KATHMANDU: Devotees have flocked to temples and shrines dedicated to Hindu goddesses across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley, to offer prayers on Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of the Bada Dashain festival.
In Kathmandu, large crowds gathered at prominent religious sites, including Guheshwori, Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, Shova Bhagawati, Bijeshwori, Indrayani, Raktakali, Chamunda Mai, Sundari Mai, Bajrayogini, Taleju Bhawani and Tokha Chandeshwori. The temples have been decorated for the occasion, attracting devotees from early morning.
Devotees have also gathered in large numbers at major religious sites across the country. These include Dakshinkali Temple in Kathmandu; Manakamana Temple in Gorkha; Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung; Bangalamukhi Temple in Lalitpur; Bindabasini Temple in Pokhara; Palanchowk Bhagawati Temple in Kavrepalanchok; Chandan Nath Temple in Jumla; Shaileshwori Temple in Doti; Ugratara Bhagawati Temple in Dadeldhura; Tripurasundari Temple in Baitadi; Bageshwori Temple in Nepalgunj; Chhinnamasta Bhagawati Temple in Saptari; Jalpadevi Temple in Dhankuta; Dantakali Temple in Dharan; and Gadhimai Temple in Bara.
Maha Ashtami holds special religious significance during Dashain, with devotees offering prayers and performing rituals dedicated to Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati, regarded as manifestations of the divine feminine.
The day is observed with special worship ceremonies at temples and homes as devotees seek blessings for prosperity, strength, wisdom and well-being.
Comment