KATHMANDU: The Taleju Bhawani temple, located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, will be opened for the public on the occasion of Mahanawami. The temple will remain accessible for worship and prayers from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The temple is traditionally opened to the public only once a year during Mahanawami, drawing thousands of devotees. Jayanti Shrestha Pradhan, chief of the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Care Office, confirmed the decision following consultations with relevant authorities.
According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee, the idol of Taleju Bhawani was moved to the Mulchok of the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex at 7:37 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. The deity was placed in a stable position at 10:39 a.m. the same day.
The office stated that the Kalratri puja is being performed tonight as part of the Maha Ashtami rituals. The ceremony includes the sacrifice of 54 goats and 54 buffaloes. The deity will remain at the Mulchok for worship until Bijaya Dashami. On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the idol will be moved at 10:51 a.m. and returned to the main temple at 11:52 a.m., according to the schedule provided by the committee.
