Guide to the Dakshinkali Temple

Only one kilometer separates the town of Pharping and the Dakshinkali Temple, which is located 22 kilometers outside of Kathmandu. One of the most well-known temples in Nepal, this one is devoted to the dreadful and terrifying Goddess Kali. This temple is well-known for the rituals and traditions that are practiced there. At this sacred location, animals are slaughtered on a twice-weekly basis, with male goats and cockers, in particular, being used as an offering to appease the wrathful consort of Lord Shiva.

The words "Dakshin," which translates to "south," and the word "Kali," which is the name of the god that is worshipped at the Dakshinkali Temple, were combined to create the name of the temple. The idol of the Goddess is typically depicted as standing atop a body, which is meant to represent the triumph of light over darkness. The statue with the four arms gives the impression of a powerful deity who has come to an end to the conflict and grant victory. It is holding a sword in one hand, a skull cap in the other, and a severed head in the fourth hand of this gruesome creature.

History of Dakshinkali Mandir: Who Built and Who Ruled?

Dakshinkali Temple is one of the Shakti shrines in Nepal that has its roots in the 17th century. Historical and manual records state about King Pratap Malla, who was a powerful ruler of the Mallas in Kathmandu, who dreamt of Goddess Kali enjoining him to construct a shrine to her. Following this revelation of the Goddess, he commanded the building of the temple at the meeting of two sacred streams in the southern valley.

Since its inception, the temple has engaged in activities that are devoted to fierce Kali, or rather an embodiment of Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. The name is an indication of both place and purpose: Dakshin – south and Kali – goddess worshipped here. The two of them unite to become Dakshinkali – Kali of the South.

The architecture of the Dakshinkali temple shows that it has its own identity. As opposed to most confined shrines, Dakshinkali is an outdoor shrine that is roofed by metal chains and posts representing an unrestricted force of the goddess. It is dominated by a black stone deity of Kali adorned with gold and silver. The divinity is shown with four arms and is holding the skull cup, a sword, and a severed head, and the way the goddess poses on top of a dead body signifies that divine forces triumph over darkness.

Alongside the central idol, there is an array of images of Astamatrikas (eight mother goddesses) and Ganesh, and the entry is flanked by a pair of giant bells and 10 lion statues. These characteristics represent not only Newar arts, but also religious imagery of Shaktism.

Dakshinkali transformed over the centuries into a very important Shakti Peetha of Nepal, on par with Pashupatinath and Manakamana. It became a center of living devotion where annual rituals, celebrations, and animal sacrifices have remained uninterrupted over the generations.

Dakshinkali Temple's Mythology

An intriguing incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, the Goddess Mahakali is also known by the name Pashupatinath and goes by the name Mahakali. The enigmatic Dakshinkali Temple is a historic building that has a fascinating tale to tell about its origins. It is said that the Malla king who ruled Nepal in the 14th century had a dream in which the goddess Kali appeared to him. According to the myth, the goddess gave the king the order to construct a shrine that would be dedicated to her. The king immediately began carrying out her instructions, and once the construction of the temple was completed, a stone image of the deity was installed in the shrine.

Dakshinkali Temple's Animal Sacrifice

The worshipers of the goddess Kali are convinced that the best way to make her happy and get what they want from her is to take the lives of innocent animals. In front of the religious building, there are a number of stands that have been set up. They offer birds and goats for sale to people who intend to sacrifice them on the grounds of the temple.

This custom is carried out twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, respectively. After the morning sacrifice, the gates of the temple are closed for a brief period of time so that the temple can be cleaned in preparation for the afternoon sacrifices. The ritual of sacrificing each animal only takes a few seconds, after which their lifeless bodies are processed by seasoned priests inside the complex of the temple where the ceremony took place. After that, the owners cook the meat in their homes using their own personal recipes.

People and a significant number of goddess worshipers have voiced their opposition to this ritual, arguing that the Goddess Kali cannot be appeased by the shedding of innocent blood and the tormenting of helpless animals. In contrast to this line of reasoning, many adherents believe that by killing an animal and offering it as a sacrifice to the Supreme Being, one can spare the animal the anguish of suffering and improve its chances of being reincarnated as a human. The adherents of both of these theories act in accordance with their beliefs rather than either of them being supported by evidence from the real world.

Dakshinkali Mandir

Festivals Celebrated around Dakshinkali Temple

Dakshinkali Temple is not only a holy place but also a people-laden area of festivals and culture practiced for ages. Of these, the most important is Dashain, the grandest Hindu festival in Nepal, to which the temple is a central point of worship. Between Ghatasthapana and Nawami, thousands of worshippers commemorate the event by coming to give sacrifices, especially of cockerels and un-castrated male goats, in an act of seeking blessings by the goddess. Dashain is an atmosphere of chants, prayers, and music, a spiritual situation that is inviting pilgrims as well as curious visitors.

On the occasion of Tihar, the festival of lights, Dakshinkali holds Kali Puja with massive offerings, bhajan, and lively rituals in honor of the goddess. Another significant celebration is the Kalika Jayanti, which is celebrated as the appearance day of Kali, where the temple becomes full of traditional singing and dancing and animals are also sacrificed to the goddess. These festivals are highly spiritual, and they incorporate the enduring strength of faith in Dakshinkali Mata.

The temple also celebrates some other events throughout the year, interacting with the rest of the world. Harishankar Jatra is the special festival of the Newar community and falls on the last Saturday of Bhadra with a color procession and group worship. Likewise, the Bajrayogini Jatra, which is under both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of the Dakshinkali–Pharping region, brings out the religious harmony in the area. Rituals, music and prayers are characterized to mark seasonal activities such as Shrawan Sankranti, Janai Purnima, Maghe Sankranti, and Fagu Purnima (Holi), and Gaijatra is performed distinctively and uniquely with Newar songs and dances. There are also numerous other festivals, like Chhath, dedicated to the Sun God.

Besides these major festivities, Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered the days of the goddess when big numbers of animal sacrifices are made. These days are the lively meeting place of the pilgrims, priests, and the local vendors in temple grounds. And worship is done every day with the devotees reciting mantra, lighting oil lamps, and bhajans played with traditional instruments. At special occasions, it is also the venue of events like Chaturbhasa story recitations and evening kirtans which enrich the spiritual life of the temple.

Such festivals and rituals not only retain ancient traditions but also are very important to the local economy. The temple premises are turned into a bazaar when there is a major celebration. During those times people set up temporary shops where they can sell offerings, sweets called khuwa, local produce, and handicrafts. These events oscillate between worship and work and as such, they have enabled the Newar community to remember that both places of worship and economic livelihoods can coexist, making it a living cultural site of an ever-existing togetherness between faith, economy and tradition.

Kathmandu to Dakshinkali Distance: How do you get to Dakshinkali?

The trip to Dakshinkali Temple is located about 45 minutes outside of Kathmandu. To avoid potential congestion on public transportation, it is recommended to take a taxi instead. There is a bus stop at each of the following locations: Ratna Park, Old Bus Park, and Martyr's Road. The path to the Dakshinkaali Temple is steep and winding, and it offers stunning vistas along the way. Motorcycles are also common among people who want to experience a rush of adrenaline.

Kathmandu to Dakshinkali Distance - 19 to 20 km

Local buses and microbuses heading toward Pharping or Dakshinkali commonly depart from the Kalanki (Balkhu Bus Stop) area. The road from Balkhu to Dakshinkali is mostly paved. The journey typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, with fares around Rs 50–250 NPR. You can also choose the latest mobile applications, Pathao, Indrive, or TaxiMandu, or any other online media for a quick escape to Daksinkali from Kathmandu.

The temple remains open every day but has specific hours for rituals. It usually closes around 11:30 am for cleaning and puja and reopens at 1:00 pm. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered the most important days for the goddess, and on these days the temple is extremely crowded because of the animal sacrifices and larger gatherings of devotees. During Dashain and other festivals, the crowds multiply, so early morning visits are advised to avoid congestion.

There are no entry fees for visiting Dakshinkali Temple, though donations are welcomed and many visitors make small offerings of flowers, rice, coconuts, or incense. Non-Hindus may not be permitted to enter the innermost sanctum where the idol of the goddess is kept, but they can still observe the rituals and experience the atmosphere from the outer areas.

Basic facilities are available around the temple grounds. There are shops selling offerings, local snacks, khuwa sweets, and tea stalls. Paid Parking areas and picnic spots are managed by the Dakshinkali Area Development Committee. On festival days, temporary stalls and markets spring up, turning the temple surroundings into a lively bazaar.

Where should you go next after visiting Dakshinakli Mandir?

After visiting Dakshina Kali Mandir, a popular next stop is Pharping, a town known for its Buddhist monasteries and meditation sites. Specifically, you can visit the Asura Cave and Yangleshö Cave, both significant meditation sites associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). You can also visit the Shesh Narayan Temple in the same area. As you are near Pharping, the road from Pharping (Dakshinkali Mandir) to Khuleikhani and Chitlang is well-maintained. It is best to go for one day escape from Kathmandu. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries on the way.

Pharping: This town is located a short distance from Dakshina Kali and is known for its Buddhist heritage. You can visit the Pharping area, Pharping viral suspension bridges.

Asura Cave: This cave is one of the most important meditation sites in Pharping, associated with Guru Rinpoche.

Yangleshö Cave: Another significant cave in Pharping, also linked to Guru Rinpoche's practice.

Shesh Narayan Temple: A Hindu temple located in Pharping, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

A common itinerary includes visiting Dakshina Kali, then proceeding to Pharping to explore these sites. You can arrange a tour that combines these destinations for a more comprehensive experience. 

What things should you avoid while you are in Dakshinkali Mandir?

When visiting Dakshinkali Temple, avoid disrespecting the rituals, taking photos of sensitive ceremonies, and disrupting the peace. It's also important to dress modestly and be aware of the animal sacrifices that may take place, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

• Disrespectful Behavior: Avoid loud noises, disruptive actions, and disrespectful language inside the temple. Let other worshipers get their turn after you worship. Don't take out any money from the donation boxes.
• Avoid ringing the temple bell too often or too loudly, as it can disturb others.
• Photography: Refrain from taking photos of rituals, especially animal sacrifices, without permission. Inside the main temple, it is strictly prohibited to take photos of anything, including your selfies.
• Dress Code: Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. For men, shorts may not be appropriate.
• Animal Sacrifices: Be aware that animal sacrifices are a part of the religious practices at Dakshinkali, particularly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and during festival times, such as Dashain for Kali Mata. If this is disturbing, you may want to avoid those days or the temple altogether.
• Entering the Main Shrine: Non-Hindus may not be permitted to enter the main shrine where the deity is located.
• Cleanliness: Be mindful of the environment and avoid littering.
• Interfering with Rituals: Do not interfere with or disrupt any religious rituals or ceremonies.

Best practices during Dakxinkali

• Always move in a clockwise direction while circling the temple area.
• If you have long hair, make sure to tie it before entering the temple.
• Take out your shoes, leather items (belt, purses made of animal leathers) outside the main entrance and keep them safe, but don't take them inside the temple.
• During peak summer rains, the rivers around Dakshinkali Temple swell, so avoid the water and stay safe.

In Conclusion

There are many fascinating, unique, and ancient temples around the world, like Dakshikanli, that are well worth the time to visit. Kali is the most terrifying and dreadful goddess there is, but her temple is so beautiful that it blows the mind. We hope you go to this incredible place and share our love for this location with other people who might love it just as much as we do. Please let us know your thoughts on this blog post.