Religious Circuit

Gorakh Naath Mandir Shiv Peeth, Gorkha

Location

Province: Gandaki Province

Gorakhnath Cave is located within Gorkha Municipality. This cave is located in a hill in Pokharithok, some two kilometers away from the district headquarters, nearby the Gorakhkali temple and Gorkha palace. The cave was reshaped and started to be called as Gorakhnath Temple. There is a stone idol of Gorakhnath in a meditative pose inside the cave.

How to Reach

There are easy transportation facilities to reach Gorkha from Pokhara, Kathmandu and Chitwan. It can also be reached through Abukhaireni from Tanahu district. Since the shrine is located within two kilometers from the Gorkha bazaar, there is no any difficulty to reach here. There is a 31-kilomtere pitched road from Abukhaireni to Gorkha Municipality. From Gorkha Municipality, one can reach Gorakhnath temple through 30-40-minute walk or 10-minute ride in a graveled road.

Significance of Shrine & Local Belief

Gorakhnath hosts the priests from Nath community. Gorakhnath is the royal god of Shah dynasty, and it is believed that from this word, the terms Gorkha and Gorkhali were derived. Gorakhnath was regarded as the main god of Shah Kings.

The routine puja of Gorakhnath includes lighting a fire in the morning to cook roti (delicacy made up of rice flour) and offering to the god. Gorakhnath is regarded as one form among the 108 forms of God Mahadev. He is also regarded as a Siddhayogi sage from Nath community. There is a tradition of offering Rot (delicacy made up of rice flour) in every Purnima. There is also a non-extinguishable fire spot in the temple. It is believed that the fire which was used to keep the King Prithvi Narayan Shah warm during his childhood and hasn’t been extinguished yet.

Besides this, there is also a Kali temple, Gorakhnath cave and Ram Shah Tree which represents justice near the temple. The tree is named after him as the King used to use the spot to provide justice to his citizens on the need. In a room of a palace, the idol of goddess Kali has been kept. Nobody is allowed to enter into the room except the main priest. There is a ritual of worshipping the god from outside the temple.

Nearby the Gorakhnath cave, the followers of Gorakhnath have continued to light the fire. It is said that the fire lighted by Gorakhnath hasn’t been extinguished. Regarding special offering, the devotees offer the barley flour to the priests, who cook the delicacies in the fire and offers to Gorakhnath Baba. And the delicacy is distributed as Prasad to the devotees.

Major Festivals

The special puja of Gorakhnath is held during Shivaratri (February/March) and holy month of Shrawan (July/August) among others.

Itinerary

Locations on Shiv Shakti Circuit

Shiv Shakti Circuit , Nepal

Pathibhara Devi (Annapurna Shakti Peeth), Taplejung, Fungling

Pathivara Devi Temple is located at Phungling Municipality, Ward No. 10 in Taplejung district. This Shakti Peeth is located in the higher part of Fattalaung village council.

Danta Kali Shakti Peeth, Sunsari

This Shakti Peeth is located at Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Ward No. 14. The Dantakali Temple is located on the north side of the Bijayapur Hill from the source of the Seti River. The temple has been built in Gumba style, and the Gajur (topmost object of the shrine) is made of copper.

Pindeshwor Shiva Peeth, Sunsari

Pindeshwor Mandir is located in Bijayapur of Dharan Sub Metropolitan City, Sunsari. It is 1 kilometre below Budhasubba Temple. There is a natural Shivalinga, which is of a height of four fingers (four anguls). Holy chants of God Shiva, also known as Rudra Path (Rudra Study), are performed every day and the Shivalinga is worshipped with water from the stream. Simultaneously, other rituals are also often organised.

Chinnamasta Bhagwati Sakhadeshwori Shakti Peeth, Saptari

This temple is at Sakhada Village of Chinnamasta Rural Municipality. It is 10 kilometres south of Rajbiraj, the district headquarters. The Bhagwati Devi of this temple is also called Chinnamasta Bhagwati, Sakhada Bhagwati, Sakhandeswori and Sakhada Mata. However, she is mainly called Chinnamasta because she does not have a head.

Raja Devi Shakti Peeth, Dhanusa

This Shakti Peeth is near the Ram Temple in Raja Devi Municipality of Dhanusha district. This Peeth was previously made of clay statues that were later enclosed by brass metal.

Sri Ram Janaki Mandir, Dhanusha, Janakpur

Janaki Mandir is located at Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City of Dhanusha district. The temple is located in the centre of the city and holds a unique touristic significance for Janakpur. This temple has been constructed in Mughal architectural style.

Pashupatinath, Shiv Peeth, Gaushala, Kathmandu

In the Gaushala Pashupatinath region of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the purest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath is located. The area of Pashupatinath extends across 264 hectares of land, and it is considered to be the â€˜Aradhya Dev of Nepalâ€™.

Guheyshwori, Mrigasthali, Gaushala, Kathmandu

This temple is 1 km East-South of Pashupatinath Temple, on the lower part of the Bagmati River

Dakshinkali Shakti Peeth, Kathmandu, Pharping

On the Southside of Kathmandu Valley, below the Pharping area, two small rivers called Purnawati and Udwarwati merge on the location of Dakshinkali Temple. It is situated on the Dakshin, southern side of Kathmandu, called Dakshinkali.

Budhanilkantha, Shivapuri, Narayanthan, Kathmandu.

This temple is located 10 km away from Ratnapark and 7 km north of Bagmati and Bishnumati. It stands on the hill of Shivapuri. There is a small pond on which the enormous statue of Narayan which is 22 feet in height, 11 feet in breadth, and whose arms are coiled by snakes is located. The god is lying on the ground upon an 11 headed snake holding Conch Shell Sankha, Wheel Chakra, Mallet Gada, and Gem Pajha on his four hands.

Baglamukhi Shakti Peeth, Lalitpur Metropolitan City

This is in Lalitpur Metropolitan City on the southern side of Kumbheshwor Temple of Patan. The god of this temple is also known as Baglamukhi or Pitambaradevi. Inside the temple, there are multiple silver pictures and a statue of Trinetra Devi, who is pulling a monsterâ€™s tongue.

Doleshowr Shiva Peeth, Bhaktapur

This is another Shiva Peeth located in Bhaktapur. It is also known as Bimaleshwor. It is located 15 km from Kathmandu and stands 1500m above sea level. Here two rivulets of Biman and Sinal meet right where the temple is located. Hence it is also called Bimalodek Pilgrim.The Shivalinga of the temple is said to have appeared naturally, as above the temple is all forest. The Shivalinga is of 7 feet radius and 4 feet in height.

Kusheshwor Mahadev, Sunkoshi VDC, Sindhuli

Kuseshwar Mahadev Temple is located in the intersection of Roshi River and Sunkoshi located in Sunkoshi Village Council in Sindhuli district. This western side of Sindhuli is also the border point of Kavre and Ramechhap districts. Kuseshwar Mahadev is a one-storey temple. The intersection of Roshi River and Sunkoshi is regarded as a Durga-Tirtha. The Shiva Linga is seen some one and half foot above the ground. It also comprises stone idols symbolized as Narayan, Bhagawati and Surya. Dumja is located on the river side in a valley which is surrounded by mountains in all the sides.

Bindheybasini Shakti Peeth, Pokhara, Kaski District

Bindhyabasini Goddessâ€™s Temple is located at a hill top in Mohariya Tole in Pokhara Metropolitan City in Kaksi district. While there is easy transportation and road facility to reach the spot, once at the location, one has to climb the ladders to reach the temple. There is an idol of a goddess with octagon shaped form inside the temple, which is constructed in the Asthakonakar and Gammbuj style. There are also idols of God Shiva, Hanuman and Saraswati in the temple. The pinnacle of the temple is made up of copper with the outer layer of gold.

Taal Barahi, In centre of Fewa Lake, Pokhara Metropolitan City

Fewa Taal (Lake) is located at the centre of Pokhara Municipality. The center of Fewa Lake consists of an island like structure, where Taal Barahi Temple is based. The island has an area of some 3 ropanies 8 aanas of land (as per the local measurement). This place is also known as Ajima. There is a two-storey temple built in Nepali style. The temple is believed to be over 300 years old. The temple has a roof of copper with a pinnacle of gold molamba. The temple has an idol of Barahi inside. Before the establishment of this idol in the temple, people used to worship a natural stone

Manakamana Devi Shakti Peeth, Gorkha District

Manakamana Temple is located in Shahid Lakhan Village Council in Gorkha district. The temple is located at an altitude of 4,360 feet (1315 metres) from the sea level. The roof of the two-storey temple is made up of copper. The pinnacle of the temple is made up of gold. Among the five stones, the big stone is the symbol of Manakamana. This temple had a stone laying ceremony during the rule of the Gorkha King Ram Shah.

Mukti Naath Shiv Peeth, Mustang

Muktinath Temple is located at Baarhagau Muktichhetra Village Council in Mustang district. The Mount Mukti, which is regarded as an origin of Kali Gandaki River, is located in the same place. The temple stands at an altitude of around 3800meters from the sea level and spreads at 76 ropanies of land.

Baglung Kalika Devi, Baglung Municipality

Kalikadevi Temple is located within Baglung Municipality. It is also known as Baglung Bhagwati. The temple is located within a forest nearby the Kaligandaki river in the east and Kothe river in the west. Baglung Devi is also known as Bhagwati Maaisthan. The three-storey temple is constructed in a pagoda style. The roof of the temple is made up of copper while there are two Jhingatis. The pinnacle of the roof has a gold coat. The idol of Bhagwati is established in the central point of the temple.

Gorakh Naath Mandir Shiv Peeth, Gorkha

Swargadwari Shiva Peeth, Pyuthan

Swargadwari is a pleasant vicinity located within the Mahabharat Mountain Range in Pyuthan Municipality in Pyuthan district. The shrine which is popular as a religious, historical and tourism spot is located at an altitude of 2,122 meters from the sea level. The place spread at 26,000 ropanies or 23.8 hectares of land, is enriched with three different climates. The place is covered in snow during winters, while there is a cold wind throughout the year as it is located in the higher belt of this region. In the northern side, there is a spectacular range of mountains like Sisne, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre, while the plain terrain of Dang and Deukhuri can be seen from the southern side.

Ruru Kshetra Shiv Peeth, Gulmi

Ruru Kshetra is the meeting point of Palpa, Syangja and Gulmi districts. Ridi is located in the eastern side of Kaligandaki River, in Gulmi district. Near the Ridi Bazaar likes the Rishikesh Temple in Palpa, Bhrigutbageshwor Cave in Syangja and Galfule Cave and Devdutta Park in Gulmi.

Palpa Bhairav, Palpa, Taansen

Bhairavsthan is located at 7 kilometers from Tansen of Palpa. The same hill is a home to the Bhairav Temple. The pinnacle of the temple is coated with gold, while the doors and windows of the temple are made up of iron. The temple is south-faced. The temple is joined with the palace of Mukunda Sen. It consists of three rooms in the first storey, where the queens of Mukunda Sen used to live. Now, the priests live in the same rooms. Besides, there is also the Asiaâ€™s biggest trident (Trishul). The pinnacle of the temple is coated with gold, while the doors and windows of the temple are made up of iron.

Triveni Dhaam Shiv Peeth, Nawalparasi, Bardaghaat

Triveni Dham is located some 25 kilometers east-southern side from Bardaghat Bazar in West Nawalparasi district. This shrine is also known as Gajendramoksha Dhaam. Triveni Dham touches both Nepal and India as it falls on Chitwan and Nawalparasi in the Nepal side, while touches the Champanagar of Indian State of Bihar. It falls on the western bank of Narayani River and Susta village of Nawalparasi. Tamasha River which flows from the eastern side also gets mixed in the Narayani River. This intersection is called Triveni Dham. This is also a spot where Sapta Gandaki mixes in Narayani and dissolves.

Baijanath Dham Shiva Peeth, Achham

This shrine is located in Mangalsen Municipality in Achham district. This is also an intersection between Badhiganga and Lungrali Rivers.

Bhimeshwor Mandir. Bhimeshwor Municipality, Dolkha

Bhimeshwor Temple is located at Bhimeshwor Municipality of Dolakha district. This temple is situated on the edge of Dolaka Market and is considered a powerful Shakti Peeth

Siddhakali Bhagwati, Sankhuwasabha

According to ancient beliefs, the right eye of Sati Devi fell on the grounds of Siddhakali. Then, during Mathvir Singh Thapa's reign, the residents and local authorities constructed the temple. It was built in a two-storied pagoda style. In the main point of the temple there is a small round stone, which is a symbol of Sati Devi, followed by a brass statue of Singha Devi and stone statues of Ganesh alongside Bhairav. In addition, there are a stone-made Shivalinga, Basaha (Shiva's bull), and Parvati in a nearby temple.

Kumbheshwor Mahadev Temple, Patan Lalitpur

It is said that God Shiva resides in Kailash during the summer and in the Kumbheshwor Temple during the winter. It was constructed by Jayasthiti Malla in 1449 B.S. (1392 A.D.). He erected the four walls, sattal (platform), the main housing called devalaya, and the pinnace. After him, Narendra Malla, Purwa Nanda Upadhyaya and Bhim Shumsher maintained the temple building.

Bajrayogini Shakti pith

This temple is located on the northeast hill of Kathmandu Valley. It is said that this temple has been present since ancient times. It is located 4 to 5 km away from Sankhu Market, which takes 30 minutes to reach on foot.

Bhadrakali Shakti pith, Tudikhel, Kathmandu

This temple is located on the southern side of the Tudikhel field, beside Shahid Gate. There is no statue allocated as Bhadrakali, but only a stone-faced statue is worshiped.

Maitidevi Shaktipith, Kathmandu

This temple is on the west side of Dhobi Khola Kathmandu, and the location is also called Maitidevi. Local transportations can readily reach this location.

Bhaleshwor Mahadev, Chandragiri, Kathmandu

This temple is located on the Chandragiri Hill of Kathmandu Valley. According to Himvat Khanda, Sati Devi's forehead 'Bhal' fell on the grounds of this Temple; hence it became Bhaleshwor Temple. It is also said that visiting this Temple shall fulfill the worshipper's wishes, and their after death shall be in Shiva Lok.

Indreshwor Mahadev, Panauti

The history behind the Temple originated from ancient times. It is said that when God Indra became jealous of Rishi Gautam's wife Ahalya, he appeared on earth as Rishi Gautam and slept with her. Angered by infidelity, Rishi Gautam cursed his wife to become a stone while cursed Indra to develop thousands of testicles on his body.

Kalinchwok Bhagwati Shakti Peeth, Dolakha

This Kalinchowk Bhagwati Mandir is located in Kalinchowk Municipality of Dolakha District. It lies above 3842 m (12,602 feet) of sea level.

Ugratara Bhagwati Shakti Peeth

Ugratara Bhagwati Temple is located in Amargadhi Municipality in Dadeldhura district. It lies on a hill located at some 6 kilometers north of the district headquarters. The place is known as Pokhara on the way to Baitadi from Dadeldhura.

Shaileshwori Shakti Peeth, Doti

Shaileshwori Temple is located in Silgadhi Bazaar in Dipayal, the district headquarters of Doti. The one-storey temple is constructed in pagoda style. The pinnacle of the temple is coated with gold while the roof is of copper.

Shiv Shakti Circuit , India

Somnath Jyotirlinga - Saurashtra, Gujarat

The journey of the 12 Jyotirlinga begins from Somnath. The Shivshakti circumambulation or Parikrama path is completed after visiting all the 12 Jyotirlingas and Shakti Peethas. The first of the Jyotirlinga, Somnath Jyotirlinga is located in the port of Verabal in the Saurashtra region of the Indian state of Gujarat

Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga - Srisailam Mountain, Andhra Pradesh

Somnath is followed by Mallikarjun. Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga is located on the Srisailam mountain on the banks of the River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh. It is also refered to as the Kailash of the South.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

The Mahakaleshwar Temple is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga - Narmada river bank, Mandhata mountain, Madhya Pradesh

Devotees visit Omkareshwar after Mahakaleshwar. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the Mandhata Hills on the banks of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. Mandhata, on the banks of the River Narmada, is shaped like mountains on an island. There are two temples in the region - Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar.

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga - Devghar, Jharkhand

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is visited after Omkareshwar. The temple of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is located at a place called Devghar in Jharkhand, India.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga - Sahyadri Mountain, Dakini, Maharashtra

After Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12th Jyotirlingas. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located on the Sahyadri Mountains near the headwaters of the Bhima River near Pune in Maharashtra.

Rameshwar Jyotirlinga - Rameshwaram, Setubandha, Tamil Nadu

Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Setubandha, Tamil Nadu. Due to the presence of Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, the area is also popular as Rameshwaram.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga - Darukavan, Dwarka, Gujarat

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Darukavan, Gujarat. Nageshwar falls near Puri, the gateway to Gujarat.

Vishwanath Jyotirlinga - Kashi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, situated on the banks of the Ganges, is very famous and special to the Hindus. Those who visit Vishwanath and bathe in the Ganges are believed to attain salvation. During the Mahashivaratri festival, there is a special procession to Vishwanath temple at midnight. The present Vishwanath Temple was built in 1780. Earlier, the Vishwanath temple was attacked and vandalised, and rebuilt several times. Devotees believe Vishwanath Jyotirlinga will not disappear even if there is an apocalypse. Kashi is also considered to be the place of creation and that one can attain salvation by spending their finals days in the place

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga - Godavari river bank, Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the banks of Godavari River in Nashik district of Maharashtra.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga - Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is the jyotirlinga of the Himalayan region. Kedarnath is located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four dhams of Uttaranchal. The temple of Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 3,593 metres. There are other places of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand around the main temple of Kedarnath. Gauri Kund, Sonprayag, Guptakashi, Ukhimath, Panch Kedar etc. are also places of interest

Ghushmeshwar Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Ghushmeshwar or Ghrishneshwar is in Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The Ghrishneshwar Temple is in a short distance from the main city and is in Verul village which is 11 kms from Daulatabad.

Dakshineswar Kali Peeth, Kolkata, West Bengal Shrine

Dakshineswar Kali Peeth is located on the banks of the Hooghly River in Calcutta, West Bengal. Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa was the chief priest in this temple. Here Bhavatarini Kali Mata is worshiped as the main goddess. Apart from the main Kali Mata temple, there are other temples in this Shakti Peeth. The main temple was completed in 1855. One can visit Dakshineswar by air, rail and road. There are local vehicles available from Kolkata.

Kalighat Shakti Peeth, Kolkata Shrine

The Kalighat Shakti Peeth in Kolkata, India is famous for the Kali Mata Temple. There is a legend that some toes of Sati Devi's right foot fell here. There is a huge statue of Goddess Kali adorned by Naramundamala. This idol located in Shakti Peeth was revered by Kamadeva Brahmachari. One can take local vehicles after reaching Kolkata by either air, rail or road to reach Kalighat Shakti Peeth.

Shakambhari Peeth, Saharanpur Shrine

Shakambhari Devi Temple is located in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Apart from this, temples of Goddess Shakambhari are also found in other places. The form of Shakambhari Devi is said to be that of the most compassionate and loving goddess. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Shakambhari will give good harvest and inexhaustible fruits. The temple of Shakambhari Devi also has idols of Shatakshi Devi, Bhima Devi and Bhramari Devi. The temple of Goddess Shakambhari is also located in Panchkoshi Siddhapeeth. After reaching Sarahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, one can go to Shakambhari temple on a bus that is easily available from Delhi, Haridwar, Chandigarh and other places

Kamakhya Shakti Peeth, Guwahati, Assam Shrine

Kamakhya is one of the prominent names of Goddess or Shakti. Kamakhya Shakti Peeth is located in Kamrup, Assam. The Goddess Kamakhya is a Tantric goddess. Tantra seekers still practice in this temple of Goddess Kamakhya. Kamakhya is also called the goddess of power, procreation and desire. Mahamudra (vaginal pool) of Bhagwati is located here. There is a Kamakhya temple at some distance from Guwahati in Assam. After reaching Guwahati in Assam, one can reach the temple from there via bus or train available from major cities. Air service is also available to Guwahati airport.

Vaishnodevi Shakti Peeth, Trikut Parbat, Jammu and Kashmir Shrine

Vaishnodevi Shakti Peeth is located on Trikut Parbat in Jammu and Kashmir, India, 12 kilometres from Katara of Jammu. The Shakti Peeth is located at an altitude of 5,200 feet. The adorable Goddess Vaishnodevi of this Shakti Peetha is also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi. Vaishnodevi is one of the most revered sacred places in North India. Millions of pilgrims visit this Shakti Peeth every year. Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi are enshrined in the cave and the combined form of the three goddesses is said to be the form of Vaishno Devi. A special fair is held here on Navratri. One can visit Vaishnodevi by air, train or road to Jammu. You have to walk from Katara to climb the mountain. Mules, palanquins and electric vehicles are also available for those who cannot walk. Katra is connected by road from Jammu. Katara can be reached by rail. Jammu can be reached by air.

Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth, Varanasi Shrine

Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth is located in the famous pilgrimage area of Vanaras. There is Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth at Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of the holy Ganga, a short distance from Kashi Vishwanath Jyotilinga. There is a legend that the gem of the right ear of Goddess Sati fell here. It is also said that the earring of Bhagwati Sati fell here. The description of Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth is found in Kashi. The Vishalakshi temple is built in the Indian style. It can be reached by air, rail or road.

Kalkaji Temple, Delhi Shrine

Kalkaji Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peeths in Delhi. Shakti is worshiped in this temple as the Goddess of time. Kalkaji is also called Jayanti Peeth or Manokamana Siddha Peeth. The temple is built of black stone symbolising Goddess Kali. This temple was built by the Maratha rulers in the second half of the 18th century. After reaching Delhi by air, rail or road, one can use local means of transport to reach the Kalkaji Temple.

Kamakshi Devi Shakti Peeth, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu Shrine

The temple of Kamakshi Devi is considered as one of the major sacred places of Devi Shakti. This temple is located at Sivakanchi in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. The idol of Goddess Kamakshi is in Padmasana Yogamudra in the temple and is facing south-east. It is said that Kamakshi was named Kamakshi because of her beautiful eyes. The three eyes of Kamakshi are considered to be the symbol of Tridev. Kamakshi also has Saraswati and Mahalakshmi. One can take a flight to Chennai and then local transport from there to reach Kamakshidevi Temple. Kanchipuram is connected to major cities of India by road and regular bus service is available.

Chhinnamastika Shakti Peeth, Rajarappa, Jharkhand Shrine

There is a Shakti Peeth of Chhinnamastika Devi in Ramgarh, Rajarappa of Jharkhand. At the confluence of Bhairavi and Damodar rivers, there is a temple of Chhinnamastika Devi, 28 kilometres away from Ramgarh. The idol of the beheaded goddess is worshiped in this Shakti Peetha. The temple has an idol of a goddess holding a sword in one hand and her own severed head in the other. There is a belief that worshiping in this Shakti Peeth will help fulfil all the desires of devotees. Devotees flock to the temple on a full moon and no moon days. Devotees also get married in this Shakti Peeth.