Aadeshwor temple in dire need of renovation

BY SURENDRA UPRETY

Kathmandu, Dec. 10: The 7th century Aadeshwor temple behind Swayambhunath is in dire need of renovation. The temple holds much significance for Hindus as it was here that the forehead of Satidevi, wife of Lord Shiva, fell while he was wandering aimlessly around the world with his wife’s corpse.

According to the holy book, Swasthani Brat Katha, Satidevi had killed herself by throwing herself into the holy fire of the Mahayagna after her father refused to invite her and Shiva to the occasion. Following her death, Shiva wandered around carrying the corpse. Each of the places where a part of the body fell turned into a religious site. The place was originally called Yaksheshwore (also called Iccheswore or Rudreshwore). The place in course of time came to be known as Aadsehwore.

The main temple and some other shrines are amongst the oldest in the Kathmandu valley. The main temple was built by Nanda Verma during the regime of Dhruba Dev in the Lichhavi period which lasted till the 8th century.

However, the temples lie in ruin. According to the Department of Archeology, the stone shrine of Ganesh found here is one of the oldest such structures in the Kathmandu valley.

Twelve small temples, including a stone shrine of Ganesh, and the patis (public shelters) within the temple premise are crumbling. Shrubs are growing on the temple roofs. The main temple is a replica of the Pashupatinath temple with its Shivalinga, exquisitely carved metal door and metal roof. Legend has it that the forehead of Satidevi fell here.

The whole temple area is spread over 52 ropanies of land which is surrounded by a small forest. Despite being close to the urban centre, the place is very quiet and peaceful.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Says Prakash Darnal, archeological officer at the Department of Archeology," We are now for the protection of its surroundings." The department has felt the need to renovate the stone shrine of Ganesh and other devals of the temple premises."

There, however, seems to be little coordination between the concerned authority and the local people towards preserving the temple premises. Even performing the daily pujas here is a big problem, leave alone renovation.

"We receive only Rs. 300 a month from the Guthi Sansthan (trust) which is not enough to sustain the ceremonies that need to be performed here," says Rudra Raj Mishra, the priest of the temple.

Aadeshwore is the god that fulfills wishes. Another sacred place near the temple is that of Dakshaya Kunda where Satidevi is said to have thrown herself into the holy fire, thus killing herself.

The temple is crowded especially during the festival of Haritalika Teej, Krishna Astami, Akshyatritiya. But worship is not limited to these occasions. Every 12 years, a grand fair is held here when devotees from across Nepal travel here to pay homage.

Other Stories

• SC for reform of judiciary, says Thakur
• Work for public welfare, Maoists told
• Training uses solar power to run computers
• ‘Some left leaders running wild against popular will’