Nateshwori Temple
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| Nateshwori Temple नाटेश्वरी मन्दिर | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Location | |
| Location | Triveni Municipality |
| Country | Nepal |
[1] The Nateshwori Temple (Nepali: नाटेश्वरी मन्दिर) is a Hindu temple of Devi Vagawoti located in the Sudurpaschim province of Nepal Triveni-07 Bajura.[2] This temple is one of the sacred temples of Hindu faith.[3]
Description
[edit]The temple considered as the open-air dancing theatre of god and goddess, also pronounced locally as नाचन्थली ( नाच:Dance थली: Theater ). This "extensive Hindu temple build in Pagoda style is worshiped mainly for Devi Vagawoti, Dhalpura Devi and Kalika Devi.
The major festivals of the temple are Janai Purnima and Chaite Dashain on the very day devotees form all over Nepal and also from India come to visit.
Though situated on the lap of Badimalika, this temple (नाटेश्वरी) is considered as the belongings (elder sister) of Malika Devi.[who?] Rituals of Nateshwori are carried out by two sets of priests; one being the Thakuri priests and other the Bhramin Joshi . Shahi Thakuri of Khirpata and Joshi Bhramin of Belkatte are the ones who performs the ritual and can touch the deity. This temple is opened only during big festivals and on other few special days, the daily rituals of the temple are performed in the Bhandarghar (भण्डारघर) in Thakuribada (ठकुरीवाडा) by Shahi Thakuri priests.
History
[edit]Divine Encounter of King Dipraj Chatyal
The story of Nateshwori Temple in Bajura revolves around King Dipraj Chatyal, a ruler of the Chatyal dynasty. Like many kings of his time, he also engaged in hunting—a royal tradition that symbolized strength and valor.
One day, during a hunting expedition in the "Mallagiri Parbat" Which is currently known as Badimalika region, the king spotted a magnificent deer. As he prepared to shoot, an unseen force suddenly restrained his bow, preventing him from releasing the arrow. Despite multiple attempts, he was unable to strike his target. That night, as he rested in his camp, Goddess Malika Devi appeared to him in a vision.
“O King, this land is sacred and must not be defiled by violence. Instead of hunting, you must honor me by building a temple upon this holy mountain. My divine presence shall bless your kingdom for generations to come.”
Moved by the goddess’s command, King Dipraj Chatyal returned to his palace, determined to fulfill her wishes.
The Collaboration of Two Kings
Around the same time, Jumli Maharaj of the Kallyal dynasty, another ruler from the neighboring region, received a similar divine message. Recognizing their shared vision, the two kings decided to collaborate on the construction of a grand temple atop Mallagiri Mountain, which is now revered as Badimalika Temple.
This temple was dedicated to Goddess Satidevi, as it was believed that one of her left limbs had fallen at this site, making it a sacred Shakti Peeth. King Dipraj Chatyal used black gram paste and stone for the temple’s foundation, while Jumli Maharaj contributed copper plates for its structure.
Pleased with Dipraj Chatyal’s devotion, Goddess Malika Devi began offering him 84 varieties of food each day as a divine blessing.
The Goddess’s Curse
Curious about the origin of these sacred offerings, King Dipraj Chatyal decided to investigate. One night, he hid near the temple and observed a mesmerizing celestial woman delivering the food. Enchanted by her beauty and the mystery surrounding her, the king attempted to capture her.
At that moment, the woman transformed into Malika Devi herself. Enraged by his actions, she cursed the king:
“Though you may be seen, neither you nor your descendants shall ever meet me again.”
Realizing his grave mistake, King Dipraj Chatyal was filled with remorse. He fell to his knees and begged for forgiveness.
The Establishment of Nateshwori Temple
Moved by his repentance, Goddess Malika Devi instructed the king to build another temple in the Nateshwori forest area, near his palace. She revealed that her elder sister, Goddess Devi Bhagawati, would also be venerated there.
Following the goddess’s command, King Dipraj Chatyal established Nateshwori Temple, which became an essential pilgrimage site. Worshippers were required to pay homage at Nateshwori Temple after visiting Badimalika, ensuring the fulfillment of their prayers and desires.
The sacred location of Nateshwori Temple was chosen with divine guidance—circled and sanctified by Malika Devi’s celestial lion and a black cobra, symbols of protection and power. Following the goddess's guidance, king Dipraj Chatyal established the Nateshwori Temple and began his devotion, leading to the tradition of having Chatyal Thakuri Priests in the temple.
A Legacy Preserved Through Generations
The legend of Nateshwori Temple is preserved through traditional ‘Magal’ and ‘Chachari’ songs, sung by the elderly during religious ceremonies and festivals. These songs recount King Dipraj Chatyal’s divine vision, the curse, and the sacred bond between Badimalika and Nateshwori Temples.
To this day, the Chatyal Thakuri community refrains from directly entering Badimalika Temple, Instead, they offer their respects in the nearby Triveni area without entering the Malika Temple precincts. This enduring practice reflects their deep respect for their history and heritage, influenced by the goddess's solemn admonition and the establishment of the Nateshwori Temple.
References
[edit]- ^ Desh Dainik (2018-11-28). जे माग्याे त्यही पाईने मन्दिर || Nateshwori Temple Triveni-7 Bajura. Retrieved 2025-02-10 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Welcome Nepal". Welcomenepal.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-10.
- ^ "Welcome Nepal". Welcomenepal.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-10.
- ^ "Welcome Nepal". www.welcomenepal.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
- ^ Board, Nepal Tourism. "Nepal Tourism Board | National Tourism Organization of Nepal". ntb.gov.np. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ^ "राष्ट्रपति पौडेलद्वारा बाजुराको नाटेश्वरी मन्दिरको उद्घाटन". DESH DAINIK. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ^ "धार्मिक पर्यटनको सम्भावना बोकेको नाटेश्वरी मन्दिर". Naya Patrika. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ^ "आकर्षक बन्दै नाटेश्वरी मन्दिर, सुदूरपश्चिमकै भव्य संरचना तयार". sudursansar.com. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ^ Desh Dainik (2017-07-18). Nateshwori Temple Bajura,जिर्णद्वारको पर्खाइमा. Retrieved 2025-02-10 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Hindu temple", Wikipedia, 2025-02-06, retrieved 2025-02-10
- ^ "त्रिवेणी नगरपालिका | "मिलौ जुटौ सवै जना हटाऔ परनिर्भरता"". trivenimunbajura.gov.np. Retrieved 2025-02-10.