Apr 14, 2025

Blog By: Levinly Travel

Guhyeshwari Temple: A Sacred Tantric Shrine Near Pashupatinath

Just approximately one kilometer east of the main area of Pashupatinath Temple, settled on the southern bank of the Bagmati River, found one of the most highly regarded Shakta pilgrimage sites in Nepal: Guhyeshwari Temple.

This pristine temple is dedicated to Guhyeshwari, also known as Nairatma Yogini, a dominant and powerful goddess highly worshipped in both Hindu Tantric traditions and Vajrayana Buddhism. The name "Guhyeshwari" is derived from the Sanskrit words guhya (meaning "secret" or "hidden") and ishwari (meaning "goddess"), symbolizing her secret nature and spiritual significance.

Guhyeshwari is a Shakta Peetha, a sacred site where the divine feminine energy is worshipped. For a Tantric master, the temple holds massive spiritual importance, attracting devotees seeking deeper supernatural and inner realization.

Uniquely, the Newari (Nepa or Newa) community, a native ethnic group of the Kathmandu Valley, is entirely responsible for conducting the temple’s regular worship (Nitya Puja). These regular worship are performed by Karmacharya priests, who follow traditional Tantric procedure passed down through ancestors.

it is essential to note that non-Hindu foreigners are not permitted to enter the Guhyeshwari Temple or the surrounding outer yards. This restriction is deep-seated in long-standing religious customs to maintain the sanctity and spiritual morality of the site.

For those who are curious about the spiritual scenery of Kathmandu, Guhyeshwari Temple offers a glimpse into the rich, multifaceted traditions of Tantric worship—deeply rooted in secrecy, representing and sacred divine feminine.