Kathmandu – The Taleju Bhawani Temple at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which opens only once a year on Maha Navami, welcomed thousands of devotees today. Worshippers queued from early morning to offer prayers and perform rituals.

Taleju Bhawani, revered as the patron deity of the Newar community, is also worshipped as a form of divine feminine power and is sometimes called Tulja. The goddess was brought to the Mul Chowk of Hanumandhoka on Phulpati day and will be returned to the main temple on Vijayadashami morning.

On the night of Maha Ashtami, the traditional Kalaratri Puja was performed in Mul Chowk, where 54 goats and 54 buffaloes were sacrificed following tantric rituals. This practice is believed to grant strength and protection for the functioning of the state.

Maha Navami is also marked by special worship at Dashain Ghars, Kot temples, and other Shakti Peeths across the country, with animal sacrifices and recitations from the Durga Saptashati (Chandi), Devi Bhagwat, and other scriptures.

The temple, normally will be closed to the public except today.