Guhyeshwari Temple

Guhyeshwari Temple is one of the revered holy temples. It lies about 1 km east of Pasupanath and is located near the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. This temple is dedicated to Guhyeshwari. The goddess is also called Guhyekali. It is an important pilgrimage destination for general Hindu and especially for Tantric worshipers.

The temple name originates from the Sanskrit words Guhya (Secret) and Ishwari (Goddess). In Lalitha Sahasranama the 707th name of Goddess is mentioned as ‘Guhyarupini’ meaning The form of Goddess is beyond human perception and it is a secret. Another argument is that it is the secret 16th syllable of the Shodashi Mantra. Guhyeshwari is a Shakthi Peetha and is the place where Devi Sati’s knees is believed to have fallen. Here Devi is worshipped as Mahamaya or Mahashira and Lord Shiva as Kapali.

The temple is also mentioned in the sacred texts of Kali tantra, Chandi tantra, Shiva tantra Rahasya as one of the most important places for gaining the power of tantra. The Vishwaswarup of goddess Guheshwori shows her as a many and different color headed goddess with innumerable hands. The temple possesses divine female energy force and is considered as the most power full tantra peeth as it is built above seventeen cremation ground.

Guhyeshwari Temple seems to be quite fragile and this temple is designed in Bhutanese pagoda style of architecture. Though the exterior of the temple is quite simple and not very enticing, but the ambiance of the temple is well adorned with flower motifs and patterns.