Community Research Work
Maitidevi Temple : A Hindu Temple in
Kathmandu
Introduction
Nepal is county of diverse ethnicity, language
and religion. Among many different religions, Hindu religion is in its
majority. In Nepal there are numerous temples and small shrines. These temples
and shrines play an important role in the culture and religion of the citizens
of the country. One popular temple in central Kathmandu is the Maitidevi temple
– which is also known popularly as the Pancha Kumari temple. This is one of the
“Shakti-peeth” meaning temple of goddess durga having divine power. This temple
is situated in the heart of Kathmandu, near Gyaneshwore, in Ward No. 30 of
Kathmandu Metropolitan City and on the side of the main road between Gyaneshwore
and Maitidevi chowk.
Structure of the Temple
The Maitidevi temple is believed to be re-built to
its present state during the reign of Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher Rana
in the 20th century.
This temple is a one storied temple with
pagoda-style roof. The temple is square in shape with one side is approximately
7m. The roof of the temple is brass metal roof, supported by 20 several wooden
tudals. Each tudal has a different god or goddess carved into it. In pagoda-styled temples, tudals are one the
main components that bear different carvings. Over time these tudals get worn
out and needs polishing.
A noticeable feature of the temple is brass metal
roof. The four corners of the roof has a
sculptured brass bird with its open wings. The eves of the roof has metal
plates, all around the four sides, which bear the carved writing in devanagari
script, about the who and when the temple was built and renovated. Like other
temples, this temple also had a long, bright red coloured frills, hanging from
the roof’s eves, and also bears a series of small wind-bells, that enhance the
beauty and environment of the temple area.
One of the main character of every Nepali temple
is the Gajur, also known as the pinnacle – the top center-most structure on the
roof. The pinnacle is made from pure golden brass metal. The gajur is elongated
dome-shaped and may be additional smaller gajurs next to the main gajur. The pinnacle is covered by a small metal umbrella-like
structure called chatari, and some small religious flags are also kept.
Guarding animal sculptures is another attractive
feature of hindu temples. In Maitidevi temple also, sculptures of lions
guarding the temple can be seen. There are two stone lions are in front of the
main entrance. Two pairs of brass metal lions are also in front of the two side
entrances. Additionally there are four brass metal lions, standing on stone
pedestals at four corners of the temple, with its mouths open and raising its
paws, are very attractive sculptures. Worshippers are seen touching the lion’s
paws in an action of receiving power from the lions. Altogether there are 13
metal lion sculptures and two stone lion sculptures.
Bells are another important feature of the hindu
temples. At Maitidevi temple, on either sides the front entrance, there are two
main bells hung from stone stands. There are smaller bells in front of the side
entrances also. In total there are 9 bells.
In front of the main entrance, there is metal
sculpture of lord Vishnu lying on the ground, which is very unique. Opposite to
the main entrance, there are three stone pillars, with a metal lion’s sculpture
on the first pillar, a metal peacock sculpture on the middle pillar and a
smaller lion’s sculpture on the third pillar. There is a metal bell besides the
three pillars.
In this temple, there is one main entrance and
two side entrances. The door frames are covered with brass metal sheets which
have many artistically carved images of deities. The entrance doors of the
temple always have a triangular wooden or metal carvings called tympanums. The
carving are very artistic with details of different deities and guarding
animals and designs. These metal tympanums are above each two side entrances
also. In front of the main entrance, there are two metal flag poles with brass
metal flags shaped in Nepali flag style. From the gajur, there is a long metal
belt that hangs up to the entrance – they are known as pataka. On this temple,
there are 4 different patakas – which are known to be donated by certain
families or clans, at different periods.
Inside of the Temple
As we enter the temple from the main entrance,
we can see the main place where the goddess is enshrined. Only a small stone deity
only about 7 inches tall and is heavily decorated with various silver
ornaments, is seen at the center which is believed to be the goddess durga, and
no sculptured idol of durga can be seen. The stone idol is decorated by many
silver decorative and protective sculptures – the main one is the silver
sculpture of 9 goddess, situated above the main stone idol. There are also two
sets of nags – or 9 snakes that protect the goddess. In addition, there are two
small idols of protecting lions, two metal flag poles, trishul poles, many
small bells and diya stands. Inside the temple, besides the main goddess, there
are lined other 9 gods and goddesses, namely, small statues of Ganesh, Manakamana
goddess and Bagulamikhi. These idols were also decorated with different brass
ornaments. The place is also decorated with red frill cloths. Inside the
temple, on the center ground we can see a silver circular mandap, of diameter
25 inches, where materials of worship and offerings are kept, prior to making
the offering to the goddess.
Outside of the Temple
Outside the temple, in front of the temple’s
main entrance’s right corner, there are one very old and large pipal tree,
whose trunk circumference is approximately 10m and is considered very holy. People
worship the tree as a symbol of lord Bishnu. This pipal tree is about a hundred
years old and gives a harmonious green environment.
On the road-side courtyard of the temple, there
are four small Buddhist stone stupas – exhibiting harmonious co-existence of
both Buddhist and Hindu culture. At the back side of the temple, there is a
small pagoda-style roofed pati used as Bhanjan-ghar. Also recently constructed
is another pagoda-style roofed pati for people to take a rest. There is a small
pond within the premises of the temple known as mayur-kunda or peacock pond,
but at present it is dismantled and will be renovated soon.
In the surrounding courtyard of the temple,
there are small shrines established by different people, that enshrine many
gods and goddess, such as Shiva-Parbati, Bishnu, Radha-Krishna, Ganesh,
Sharswoti. Also there are stone shila-patras or stone tables where the details
of the deeds undertaken with dates and names are carved.
Worshipping in the Temple
According to the temple’s main pujari – Mr. Raj
Bhai Bajracharya, every morning there about 300 devotees that visit the temple
for worshipping and on special days such as each Saturdays, Ekadashi, Purnina,
Aunsi, Teej, and other holy religious day, the numbers of devotees are more
than double. The temple is most visited by devotees on the main three days
during Dashain and also Tihar.
Conclusion
In Nepal there are many such temples that hold strong
cultural meanings and beliefs for the hindu people. As a citizen, we should be
able to preserve these cultures as they are our country’s wealth. Presently
there is a lot of consciousness among citizens that we should preserve our holy
places and cultures for many coming generations.
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Shuvanjali Manandhar
Class 8 B
St. Mary’s High School, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
