Bangalamukhi

The three cities in the Kathmandu Valley kathmandu, patan and Bhaktpur are very rich in temples and religious monuments. Most of the temples in the valley were built during the Lichhavi dynasty, which dates back to hundreds of years. Some temples and monuments are made of metal, some of wood and others of stone. Each temple and monuments are mode of metal, some of wood and others of stone. Each temple and monument display artistic works that deserve words of praise. But received opportunities to be praised because only a few famous temples and monuments are known to all and visited by many. The not so popular places, temples and monuments also have interesting stories and artistic work behind them, but often remain 'undiscovered'.
So, this time let us walk down about a kilometer from Patan Durbar Square to a place where there are many historical monuments in one single compound.
This place known as konti is also known as Kumbeshwor. But, nowadays, it is more popularly known as Bangalamukhi. In this place, there are the temples of Goddess Bangalamukhi, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh (son of Lord Shiva). A Kunda(pond) and a dhunge dhara (stone spout) are also here. Testing places and several present here. Since Goddess Banglamukhi has gained a lot of importance among the Nepalese devotees, the place has been named after her. The place always has the devotees flowing in, especially in the mornings. But, on Thursdays the place gets overcrowded with devotees as it is the day dedicated to the goddess. As a result, the number of vehicles (public transportation) going to Patan seems to be insufficient. On that day devotees come from different parts of the valley and stand in queue for hours to pay a visit to the Goddess. Entering the temple on Thrusday is like entering a crossroad. This shows that a lot of people have great belief in the Goddess. On the day of Janai poornima, in August, a fair is held here. Marriages are also performed in this place. Lord shiva is considered as the God of the Gods. His home is in the Himalayas. He has many forms and names. A temple of kumbeshwor Mahadev, one of the various forms of Lord Shiva, is also located in this place. One can easily guess why this area is also known as Kumbeshwor. The temple of Kumbeshwor Mahadev is at the front of the main entrance. The temple of Banglamukhi is towards the left of this temple. Towards the right of this temple is the Kunda which is believed to be linked with the famous Gosaikunda. This Kunda is regarded as a holy place. The devotees purify themselves by drinking water of teh kunda. People also drop coins in the Kunda to get their wishes fulfilled.

Rivers are drying up, ancient dhunge dharas are drying up, but the dhunge dhara dhara here always flows with cool refreshing water. In certain places where there is water shortage, people stay in queue for hours before their dhunge dharas to get a bucketful of water. But here, the same bucket can be filled within a minute. It may be because this area does not have any water shortage. The area surrounding the dhara is filled with fifth and no one is bothered to clean it. Or maybe this is the reason why hardly any one comes here to fetch water, stepping the right stone and making sure that the filth does not soil them. The locals are busy in their business and the priests are busy in performing the rituals. Does anyone have some time to look into this matter and clean up the area? What about the concerned authorities? Whose duty is it to protect, preserve and promote our heritage?
The resting places in this compound, which were built for singing religious hymns and for shade and shelter, are now fully occupied by beggers. Should we be satisfied with the fact that at least it is being utilized by someone for some purpose? Now and then seminars and talk programs promise to alleviate poverty, but by seeing the number of beggars in temples and streets it seems as if the promise is for poverty elevation and not alleviation. A lot of small children are seen begging these days. Begging? They even stretch out their hands, without hesitation, towards the ladies' purses and the gents' pockets. If the majority of small children get into this type of living, what would the situation of our country be when they grow up? Finger-smiths?
Let us go back to the Bangalamukhi Temple to get some of our quires answered. A few questions relating to the temples were asked to the respective head priest but their answers, unanimously, were, we do not have any ideas of the temples then who will? They seemed very reluctant in responding to any of the questions. Ignorance is bliss? They were very happy and busy helping the devotees in making offerings to the gods and the gods will please you. There were other priests outside the temples premises reading the holy books. When they were also asked a few questions, they, too, shifted the responsibility to the head priests back and forth. The only answer we got was from a lady helper of the Bangalamukhi Temple who presumed that the goddess emerged in the place by herself. Why, when and for what? Well, these questions still remained unanswered. Hope the priests do some serious studying. No exams, but still...
Anyway, the Bangalamukhi is still a place worth a visit as there are a lot of things to be seen and experienced. In addition, it would be for the better if the area would be cleaned and well maintained and promoted as a delightful destination for tourist visiting Patan. This would definitely have a positive impact on tourism in Patan. But, always be prepared to expect the unexpected.