The Bajrayogini Temple, also known as the Bajra Jogini Temple, is located in the Nepalese town of Sankhu in the Kathmandu Valley. It is considered one of the most powerful temples for the worship of the Hindu goddess Bajrayogini and one of the most important Shakti Peethas (a sacred site where the goddess Shakti is worshiped) in Nepal. The temple is situated on top of a hill and is reached via a steep stairway.
The temple is thought to have been built during the Licchavi period in the 12th century, though some sources claim it could be older. The temple architecture combines Newari and Buddhist elements. The temple is constructed of bricks and wood, with a copper roof.
The three-story pagoda with a statue of Bajrayogini on top is the temple's main attraction. There are also many carvings and sculptures depicting various gods and goddesses, as well as erotic scenes, in the temple.
The temple is regarded as a major pilgrimage site for Shaktism, a Hindu sect that worships the goddess Shakti as the supreme deity. The temple is also a popular destination for Tantra practitioners, and it is said that the temple possesses great spiritual power that can help devotees achieve their goals.
The temple is open to the public every day, and thousands of devotees visit each year. The temple is also a key location for the annual Bajrayogini Jatra festival.
The Bajrayogini Temple, located in Sankhu, Nepal, is renowned for its powerful spiritual presence and historical significance. The temple's origins trace back to the time of King Mandev, who is said to have meditated at Gunbihar, a site near the temple. The temple, adorned with intricately carved stone taps and statues, is one of the oldest religious sites in Kathmandu, dating back to the 4th century AD.Inscriptions around the temple indicate that it underwent significant renovations approximately 500 years ago during the reign of King Pratap Malla. A valuable religious manuscript, written in ancient Newari script and housed in a Danish library, chronicles the development of Bajrayogini, detailing the establishment of Sankhu and the Bajrayogini Fair, which is a long-standing tradition.
Located 2.5 kilometers north of Sankhu, Bajrayogini is a prominent religious site. During the Kirat period, it was known as Gunbihar, a name that reflects the Kirat language and is now near Gunbaha. The temple's deity, Shree Shree Shree Prachanda Ugratara, is depicted with a red face, three eyes, and is adorned with ornaments. She holds a sword and an amethyst, embodying the Bajrayan Tantra. Flanking her are statues named Singhini on the right and Byaghini on the left, with Heruk and Achal adding to the temple's beauty.
The three-storied pagoda-style temple is accompanied by the Dharmaghatu Chaitya and a two-storied Jogeshwar temple, the latter being the only Boudha Chaitya (monastery) of its kind in the world. The temple's history is believed to be even older than that of the Swoyambhu Temple, as per the temple's priest, Shidhiwar.
Surrounding the Gunbihar area are nine caves dating back to the Stone Age. One of these caves, featuring two rooms, is a rare find. Within these caves, priests perform penance, and one cave houses an enchanted stone statue of Bajrayogini. Some of these stone statues have been relocated over time.
The Bajrayogini Fair, held from Chaitra Purnima (a significant day in the Nepali calendar) and lasting eight days, falls around the full moon of March/April in the Gregorian calendar. An interesting legend about Bajrayogini's origin, written in a holy book around 200 years ago, recounts that a five-colored flame emerged from a stone fork, eventually giving rise to the volcanic goddess.
The first priest, Gyanacharya Yogi, who performed penance in the cave of Shidikul Mahabihar, was bestowed with the title of Bachashidi Bajracharya and given Bajracharya Dikshaya (super knowledge). The current priests are descendants of Bachashidi Bajracharya.
The town of Sankhu, shaped like a conch shell and named Shankharapur, was established by Jogdev Bajracharya following an order from the goddess to run the fair in 1801 Kaligat Sambat. The Bajrayogini Service Committee, with support from His Majesty's Government, the Department of Archaeology, trust institutions, and public support, is actively involved in the conservation of this historic site.
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