Hidden almost in the heart of Kathmandu, just about 200 metres from Jorpati Chowk, stands the sacred Chamunda Devi Temple, revered in the Shree Swasthani tradition as a Shakti Peetha.
When Sati Devi’s body was carried by Shiva, parts of her body fell at different places. At Jorpati, it is believed that one of Sati’s fingernails fell, and a naturally formed stone resembling a fingernail is worshipped as Chamunda Devi.
The present temple was reconstructed in 1981 AD (2038 B.S.). Alongside the shrine is a fascinating Ganesh temple, associated with local traditions of spiritual attainment and a mysterious foundation said to widen as it was excavated.
Every year during Chaitra Ashtami, a grand Rath Yatra takes place, carrying Chamunda Devi, Ganesh and Bhairav through Jorpati, attracting thousands of devotees.
