Balkumari Temple Thimi - Bhimeshvara Temple, Neelagunda
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Balkumari Temple Thimi

4.6
·395 reviews·Madhyapur Thimi, Nepal

A 17th-century temple revered as the home of a protector deity, central to the vibrant Biska Jatra festival.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Nepalese New Year

Experience Biska Jatra

CrowdHigh
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Balkumari Temple Thimi - Bhimeshvara Temple, Neelagunda

Balkumari Temple Thimi

Best Time

Nepalese New Year

Experience Biska Jatra

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 17th-century temple revered as the home of a protector deity, central to the vibrant Biska Jatra festival.

4.6
(395 reviews)

"Historic and filled with beauty. Visit here during the Nepaki new year for Biska Jatra."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Experience Biska Jatra

Plan your visit around Nepalese New Year to witness the vibrant Biska Jatra festival.

🧘 Find Inner Peace

Visit in the morning or evening for a calm and peaceful experience at the temple.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Balkumari Temple Courtyard

Balkumari Temple Courtyard

Main temple area

Explore the rectangular courtyard with brick pavers, housing both small and important deities, including the Digu Bhairava shrine.

Biska Jatra Festival

Biska Jatra Festival

Thimi town

Witness the grand Biska Jatra, a nine-day festival celebrated around Nepalese New Year, filled with rituals and processions.

Digu Bhairava Shrine

Digu Bhairava Shrine

Within the temple complex

Discover the significant Digu Bhairava shrine, an integral part of the temple's spiritual landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Biska Jatra

Balkumari Temple is central to the vibrant Biska Jatra festival. To experience its full cultural immersion, plan your visit around the Nepalese New Year. The festival spans nine days, so research specific dates and events beforehand to catch the most significant rituals and processions.

Understanding the Deity's Significance

Balkumari is revered as a protector deity in Madhyapur Thimi, particularly for life events like weddings. The temple's history is rich, with a fascinating legend involving a merchant and a princess. Understanding this context enhances the spiritual and cultural appreciation of your visit.

Best Times

When
Nepalese New Year
Why
Experience Biska Jatra
Crowd
High
When
Morning or Evening
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

COMBO HEAVEN 😍 . 🌟CRUNCHY CORNER, Balkumari 🍽Sadheko Combo 📍Where: near CCRC College, Balkumari 💵Rs. 600 Extra (SC & VAT: ❌) 💳Pos Machine: ❌ 📱Scan & Pay: ✅ ®️Rating: 7.5/10 🅿️Parking: ✅ (🚙🏍) 🔰Halal Restaurant: ❌ 🕰Opens: 10AM till 10PM 〰️Wifi: ✅ 📒Menu: DM . Crunchy corner is all about various combos 😍 Over 9 combos from Rs. 350-1250. Out of which momo & crunchy combo is my top favorites 🤗 . We trie...
@mr.foodie_nepal
16.1K likes • 358.6K views

🎯 Experience Biska Jatra

Plan your visit around Nepalese New Year to witness the vibrant Biska Jatra festival. Reddit

🧘 Find Inner Peace

Visit in the morning or evening for a calm and peaceful experience at the temple. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting a Biska Jatra

🏛️ Appreciate History

Explore the temple's 17th-century origins and unique architectural details. Reddit

📸 Capture the Culture

The temple offers a great opportunity to understand and photograph local culture. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Experience Biska Jatra

Plan your visit around Nepalese New Year to witness the vibrant Biska Jatra festival. Reddit

🧘 Find Inner Peace

Visit in the morning or evening for a calm and peaceful experience at the temple. Reddit

🏛️ Appreciate History

Explore the temple's 17th-century origins and unique architectural details. Reddit

📸 Capture the Culture

The temple offers a great opportunity to understand and photograph local culture. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(395 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Balkumari Temple is a historically significant religious site in Thimi, revered as the home of a protector deity. Visitors appreciate its peaceful atmosphere, especially during morning and evening visits, and its rich cultural heritage, particularly during the Biska Jatra festival. While the temple itself is a place of worship, its historical architecture and the vibrant local traditions make it a compelling destination for cultural immersion.

"Balkumari Temple situated at Thimi is religious place which is popular for Biska Jatra. And if you live nearby visiting it in morning and evening will help make you calm and peaceful throughout the day."

Niraj Karki

"One of the four kumaris revered in the Kathmandu Valley is Balkumari of Madhyapur Thimi. She is revered by the locals as their protector deity. There, the natives hold rites for their daily lives including weddings and Barthabandha. A rectangular courtyard with brick pavers surrounds the Balkumari temple. Moreover, it contains both small and important deities, such as the Digu Bhairava shrine. The history of the temple is extensive and almost begins in the 17th century. Of sure, as it was the period the temple was built. According to folklore, a businessman from Madhyapur frequently traveled with his gang to Lubu for commercial purposes. But someway, both he and the princess of the Lubu, fell in love. The princess soon became pregnant as well. She requested that the merchant take her to the thimi as a result. The merchant gladly agreed to her proposition, but he also included a caveat. She had to bring the balkumari with her if she wanted to travel to Thimi with him. The princess did so with joy as well, bringing the deity to the thimi. The god was then permanently relocated to Thimi. Moreover, a womb-like structure is located directly above the deity's idol. This in some ways supports the myth about the pregnant women moving the deity."

Rawjesh Rajbhandari

"Cultural preservation is crucial in this modern day world.
Choose this place for relaxation and understanding the culture ❤️"

Ashish Poudyal

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Historical architecture
Cultural significance

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during festivals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Balkumari Temple is located in Thimi, part of the Madhyapur Thimi municipality. You can reach Thimi by local buses or taxis from Kathmandu. The temple is a well-known landmark within Thimi, so asking locals for directions once you're in the area should be easy.

Yes, parking is available near the temple, which can be convenient if you are traveling by private vehicle. TikTok

Local buses are a very affordable option to get to Thimi from Kathmandu. Taxis are also readily available for a more direct and comfortable journey.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically no entry fee to visit Balkumari Temple. It is a public religious site, and donations are usually welcome but not mandatory.

The temple is generally open from early morning until evening. For the most peaceful experience, visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! Visiting during Biska Jatra is highly recommended to experience the festival's cultural significance. However, expect larger crowds during this period. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the main temple, the rectangular courtyard with brick pavers, and the Digu Bhairava shrine. The temple's architecture and the surrounding spiritual atmosphere are key attractions. Reddit

Yes, the temple's historical architecture and the cultural activities, especially during festivals, make it a great spot for photography. Reddit

Balkumari is revered as a protector deity in Madhyapur Thimi, with local legends connecting her to the area's history and prosperity. Reddit

During festivals like Biska Jatra, you can observe various traditional rituals and processions. Daily prayers and rites are also performed by locals. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Thimi offers various local eateries and restaurants. One mentioned is 'Crunchy Corner' near CCRC College, offering combo meals. TikTok

You can find traditional Newari cuisine, as well as other Nepali dishes. Local snacks and tea stalls are also common. TikTok

Some establishments in the area accept scan and pay, but not all. It's advisable to carry some cash, as some places may not have POS machines. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Balkumari Temple offers a glimpse into Nepali culture and history that can be educational for families. While the temple itself is a place of worship, the surrounding area and the vibrant atmosphere during festivals like Biska Jatra can be engaging for children. The legend of the deity's relocation might also capture their imagination. Reddit

Consider visiting during a less crowded time if you prefer a more relaxed experience with younger children. If visiting during Biska Jatra, be prepared for large crowds and keep a close eye on your children. The temple courtyard provides a safe space to explore, and the visual spectacle of the festival can be exciting. Reddit

🏛️ Culture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about culture and history, Balkumari Temple is a must-visit. Its 17th-century origins and the unique legend of the deity's relocation offer a rich narrative. The temple's architecture, including the Digu Bhairava shrine and the courtyard, provides insights into traditional Nepali religious practices. Reddit

Attending during the Biska Jatra festival is highly recommended for a deep dive into local traditions. Observing the rituals, processions, and community interactions will offer an authentic cultural experience. Understanding the significance of Balkumari as a protector deity further enriches the appreciation of the site. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Balkumari

The history of Balkumari Temple is deeply intertwined with a captivating local legend. It's said that a businessman from Madhyapur Thimi fell in love with a princess from Lubu. When she became pregnant, she requested to move to Thimi with him. The merchant agreed, but with a condition: she had to bring the Balkumari deity with her. The princess complied, and the deity was permanently relocated to Thimi. This story is further supported by a womb-like structure found above the deity's idol, symbolizing the legend of the pregnant princess moving the deity. Reddit

This myth highlights the deep spiritual connection between the deity and the community, explaining why Balkumari is revered as a protector, especially for women and families. The temple itself dates back to the 17th century, making it a significant historical and religious site. Reddit

Experiencing Biska Jatra at Balkumari Temple

Balkumari Temple is a focal point for the grand Biska Jatra festival, celebrated over nine days around the Nepalese New Year. This festival is a major cultural event in the Kathmandu Valley, with the largest celebrations often held in Bhaktapur, but Thimi also hosts significant events centered around Balkumari. Reddit

During Biska Jatra, the temple and its surroundings come alive with various rituals, processions, and community gatherings. Visitors can witness traditional music, dances, and the iconic chariot pulling ceremonies. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and experience the vibrant spirit of Nepali culture. Planning your visit to coincide with the festival days will offer a truly unforgettable experience. Reddit

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