This morning, a significant number of devotees gathered at the Palanchowk Bhagwati Temple in Panchkhal to offer their prayers during the auspicious occasion of Navaratri. Many visitors are seen lining up to present offerings of goats, lambs, and other items to the goddess.
The Bhagwati Temple believed to have been established during the reign of King Manadev I in 425 B.S. (Bikram Sambat), holds a history of 1,656 years. According to local legend, the deity once instructed an elderly villager in a dream to relocate her statue from its original place to the north. Upon attempting to move the idol, the villagers found it impossible to lift the statue once they reached the site where the temple now stands. As a result, the idol was left there and worship began at that location.
Local elders note that the Palanchowk Bhagwati Temple suffered minimal damage during the 1990 earthquake. However, the head of the goddess’s statue is slightly tilted to the west. The 2015 earthquake also caused minor damage to the temple.
Devotees believe that visiting Palanchowk Bhagwati will fulfill their wishes, leading to an influx of worshippers from various parts of the country, as well as from India. The temple continues to be a significant pilgrimage site during the festive season.
Source: RSS
