The Guhyeshwari Shaktipeeth Temple, dedicated to Adi Shakti (Goddess Guhyeshwari), is one of the 51 revered temples located near Pashupathinath Mandir in Kathmandu, Nepal. The idols found here depict Devi as Mahamaya and Shiva as Kapali – representing where Goddess’s two knees had fallen. This temple derives its name from Sanskrit words “Guhya” meaning secret and “Ishwari” which translates to goddess. According to the Lalitha Sahasranama text, this sacred place holds great significance because it associates itself with a specific 707th name of the Goddess – ‘Guhyarupini’ – suggesting that her form remains imperceptible by human perception; an ultimate mystery!
Pashupatinath and Guhyeshwari are stunning tributes to Shiva-Shakti unity. Set alongside the banks of Bagmati River, this temple symbolizes the female side of divinity. Furthermore, it is renowned for its Tantrik rituals which are a concealed tradition within Hinduism – those who seek strength visit this shrine to venerate Mother Goddess.
An iconic pagoda-style temple houses a unique interior – instead of an upright representation of the Goddess, you will find her figure laid flat and parallel to the ground. Bowing down to this divine manifestation is accompanied by Bhairav Kunda, a sacred pool in which devotees place their hand in order to receive blessings from above. Whatever they take out is said to be holy and treasured as a gift from divinity.
According to the holy scriptures of Kali tantra, Chandi tantra and Shiva Rahasya, the temple is one of the most significant sites for obtaining potent spiritual energy. The Vishwaswarup depicts a many-colored goddess with countless hands – Guheshwori – representing an immeasurable female power force. Furthermore, this sacred place has been constructed atop seventeen cremation grounds which renders it as one of the mightiest Tantric centers available today.
During the 10 day festivities of Dashain, devotees from all over Kathmandu flock to Guhyeshwari Temple in order to revere Goddess Guhyeshwari. The Newar Community also perform pujas and hold a feast at this temple during these celebrations. Furthermore, statues of various forms of Durga are placed around the area as an homage to Hinduism while Buddhists worship her as Vajrayogini. It’s evident that there is great significance associated with visiting this temple during Navaratri – making it highly revered by both Hindus and Buddhists alike!
As you explore the many temples of India, a unique tradition has been established at Pashupatinath Temple. Before worshiping Shiva within this temple, visitors must first visit Guhyeshwari Temple to pay homage to Shakti beforehand. This is due to their belief in honoring Shakti before Shiva and other gods; 51 different Shakti Peetas exist throughout the country – four are deemed Adi Shaktipeeths while 18 others stand as Maha Shakti Peethas!
The Shakti Peethas are holy sites that honor the Mother Goddess. Following Lord Brahma’s yajna, it is said that Goddess Shakti split from Shiva and assisted in creating the universe. To reward her, Brahma returned her to Shiva through his son Daksha who then conducted numerous yagnas to acquire Sakthi as his daughter Sati. Unfortunately, due to Daksha’s disapproval of Sati’s marriage with Lord Shiva, he did not invite him when performing another yagna. But upon request by a determined Sati wanting to see her father one last time before departing for Kailash Mountain again with Shiva; the God allowed it be so and granted his wife permission to visit him at home instead. Daksha’s disrespect towards her husband enraged Sati to the point that she immolated herself. Shiva, in his rage-filled Veerabhadra form, destroyed the yagna and killed Daksha for his actions. Shiva carried Sati as he wandered Aryavartha sorrowfully; this grief manifested itself as a furious destruction dance known as Tandav. Lord Vishu, with the aim of stopping the Tandav, used his Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati’s corpse. The parts of Sati body fell at varroas spots all through the Indian and neighboring country and these Sacred sites came to be called Shakti Peethas .
By Air
The best way to reach guhyeshwari temple from India is by taking a flight to Kathmandu. Tribhuvan International Airport is almost 5 km away from the main city.
By Rail
There is no direct rail connectivity between the two nations. The most likely option for you is to travel from Delhi to Kathmandu by train is via Gorakhpur.
By Road
There are four border crossings for visitors who travel from India via highways. You can travel to Kathmandu from Delhi via bus or car. And it takes 20 hours at least to go via road.
