Gandaki Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. It is said that, the Right cheek of Maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise Maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of Right cheek, this temple was constructed. Gandaki Shakti Peeth is situated in Nepal, near the banks of the river Gandaki. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as ‘Gandaki’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Lord Chkrapani’.
Gandaki River is the most sacred river in Nepal and this is due to the connection of this river to Shakti Peeth. One thing that makes this Shakti Peeth unique, is the presence of Shaligrams stones that were found in the River. It is said that these stones are somehow related to the lord Vishnu and being the almighty god in Hindu religion, importance of this Shakti Peeth is natural. All over the region, the name of this sacred place is famous and people from far areas come to this Shakti Peeth for celebrating and offering prayers to religious site. It is said that whosoever takes dip in this river; his or her sins are washed off and get bestowed with the power of god.
History of Gandaki Shakti Peeth
History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the Right Cheek of Maa Sati fell to this place. It is said that the presence of Shaligrams stones in the depth of the river represents the Maa Sati. There are couples of places like Muktinath, Damodar Himal, Damodar Kunda, Devghat that are spiritual importance right from the ancient times. Best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can mingle with local people.
Festivals in Gandaki temple
Navaratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is the major festival here. The whole ambience of temple during this festival is mesmerizing to see and people all over the country come here to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Navaratri are celebrated with full energy, faith, dedication and devotion. Navaratri are celebrated for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days. Another festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm is the ‘Shivaratri’.
Where to stay
Being a prominent location to go for, all sorts of arrangements like Villas, Guest houses and hotels etc. are available in ample quantity. Prices vary as per the way the quality increases. But, there are several independent organization too, that are running free services related to food and accommodation in this part of country. Avoid getting lured by the hefty discounts offered by the travel agents.
Shopping around Gandaki temple
- Shopping can be a fun as you will get flavor of both traditional and modern items just adjacent to the Gandaki.
- Religious related stuff can be obtained from the nearby vicinity of the temple.
- Local or handicrafts shops are the one that caters maximum people, so try one of them.
- Bargaining during the shopping is a must and must thing.
- Finally try to buy those things that are available here only, because other things can be bought at your native or living place also.
Other places that can be visited nearby
The whole ambience of this place is like what you say a tourist spot. Nothing can beat a walk along the banks of the river Gandaki.
Muktinath Temple is the prime attraction nearby to this place. It is dedicated to lord Vishnu and one temple is also constructed here. It is among the 108 sacred places where human can take salvation. Salvation is something that is related to get out of the cycle of birth and death.
Balmiki Ashram: It has both spiritual and historical importance-Why? Well Maa Sita (Wife of Lord Rama) stayed here after she was exiled from Ayodhya Kingdom. Valmiki was among the renowned spiritual saint and he wrote the famous book called as the ‘Ramayan’. Later Maa Sita gave birth to two beautiful sons, Lava and Kusha.
How to reach the Gandaki temple
- First of all, for non resident of Nepal everybody needs to get visa for roaming and going for this sacred site.
- Road, there are couple of buses that ply from major cities of India towards this sacred site. Personal vehicles are not allowed.
- Railway is not available between two countries.
- Air, Dedicated airport is there in Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal), and provision of both national and international flight is there in this airport.