Devotees Rush to Baglung Kalika Temple on New Year’s Day (Photo Feature)
Baglung: On the first day of Nepali New Year 2082, the sacred Baglung Kalika Bhagwati Temple—one of Nepal’s revered Shakti Peeths—witnessed a massive influx of devotees from across the country and even neighboring India.
With crowds swelling early in the morning, the temple management committee arranged two separate lines to ensure a smoother flow of worshippers for New Year prayers and offerings. The Baglung Kalika Temple, which draws huge crowds during major festivals like Bada Dashain, Chaite Dashain, and the New Year, was once again transformed into a vibrant fairground.
According to Kumar Khadka, Chairperson of the Kalika Bhagwati Guthi Management Committee, both Nepali and Indian devotees flocked to the temple to fulfill their vows and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and success in the coming year. Volunteers, security personnel, and temple staff were mobilized for crowd management and safety.
Traditionally, New Year’s Day begins with a ritual bath, temple visit, delicious meals, and heartfelt exchanges of greetings among friends and families. Many believe that starting the year with blessings from the goddess ensures good fortune and success throughout the year. Although the Chaitra Ashtami fair officially concluded recently, the temple premises remain festive with ongoing musical programs organized by the Baglung Ekata Club, turning the temple into a lively celebration ground.
According to historical accounts, the Baglung Kalika Temple was established in 1591 B.S. when King Pratapi Narayan Malla of Parbat married Princess Bishrwa Devi of Palpa. The princess is believed to have brought the idol of Kalika Devi from Palpa Majh and enshrined it in Baglung through sacred rituals. Today, only three ancient inscriptions about the temple have been discovered.
The temple is uniquely adorned with 14 carved images of divine powers on its walls, and its pagoda-style architecture features a copper-plated roof, adding to the cultural and artistic richness of the site.
Photo Coustry : Gorkhapatra