Dakshinkali Temple

Getting there

• By road

  Pharping is about 23 km from Kathmandu, the capital, and the temple lies about 1 km south of the town.

Why devotees come here

Dakshinkali Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Kali. It stands about 1 km south of Pharping, a small town on the southern edge of the Kathmandu valley. It is one of the main Hindu temples of Nepal.

Mother Dakshinakali is the most popular form of Kali, and the temple is said to carry the same religious value as Pashupatinath and Manakamana, two other temples in Nepal. Legend says one version of the name comes from Yama, the ruler of death, who is said to live in the south. Dakshina means south. It is also said that when Yama heard Kali's name he was struck with terror, so her worshippers are believed to overcome death itself.

Kali is typically shown with her right foot on Shiva's chest. Her two right hands are generally shown making gestures of blessing and giving boons. Devotees worship her as a benevolent mother who guards them and their children from mishaps and misfortunes.

Pharping is a small Newar town above the Bagmati river, and it is now part of Dakshinkali Municipality.

Festivals

• During DashainDashain

  Animal sacrifice of cockerels and uncastrated male goats is the main way she is worshipped here. It is especially seen during this festival.

Tips for your visit

• The temple is a popular hiking destination near Pharping village, in the south of the valley.
• On maps, Pharping now falls within Dakshinkali Municipality, in the south of Kathmandu district.

Questions people ask