Sightseeing · Bandipur
Khadga Devi Temple
Bandipur's principal Newar shrine, home to a sacred sword central to the town's Dashain festival.
- Address
- Khadga Devi, Bandipur, Tanahun, Gandaki Province
Khadga Devi temple is Bandipur's principal Newar shrine, dedicated to a form of the goddess Durga and home to a revered sacred sword — the khadga that gives the temple its name. Set in a traditional courtyard within the bazaar, it is both a living place of worship and a window into the town's Newar heritage, central to Bandipur's celebration of Dashain. For many residents it is the spiritual anchor of the old town, woven into daily life rather than set apart as a monument.
What to expect
The temple sits among the old merchant houses, a short flat walk from the main square, so it reads as part of the bazaar rather than a separate sight. The courtyard is modest and calm for most of the year, with the brick, timber and carved detailing typical of Newar religious architecture — the same craftsmanship that gives Bandipur's houses their character. Bandipur's traders were largely Newar settlers who moved up from the Kathmandu Valley, and the temple is one of the clearest expressions of that heritage still in active use.
The shrine comes alive during Dashain, the autumn festival when the sacred sword is brought out and venerated and the town gathers for one of its most important rituals. Dashain celebrates the goddess Durga's victory over evil, and the khadga — a weapon associated with that triumph — sits at the heart of the worship here, drawing residents and returning families to the courtyard.
As a working temple, it rewards a quiet, respectful visit: pause to read the carvings, observe any worship under way and keep a low profile. It pairs easily with a wider wander through the old town and takes only a few minutes to see, making it an easy addition to a bazaar stroll rather than a destination in its own right.
Good to know
- Cost: Free; donations are welcome but not expected.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly, remove shoes where signed and ask before photographing rituals or worshippers.
- Best time: Any time of day for a quiet visit; during Dashain (usually late September to October) for festival atmosphere.
- Time needed: Only a few minutes to look around, so pair it with a wider wander through the bazaar.
How it fits your visit
Khadga Devi is an easy stop on a stroll through the heart of town. Combine it with the nearby Bandipur Silk Farm and the flat Tundikhel viewpoint promenade, or set out on the longer walk to Ramkot's traditional Magar village. The temple sits along the car-free Newari bazaar, and you can fit it around sunrise at the Thani Mai viewpoint. See the full set of more things to do in Bandipur, or start with the Bandipur travel guide.
Featured in
More sights & attractions in Bandipur
Frequently asked questions
What is Khadga Devi temple?+
Khadga Devi is Bandipur's most important Newar temple, dedicated to a form of the goddess Durga. It houses a revered sword, or khadga, that is central to local belief and is brought out during the town's Dashain celebrations.
Why is the temple's sword significant?+
The sacred sword is the focus of Khadga Devi's worship and gives the temple its name. During Dashain it is paraded and venerated, drawing crowds from across the town in one of Bandipur's most important annual rituals.
Where is Khadga Devi temple in Bandipur?+
It sits in the heart of the bazaar area, an easy flat walk from the main square. The setting is a traditional Newar courtyard, so it slots naturally into a stroll through the old town rather than a separate excursion.
Can visitors enter Khadga Devi temple?+
Yes, the temple grounds are open to respectful visitors. It is a working shrine, so dress modestly, remove shoes where signed and avoid photographing rituals without asking, especially during festival days.
