The city of Kathmandu has many monuments, temples, monasteries, and stupas associated with its traditions and cultures. A beautiful city surrounded by hills and an idyllic landscape, this city has a rich history and is the epitome of art.
Lord Ganesh, also known as the god of wisdom, is one of the most revered of all gods and is worshipped with much devotion and fervor. The presence of his divine presence ushers in wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity for devotees.
Kathmandu Valley is home to many ancient Ganesh temples, which have provided spiritual inspiration and solace for centuries. Ganesh temples can be found throughout the valley, each with its own religious and traditional significance.
So, let’s embark on a journey with Himalayan Circuit Treks to explore these mystical temples and discover Nepal’s deep-rooted reverence for Lord Ganesha. The major Ganesh temples in Kathmandu Valley includes:
- Ashok Binayak Temple (Maru Ganesh):
A Hindu temple called Ashok Binayak (Vinayaka) is located in Maru Tole on the eastern side of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Hindus worship Lord Ganesh here as the god of luck. Maru means “does not have” in the Newari language, which came from this temple.
The temple is small but holds great significance culturally and religiously. According to legend, devotees who offer 21 or 108 sesame laddus to this temple will receive their wishes. Also, it is believed that worshipping Ganesha will ease one’s grief.
On Tuesdays and special occasions, such as Dashain and Indra Jatra, the statue is covered with a metallic cover made of silver and other metals.
- Chandra Binayak (Rakta Binayak):
Chandra Binayak (Vinayak) temple, also known as Chabhil Ganeshthan, is considered one of the four famous Binayakas of the valley. The temple is located on the main street of Chabahil, Kathmandu, very close to the Chabahil stupa.
Chandra Binayak is also known as Rakta Binayak, “rakta” means blood, and Chandra Binayak is believed to cure diseases and external injuries. Devotees often visit this temple on Tuesdays as it is Lord Ganesh’s day.
Since Ganesh is a popular Hindu deity, Hindus begin every good deed by praying to him. Those who worship Chandra Binayak are always happy and healthy.
- Surya Binayak:
Surya Binayak (Vinayak) is a Hindu temple located on the southern hill of Bhaktapur district, Nepal. The temple is believed to be a very old Ganesh temple (about 1500 years ago during the Lichhavi period by King Vishnu Dev Barma) and it has great historical and cultural significance.
According to legends, Surya Binayak Ganesh temple is known as the curing god, especially for deaf and dumb children. Ganesh is often prayed to by newlywed couples, students, and businessmen after fulfilling their wishes at this temple by distributing 108 laddus (one of his favorite sweets).
- Jal Binayak:
The Jal Binayak (Vinayak) temple is located in Chobhar of Kathmandu Valley, built in 1602 by Shiva Singh Malla. The temple has a roofed structure with very artistic struts and lion and mouse statues set in front.
According to the legends, the stone idol of Lord Ganesh emerged from the water at Jal Binayak temple. The idol was therefore called Jal Binayak, as Jal means water.
The temple attracts thousands of devotees who visit to take Lord Ganesh’s blessings and remove their obstacles in life.
- Kamaladi Ganesh Temple:
Kamaladi Ganesh is also known as White Ganesh and is a prominent Ganesh temple in Kathmandu valley. On Tuesdays, there are thousands of people in the temple, making it feel like a festival day. The people believed that the main deity of the temple was found in the paddy fields. It was discovered that the idol was one of the Kathmandu Valley Pitha Ganeshas.
There is a regular pooja held in the temple every morning with flowers, tika (vermillion powder), rice, lights, and other items used in poojas. Every evening, the temple holds an evening aarati, which means offering lights to Lord Ganesh. Visiting the temple is possible at any time of year, especially on Tuesdays.
- Karya Binayak Temple:
The Karya Binayak Temple is a Hindu temple in Lalitpur District, about 10 kilometers south of Kathmandu. ‘Karya Binayak’ means ‘Work Ganesh’ (Karya = Work and Binayak = Ganesh).
According to legend, Karya Binayak was established to bring good luck to the Rato-Machindranath temple that was about to be built. Karya Binayak is brought to Rato Machindranath and revolved three times around the temple before being brought to the Priest’s home.
It is common for people to worship Karya Binayak before beginning any new project, work, or endeavor. According to faith, Tuesday and Saturday are auspicious days to visit the temple.
Other major Ganesh temples in Kathmandu Valley:
There are some other Ganesh temples in Kathmandu Valley that includes: Tindhara Ganesh Temple, Kopeshwor Ganesh Temple, Ranipokhari Ganesh Temple, Siddhi Ganesh Temple, Sano Gaucharan Ganesh Temple, and Lokanthali Ganesh Temple.
Ganesh temples in the Kathmandu Valley are more than just places of worship; they are sanctuaries of peace, devotion, and spiritual awakening. The ancient temples in Nepal bear witness to Nepalese faith and reverence for Lord Ganesha.
You can gain an understanding of Nepalese people’s respect for Lord Ganesha by exploring these sacred shrines and traversing the labyrinthine streets of Kathmandu. The divine presence of God offers solace, hope, and belonging to all who seek it.
You will have a deeper connection with the divine when you visit these temples when you nurture your faith with love and devotion. So, get ready to visit the Ganesh temples around Kathmandu valley with Himalayan Circuit Treks to seek Lord Ganesh’s blessings.
