Kathmandu — Devotees lined up from early Tuesday morning to enter the historic Taleju Bhawani Temple at Hanuman Dhoka, which is opened to the general public only once a year on Maha Navami, the ninth day of Dashain.
The temple opened its doors at 5 am and will remain open until 6 pm, giving devotees a rare opportunity to offer prayers and receive darshan of Goddess Taleju Bhawani.
Located inside the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the temple holds deep religious and cultural significance, particularly among the Newar community. Its annual opening is one of the notable religious events observed in Kathmandu during Dashain.
Maha Navami is marked by special worship of Goddess Durga and other forms of Shakti, with devotees visiting temples and shrines across the country to offer prayers and participate in traditional rituals.
Taleju Bhawani has a strong historical connection with Kathmandu’s former Malla royal tradition. During Dashain, several rituals are performed within the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex before the deity is traditionally returned to the main temple on Vijaya Dashami.
The long queues outside Taleju Temple on Maha Navami highlight the enduring religious and cultural importance of the shrine, as devotees make the most of its rare annual opening.
