Khadga Devi, the highly revered temple of Khadga Devi could be mistaken for a residential house where it not for the finial. The shrine does not contain any ideal, but a Khadga, a scared sword- a gift from Lord Shiva to Mukunda Sen, the king of Palpa. Wrapped in layer of cloth, legend has it that anyone looking at the bare sword invites instant death. The Khadga is worshipped as a symbol of the female power. This temple is opened to devotees only once a year on the day of Phulpati, the seventh day of Hindu festival of Dashain usually in October.
Bindhebasini Temple, the pagoda- style temple is located in main bazaar. Enshrined here is an image of goddess Bindhebasini. It also contains idols of other goddesses. During the New Year celebration in April, the image of Bindhebasini is put on the chariot and pulled through the town amidst other revelry.
Mahalaxmi Temple, the pagoda-style temple from the medieval period is located to the south-east of main bazaar. Its struts and tympanum are adorned with fingers of Bhimsen and various mythical creatures.
As with the Newar town elsewhere, Bandipur also boasts year round festivals and plethora of other culture shows. The unique festival of Bandipur include the Khadga Jatra (October) and Bisket Jatra (April). The Magars mark the full moon day of Baishakh Purnima (April), in which unmarried women perform the Ghatu Jatra with married women singing the folk songs. The Sorathi and Chutka are the other popular dance of Bandipur.
No comments:
Post a Comment