have been rebuilt at some point) but the current temple is in Shikhara style. Shikhara style of temple architecture is considered older than the much prevalent Pagoda architecture.

Two golden metal lions stand erect beside the temple gate and metal gong bells eerie in the background frequently. The Bindhyabasini temple in a glance is a simple yet striking monument. The local “Dharmik Chhetra Bikas Samiti” regulates the temple.

Buildings in the premises

 * Saraswati Mandir (सरस्वती मन्दिर)
 * Hanuman Mandir (हनुमान मन्दिर)
 * Shiva Mandir (शिव मन्दिर)
 * Bindhyabasini Sanskrit Vidyalaya (बिन्ध्यबासिनी मन्दिर)
 * Vishnu Mandir (विष्णु मन्दिर)
 * Ganesh Mandir (गणेश मदिर)
 * Jogi Paati (जोगी पाटी)
 * Book Stores (किताब पसल)
 * Photoshoot Area (फोटो शूट पसल)

Temple Area Management
The temple is currently managed by Bindhyabasini Dharmik Chettra Bikash Samiti which has carried out several improvements and upgraded the area. Examples include the establishment of Gurukul Bhawan (गुरुकुल भवन), upgrades to various smaller temples in the area, upgrade of Bindhyabasini park below the temple area, etc.

Accessibility
A lift with a capacity of 12 people was installed in the temple premises, and inaugurated by the President of Nepal on March 7, 2019. The lift is primarily used by disabled pilgrims and seniors.

A Senior Citizens Friendship Center was established in January 2016. The facility allows for a meeting point for senior citizens, provides food every day to those who attend, and arranges for talks on a variety of subjects.

In the news

 * The royal couple of former King Gyanendar and Queen Komal did puja at the temple on March 27, 2004.
 * Indian Army Chief comes visiting, locals know he speaks fluent Nepali on February 13, 2018.
 * Navadurga Festival was organized by Bindhyabasini Dharmik Chhettra Bikash Samiti on September 21, 2017.