Harisiddhi Temple

• 2016-08-23
• nebzyl
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Introduction
Location: Harisiddhi, Lalitpur
Style: Tiered temple (Four tiers)
Constructed: Malla Period
Diety: Harisiddhi (Trishakti)
Renovated: Recent (2016 AD)
Authority: Priests

Location
About 8 km south-east from the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, on the way to Godawari, Lalitpur, there is a historically renowned village named Harisiddhi, where the Temple of Harisiddhi is located. The temple is at the height of about 4400 ft from the sea level, whose latitude is 270˚38′ north and longitude is 850˚21′ east. About 200m west from the temple, there is a river named ‘Karmanasha (Kodku)’.

Description
The temple has been built in Pagoda style and is the good example of tiered temple. The temple is built at the center of the village as a landmark that can be seen from distance. The temple faces east. Main deity is goddess Harisiddhi, also known as Tri-shakti. Deity is placed on the first floor. There are different elements in the courtyard. The temple is surrounded by the residential area. There is a pond to the south-east direction of the temple which is believed to be one of the important holy-ponds. To the north-east direction is a ChapaChhen recently reconstructed with traditional outlook.

Historical background and major interventions
The origin of this goddess is in Ujjain, India. Indian emperor ‘Bikramaditya’, who was also the founder of ‘Bikram Sambat’, came to Nepal with his beloved goddess Harisiddhi and established the temple of her in Baneshwor, Nepal. He then initiated the dance of gods and goddesses. After some years, the dance was discontinued. In the Lichchhavi period, (about 745 B.S.), the goddess Harisiddhi was taken to Harisiddhi village and the dance was again started. In course of time, the dance was again discontinued for some years. During the reign of King Amar Malla, the famous incantatory (Baidhya) ‘Gayojuju’ brought the lost dance and King Yog Narendra Malla provided certain space to continue it. The famous incantatory, Gayojuju, ‘Yogendranand Rajopadhya’, has been believed to be able to talk to gods and goddesses.

He had started Gurukul school system at his home at that time where his pupils used to help him in households. One day, one of his pupils went to Godawari forest to collect some wood. There, he encountered a strange musical sound. He went after the sound and in the meantime reached the top of the Phulchowki forest and came across a surprising incident. He got afraid and so, went to hide in the bushes, from where, he looked at those astounding scenes of gods and goddesses coming down from the heaven, performing dance with lovely music and departing. It continued for the whole day and in the evening, it ended. The boy then came out from the bushes. He forgot his purpose of coming and so, he returned empty handed. When Guru asked him for the explanation, he put forth the whole event. Guru got anxious after hearing his pupil’s words and decided to investigate about it. Next morning, he went to the venue with his pupils with full preparation and watched the happening hiding behind the bushes. Then, the Guru enclosed the area with an enchanted thread. Gods and goddesses came down to dance from heaven, but could not depart. The goddess Harisiddhi asked for the person responsible. Soon, guru came out, confessed his doings and expressed that he didn’t have enough of the dance. So, he wished to watch the dance again. When Guru promised to manage everything, the goddess agreed. Guru, with some incantations, then made the gods and goddesses enter into drinking vessel (Kamandal), then wrapped the vessel with an enchanted thread and covered it with the grass. They came down the hill carrying the vessel and later on, the temple was established.

The temple has gone through minor interventions time and again. But the major intervention is recently, after the earthquake of 2072 BS. However, the renovation work was already ongoing, when the earthquake stroke. The side building has been completely demolished and reconstructed with traditional technology. The windows to the side of the stairs of the temple has been replaced with traditional type crafted windows. The metal grill doors have been added. The other windows have also been painted with new colors

Authority
There are 29 priests appointed for the activities related to the temple and goddess. These priests are worshipped as God by the villagers. They perform the daily rituals as well as organize cultural activities such as Harisiddhi Naach.

Cultural aspects

1. Daily puja ritual is performed by the appointed priests.
2. Harisiddhi Naach is performed two times a year; first on “Yomari Purnima” and the second on “Holi (Fagu Purnima)”
3. Different cultural activities are performed during Gaijatra, Indrajatra and other festivals.

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