Located here is the Dakshinkali Temple dedicated to Kali, the fearful form of Lord Siva’s consort, Parvati. The main deity in the temple is the black stone, six-armed form of Kali, standing on a prostrated figure. Dakshinkali is at the south end of the valley between two hills and at the confluence of two rivers.
Sacrifices are made two times a week at this temple. The animals sacrificed have to be unsaturated males. Saturday is the main day and animal there are also sacrifices on Tuesdays. The Dasain festival in October is a major festival here.
Non-Hindus can not enter the building where the deity of Kali is located. Pictures can be taken from outside. The temple is not very architecturally interesting. If you want to take a picture of a sadhu, you should be prepared to pay a donation.
Non-Hindus can not enter the building where the deity of Kali is located. Pictures can be taken from outside. The temple is not very architecturally interesting. If you want to take a picture of a sadhu, you should be prepared to pay a donation.
Walk in the Area
There is an interest two-hour walk from Dakshinkali to Gorakhnath, Vajra Jogini, Pharping and then back to Dakshinkali. You begin the walk by taking the path the goes above the left (southern) side of the sacrificial area. This takes you to a cleared area that has some picnic shelters. You then go up a steep goat track that goes along a ride on the right (northwest) side of the gorge. When you reach the top you are on a plateau and there is a white monastery with prayer flags on a nearby hill.
There is an interest two-hour walk from Dakshinkali to Gorakhnath, Vajra Jogini, Pharping and then back to Dakshinkali. You begin the walk by taking the path the goes above the left (southern) side of the sacrificial area. This takes you to a cleared area that has some picnic shelters. You then go up a steep goat track that goes along a ride on the right (northwest) side of the gorge. When you reach the top you are on a plateau and there is a white monastery with prayer flags on a nearby hill.
You then walk through the on the thin paths between the paddy fields. After about 45 minutes you get to Gorakhnath. Vajra Johini Temple is 250m down some steps, east of the gompa, near Pharping. From Pharping, it is a 1km walk downhill on the main road.
Travel
Buses only come here from Kathmandu on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the main sacrifice days. Buses are very crowded. It takes 45 minutes to reach here by taxi. On other days, you first get a bus to Pharping and then it a 1km walk downhill to here.
By bicycle from Kathmandu, it is an interesting but steep and difficult uphill ride. There are some great views along the way. You definitely should have a mountain bike. You should start early, because the temple is busiest in the morning. It is a good idea toBuses only come here from Kathmandu on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the main sacrifice days. Buses are very crowded. It takes 45 minutes to reach here by taxi. On other days, you first get a bus to Pharping and then it a 1km walk downhill to here.
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