Our First Day in Nepal - Chandragiri Hills Cable Car and Temple - Kathmandu
Join @kimberleyssandbox and I as we venture out on a motorbike and explore everything Nepal has to offer. Today we visit the Chandragiri Hills Cable Car and Temple for an interesting and exciting day.
A cable car trip is the shortest means to reach Chandragiri Hills’ top station. The 2.5 km long cable car ensures a smooth and safe journey, all the while giving you an up-close view of the untainted wilderness.
Cable Car: The 2.5 km cable car ride takes 9 minutes to reach the Chandragiri Hills’ top station.
A cabin accommodates 8 passengers. A child above 3 feet of height requires a ticket.
Drive: The 11km off-road drive to the top of the hill awaits adventurers.
Trekking: A 3 hr hike along a designated trail is for those who like to take their time to soak in the vistas of the wilderness.
Bhaleshwor Mahadev — Mythological Significance
With reference to the description written in Himvatakhanda, Bhaleshwor Mahadev appeared at the spot where Satidevi’s ‘Bhala’ or the forehead fell off from her dead body. It is believed that Satidevi, Shiva’s consort, gave up her life by jumping in a fire pyre at her father Daksha Prajapati’s yagna (sacred fire ritual) after Daksha insulted her husband Shiva in front of scores of gods and goddesses invited at the religious ceremony. An enraged Shiva then carried her dead body on his back and walked across the world like a madman for long span of time, without taking note of Satidevi’s decaying body. Different ‘shakti-centres’ were established at sites where different parts of Satidevi’s body fell in course of Lord Shiva’s mourning.
A temple was erected at the same site where Bhaleshwor Mahadev appeared.
The legend of Bhaleshwor Mahadev is also associated with Gandharva, a low ranking Hindu deity, named Sumukha. Sumukha forcedly kissed Rambha, an angel who had recently retired as a courtier at Heaven, believed to be Indra’s (king of gods) kingdom. Rambha then cursed Sumukha for his misdemeanor after which he was forced to live on earth leaving his abode in the heaven. Sumukha was wandering around the mortal world while living the curse when met with a sage, Galab, who suggested a way out for Sumukha to repent and break the curse. Sage Galab advised Sumukha that he should offer prayers before Bhaleshwor Mahadev after purifying himself every day as penance. Fortunately, in due course, Mahadev was pleased and he blessed Sumukha, following which he settled down with Rambha. Sumukha was also taken in as a close aide by Bhaleshwor.
