Sikali Temple Nepal
Sikali Temple Khokana
Sikali Temple – Khokana, is one of the most beautiful temple built around 336 Nepal Sambat. The temple with open, clean and green meadow, surrounding hills and paddy fields gives the feel of Switzerland.
Sikali Temple
Sikali Temple lies in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley at an approximate distance of 10 KM. The temple is located in an isolated place, outside of the main settlements, but the surrounding is heavenly.
Sikali Mai Temple is a huge Three-storey temple, where goddess Rudrayani is worshipped and is considered as the protector of the locals and localities.
It is also believed that once Sikhi Buddha had come and taught Dhamma for locals.
The surrounding the clean, green and romantic. Paddy fields near the temple, flowing Bagmati River and the view of Chandragiri and Champadevi hills makes the moment unbelievable.
Sikali Jatra
During the time of Dashain Festival (National Festival of Nepal), Local people of Khokana celebrate a 5 day long Sikali Jatra.
Khokana
Around 10 KM away from the capital city, Kathmandu. It is a medieval Newari Heritage village in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley.
The festival is celebrated from the day of Ghatasthapana by the local indigenous Newari People. It is celebrated as an alternative to Dashain festival by the Newari Community.
The festival is found to be celebrated since 336 Nepal Sambat, during the reign of King Amar Malla. The reason behind the celebration of the festival is to prevent locals and locality from any unwanted and unfortunate incidents.
During this 5 day Sikali Jatra Celebration, goddess Rudrayani and other deities are being worshipped. The celebration is followed by the sacrifice of three he-buffalo (male buffalo), dances and offerings at a local Siddhi Temple in Bhakha of Khokana.
During the celebration of the festival, Masked dances following the tantric rituals are performed by dancers garbed in a colorful attire. The dancers represents 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.
On the festival, a wooden chariot carrying the idol (statue) of goddess Rudrayani, is carried through the village streets, which is finally rested in front of Sikhali Temple, located on grassy hill located outside the village.
On the final day of this (Sikali Jatra) celebration, a local dresses as Goddess Rudrayani and comes out to battle against the devils.
To celebrate the festival, devotees from Khokana and other parts of Kathmandu Valley visit Sikhali Temple.
