Almost all of the visitors visiting the Fewa Lake and those who have been to the magnificient and stunning Pokhara city are familiarized with a small island in the center of the Fewa lake. The magnificent Tal Barahi temple can be seen on this island. The Tal Barahi Temple is considered as the ‘Lake Temple’ or the ‘Barahi Temple.’ This is a holy landmark as well as one of Pokhara’s must-see attractions. In Pokhara, the Tal Barahi temple is located in the center of the massive Fewa Lake.
A two-story pagoda building with a Gajur on top can be found on the Taal Barahi Temple’s façade. The Gajur is gold-gilded, while the rest of the temple is built of stones and has a pitched roof. Goddess Durga: Protector of Gods is worshiped in Tal Barahi Temple. This temple is only accessible by boat. The temple is a wonderful location to unwind and see sacred rites being performed. This Hindu temple honors Ajima’s boar incarnation and represents the goddess Shakti. Barahi is portrayed and constructed with a boar’s head and a human’s body, holding a cup in one hand and a fish in the other. The temple is extremely important to Hindus, and animal sacrifices may be seen during the Dashain festival.
History of the Taal Barahi Temple: There are several narratives around the Temple that attempt to explain its origins. The one that is most widely accepted and applicable is as follows: There was once at a time a lovely city known as Fewa. The situation is diametrically opposed to what occurred in the Kathmandu valley. Goddess Bhagwati used to come here in the shape of a beggar to see how people treated beggars. The locals seemed unconcerned about the beggar. The beggar tapped on several doors in the hopes that someone would aid her, but nobody seemed to notice her. Finally, in a poor neighborhood, a couple who’d already recently relocated from Kathmandu brought the beggar to their home and fed her cooked rice and veggies. The beggar expressed gratitude to the pair and stated that she intended to get revenge on others who had refused to assist her before leaving the city. She urged the couple to collect their stuff and seek refuge on a neighboring hill. She forewarned them of a horrible disaster that will strike the city later and utterly destroy it. The couple followed the beggars’ counsel and proceeded to the hilltop. As they approached the hilltop, they noticed water flowing down from the mountains, enveloping and submerging the entire city. All of the individuals were killed by the flood, leaving just the courtyard of the couple’s home. They came upon Goddess Bhagwati and erected a tiny shrine in her honor. The temple was restored and converted into what it is now by the ruler of Kaski in 1416 BS.
How to get to Taal Barahi Temple: The temple is only accessible by boat. A boat may be boarded at Phewa Ghat, which is located in the southeast corner of the lakefront. The cost of the boat is determined on the sort of boat you are renting. You have the option of using a canoe or a paddle boat. Lakeside is within walking distance from the main city.
Permits and fees to reach the Taal Barahi Temple: Barge boats to go to the Taal Barahi shrine cost approximately 100 rupees, and you may check the price of tickets at the desk if you’re unsure. It’s possible that the boatman will refuse to pay the amount listed on the counter. The cost of a private paddled boat has fluctuated significantly all through the years.
Now it’s 1200 rupees for an hour, which includes the boatman. The cost of getting to the temple is 550 rupees. When traveling by boat, it is required that you wear a life jacket. A life jacket can be rented for around 20 to 30 rupees. You have a maximum of 30 minutes on the island once you arrive. If you wish to remain longer, you may either communicate with the same boat or hire a different boat to transport you back.
Things to do around Taal Barahi Temple:
- If you are visiting the Tal Barahi temple, you will have the option of taking a longer tour of the entire Fewa Lake. However, it may come with an additional expense. It is, however, money well spent and you will not regret because it will be the lifetime experience.
- Fewa Lake is 4 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers broad. Kayaking is an excellent way to explore the lake. Kayaking on the Fewa Lake is a bit pricey, but it’s well worth the effort and you can experience the thrill and fun together while kayaking. So, you should definitely not miss it.
- Near Fewa, there is a fish farm where you may observe tiny fish. You may also combine your visit to Tal Barahi with a hike to the World Peace Pagoda. The voyage is unquestionably worthwhile in terms of both time and money.
- If Hindu mythology and clear waterways are your thing, the Tal Barahi temple is a must-see. Even if they aren’t to your taste, you may spend your time feeding the aquatic species that lives in the area.
Planning a visit to Pokhara? You will be amazed with the beauty and serenity of Pokhara city with a lot of historical and religious places too. The Pokhara city will amaze you with its combined beauty. Not only the natural beauties, not only the historical values, but the combination of all.
-By: Saru Niraula for Land Nepal
