Balkumari temple, Hindu temple in Bhaktapur District, Nepal
Balkumari temple is a three-story shrine with a square base decorated with peacocks at each corner. The grounds hold both the main Balkumari shrine and a separate Bhairab temple, bringing together multiple sacred spaces in one location.
The temple was built in the 17th century and ranks among four major Kumari temples in the Kathmandu Valley. This long-standing tradition has made it one of the older religious centers in this area.
The name Balkumari means "young goddess" and the shrine serves as one of four major centers of worship in the region where devotees regularly bring offerings. The Sindoor Jatra festival brings processions carrying deity idols from this site into the surrounding streets and draws many visitors.
Visitors can explore the temple on foot as both shrines are freely accessible on well-organized grounds. Wearing respectful clothing is advisable and it helps to allow time for peaceful exploration, especially if you want to visit both temples.
The original deity statue was discovered on an airplane at Tribhuvan International Airport after a theft attempt, the plane mysteriously unable to take off. This unusual event is often interpreted by devotees as a divine sign.
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