Sightseeing · Panauti
Brahmayani Temple
Panauti's guardian-goddess pagoda by the river, the focus of the town's lively chariot festival.
- Address
- Brahmayani Temple, Panauti, Kavrepalanchok, Bagmati Province
Brahmayani Temple is the guardian-goddess shrine of Panauti, standing on the riverbank just across the Triveni confluence from the old town. Brahmayani is the town's ajima, or grandmother goddess — one of the protective mother deities of the Newar pantheon — and the townspeople regard her as the spiritual protector of Panauti. Her riverside pagoda, framed by trees and water, is one of the most atmospheric corners of the town.
What to expect
A footbridge over the river leads from the ghats to the temple precinct, where the pagoda sits among rest-houses and smaller shrines. It is quieter than the temples in the town centre, with the sound of the river close by, and feels more like a neighbourhood sanctuary than a tourist site. Worshippers come across to make offerings, ring the bell and pay respects to the goddess who watches over the town.
Brahmayani comes into her own during her annual chariot festival (jatra), when her image is carried through Panauti on a wheeled chariot in a boisterous, devout procession — the town's signature celebration and one of the liveliest of the many festivals of Nepal. The festival binds the whole community together, with neighbourhoods taking turns to pull the chariot and households offering food and worship along the route. Even outside festival time, pairing a visit here with the Indreshwar Mahadev Temple gives you both poles of Panauti's sacred geography: the great Shiva pagoda above the lanes and the guardian goddess down by the water, watching over the town and the rivers that define it.
Good to know
- Respect: This is an active shrine — dress modestly and observe quietly.
- Crossing: Reach the temple by the footbridge from the ghats below the old town.
- Timing: Mornings are calm; the chariot festival is the most spectacular but crowded time to visit.
- Photography: Ask before photographing worshippers or festival participants.
How it fits your day
Combine the temple with the Triveni confluence and ghats and a stroll along the Khware riverside for the river side of Panauti, then climb back into the old town for Panauti Durbar Square. See the top things to do in Panauti and the Panauti travel guide to plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Brahmayani Temple?+
Brahmayani is the guardian goddess (ajima) of Panauti, and her pagoda temple stands by the river just across the Triveni confluence from the old town. She is one of the mother goddesses of the Newar pantheon and is deeply revered by the townspeople.
Where is the Brahmayani Temple?+
It sits on the far bank of the river beside the Triveni confluence, a short walk over a footbridge from the ghats below the old town. The riverside setting, surrounded by trees, makes it a peaceful counterpoint to the busier temples in the town centre.
What festival is linked to the temple?+
Brahmayani is honoured with a chariot festival (jatra), when her image is paraded through Panauti on a wheeled chariot in a lively procession. It is the town's signature annual celebration and a vivid expression of Newar devotion and community life.
Can visitors enter the temple?+
You can visit the temple precinct and walk around it, and the riverside approach is open to all. As a living shrine, dress modestly, remove shoes where required and observe quietly, especially during worship and festival days when locals gather to pay respects.
