Kaal Bhairav Temple, Balewa is a revered Hindu temple located in Balewa, Baglung District, Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple, situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,218 feet), offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna. It is considered an important religious and cultural landmark in the region, with its proximity to the Kali Gandaki River, which eventually merges with the sacred Ganges River.
The ‘’’Kaal Bhairav Temple’’’ is situated in Amalachour Ward No. 12 of Baglung Municipality, in the Baglung District of Nepal. This area is approximately 17 kilometers south of Baglung Bazaar, near the Maladhunga checkpoint. The temple's elevated position at 2,200 meters above sea level offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna.
Geographical Coordinates:
Latitude: 28.2094° N Longitude: 83.6123° E Accessibility: Balewa is accessible via road from major cities in Nepal. Travelers can reach Baglung Bazaar and then proceed to Balewa by local transportation options such as buses or private vehicles. The temple is also accessible via a cable car from Kushma, Parbat, which crosses the Kali Gandaki River and connects to Narayansthan. This cable car provides a scenic and convenient route to the temple area.
According to local mythology, the Bhairav deity originally resided in Palpa, Nepal. However, a conflict arose between two Bhairav brothers, leading the deity to leave Palpa in the form of a fire flame and journey towards Balewa. Locals, seeking guidance from a Lama Jhankri (spiritual healer), were instructed to build a temple and perform regular worship in honor of Kaal Bhairav.
Initially, the self-manifested idol was buried underground, as direct visual contact with the idol was considered inauspicious. However, over time, devotees felt the need for a physical idol to enhance worship practices.
Arrival of the Idol from Rameshwaram, India
In 2070 BS (2013 AD), the Kaal Bhairav Temple in Balewa, Nepal, witnessed a significant event with the installation of a new idol of Lord Kaal Bhairav, a formidable manifestation of Lord Shiva. This idol was meticulously crafted from granite, a sacred black stone renowned in South India for its use in deity sculptures, especially in regions celebrated for their ancient temples.
Kaal Bhairav Deity
The idol was sourced from Rameshwaram, a revered pilgrimage site in Madras, Tamil Nadu, India. The procurement and donation of the idol were generously undertaken by local devotees, Mr. Chitralal Khadka and Mr. Chandra Prasad Acharya from Amalachour, who personally funded the project and provided various puja items and decorative materials to ensure proper rituals were performed. Their dedication and commitment to their hometown's spiritual heritage are commendable, akin to the devotion of Lord Rama, who journeyed from Ayodhya to Sri Lanka to defeat Ravana and later established the Rameshwaram temple.
The Prana Pratistha (consecration ceremony) of the idol was conducted on Panchami Tithi, Krishna Paksha, which fell on Tuesday, 30th April 2013 AD (Baisakh 17, 2070 BS). On the eve of the ceremony, the idol was submerged overnight in the holy Kali Gandaki River at Jaimini Dham (also known as Jimirey Ghat), a sacred site believed to be the meditation spot of Rishi Jaimini from the pre-Mahabharata period. Devotees gathered on the riverbank, engaging in continuous bhajan (devotional singing) throughout the night.
The following morning, on 30th April, the idol underwent a ceremonial Abhishekam (ritual bathing) using sacred substances, including water from the Ganges River, milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar, coconut water, rose water, various fruit juices, sesame seeds, and flowers. After the purification rites, the idol was carried in a grand Jatra (procession) from the riverbank to the hilltop temple, situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters. A multitude of devotees accompanied the procession, chanting and singing hymns, marking an unprecedented gathering in the temple's history.
This event not only reinforced the temple's spiritual significance but also highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions that continue to thrive in the region. The Kali Gandaki River, revered for its sanctity and association with the Shaligram stones, played a pivotal role in this sacred occasion, symbolizing the divine connection between the devotees and the deity. The river's significance is further emphasized by its association with the transformation of Tulsi into the Kali Gandaki and the subsequent emergence of Shaligram stones, which are considered manifestations of Lord Vishnu.
The dedication of Mr. Khadka and Mr. Acharya, along with the active participation of the community, ensured the successful installation of the idol, thereby enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the Kaal Bhairav Temple and reinforcing its status as a significant pilgrimage site.
Architecture and Design
The Kaal Bhairav Temple in Balewa exemplifies traditional Nepalese pagoda-style architecture, characterized by its tiered, multi-roofed structure and intricate wooden carvings with its main deity and entrance facing south, a direction associated with Lord Kaal Bhairav in Hindu scriptures.
Renovation and Structural Evolution
1780 BS – The original temple had a thatched roof (Khar).
1995 AD – The temple was renovated with a copper roof by Khadka Bahadur Pathak.
2047 BS – Under the directive of King Birendra, further government funding was allocated for structural improvements.
Worship and Religious Significance
The daily puja (worship rituals) at the temple are traditionally performed by the Thakuri lineage family. The temple is open throughout the week, but Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered the most auspicious days for worship.
To ensure its long-term sustainability, 13 ropanis of land have been allocated to the Guthi and temple management committee, which oversees operations under the guidance of the Central Guthi Office.
Festivals and Rituals
Major Rituals and Celebrations
Tarbar Dance – A traditional martial dance performed during Dashain and Mahanavami, symbolizing the warrior spirit of the Thakuri and Kshatriya communities.
Harelo Festival – Celebrated annually on the first Tuesday of Bhadra, invoking blessings for rainfall and agricultural prosperity.
Rako Falne (Flame Offering Ritual) – Observed on Shrawan Sankranti, involving fire offerings at the Kali Gandaki River to ward off evil spirits.
Pancha Bali (Animal Sacrifice Rituals) – Conducted during Dashain, involving the offering of buffalo, goat, sheep, Chicken, and pigeon** as per Hindu traditions.
Pilgrimage and Devotees
The Kaal Bhairav Temple attracts thousands of pilgrims from Baglung, Parbat, Kaski, Kathmandu, and Tamil Nadu, India. It is particularly visited during Ashwin (September–October) and on Krishna Paksha Ashtami, a sacred day dedicated to Lord Bhairav.
Prominent Visitors and Government Recognition
The temple has drawn notable dignitaries, ministers, and entrepreneurs, including Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Chairman of IME Group. The Nepalese government and private organizations have contributed to the temple’s preservation and development.
Conclusion
The Kaal Bhairav Temple in Balewa is an important pilgrimage site and a symbol of Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage, mythology, and cultural traditions. With its historical legends, breathtaking location, and vibrant rituals, the temple continues to be a major center of devotion, attracting devotees, historians, and tourists alike.
This article has not been added to any content categories. Please help out by adding categories to it so that it can be listed with similar articles. (February 2025)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
