TAL BARAHI

TAL BARAHI TEMPLE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FEWA LAKE

   One of the most important religious monuments in Pokhara , Talbarahi is situated almost in the middle of Phewa lake.The Barahi Devi is considered as the protector Deity representing the female force.This temple has lured innumerable visitors and pilgrimages since its inception. This temple has earned so much name and fame that, it has become a centre of attraction for not only Hindus but also for people belonging to different religion and culture . As the temple is located in the middle of a famous lake Fewa, one who comes to see fewa lake does not miss to visit Barahi once. Visiting Talbarahi is considered significant from both religious and materialist approach/feeling. Hindus within Nepal and abroad do visit her (Barahi) to worship or pay homage with a view to meet their desire and non-Hindus pay a visit to the temple for a cultural and architectural study. Tourist mainly visit the temple with a view to have a look into the panoramic Himalayas and mountains/hilly areas of the Pokhara valley.The peaceful surrounding or typical structure of the temple does attract everyone towards the temple.

Devotees and local tourrists sailing towards the tal barahi temple

               Regarding the origin and establishment of Tallbarahi, there  is a quite amazing legend according to which Barahi Devi located on the top of Fewa lake (i.e Saran) later on the lake,filled with debris because of which the lake converted into a solid land but the Devi gave a gesture to Kulamandan Shah the then king of Kaski, that she had a keen interest to stay in the middle of the lake .Kulamandan Shah a true devotee of the Devi as per the desire of the Devi shifted her temple to this temple goes back to the time of Kulamandan Shah,the first Shah ruler of Kaski.But we have got no authentic historical source to prove this legend.Instead as the Shah rulers themselves were the perfect devotees of God and Goddess may have been established during their time .With regard to the case of Talbarahi, she has a long history of her existence,through the actual date of its establishment is not yet determined.
               Daily Puja is performed with Puja Samagri (i.e Dhup,Acheta,Abir ,Phulpati,etc.) by a Pujari. As the Barahi is considered Devi (Goddess),goat ,ducks,hen etc.are sacrificed in the name of Devi and pigeon are made to fly . It is done with a view to please her. It is believed that if Barahi is made pleased one can make his aim and dream successful in his life.Having made the witness to the Devi specially on the auspicious days of different months such as November to July,a number of marriage and Bratabandha ceremonies are held in the temple of Barahi Devi.
            Special Puja is also performed by particularly local people under ward no 5,6,7 and 8 of Pokhara sub-metropolitan city in Baishakh and Kartik (April/May-November/December) every year.

TAL BARAHI TEMPLE

           Pokhrelis, the old inhabitants, still observe an amazing tradition. In the month of Kartik they offer a goat (sacrificed) to the Devi and on the very day they dig Supari,Janai,copper coin outside the temple which is called as Chakra. This chakra is taken out from the ditch having sacrificed a goat to the Devi in the month of Baishakh. The main aim of carrying this tradition is the expectation that it may rain in Baishakh so that the crops can grow more and the season can be more productive and from Kartik the rainfall may stop and the weather be supportive to harvest (Kshetry,2057; 91).
             Regarding an immense belief on the Barahi Devi,Krishna Bahadur Khatri,an an advise of Barahi conservation committee says"Talbarahi Devi is so powerful that those who dishonor her have to face unexpected hardships and troubles. Having kept this reality in mind,King Mahendra had ordered to renovate the temple in 2017 B.S. in its original form.He did so as the Devi had gestured him in a dream not to change her original and the Devi had given an indication to Kulmamdan Shah too while he was in a sound sleep (Kshetry,2057:92).
            With a view to conserve the temple,the Barahi conservation committee is in existence since 2053 B.S. This committee looks after the day-to day Puja and the conservation of the temple. The temple has guthi land for its conservation and maintenance.
            Built in a Pagoda style, the roof of the temple is of copper sheets and the Gajur (pinnacle) is made of Pittal (brass with gold coated). A stone idol of Barahi Devi is placed inside the temple .
            The Barahi temple on the whole is worth visiting for both spiritualist and materialist. One can observe the Nepali culture, art and architecture and spiritualist can satify their inner feeling and belief praying to Devi.