Those who consider Chitlang only an adventurous destination, think again. This ancient town comprises the oldest and the most religious sites, among which is the Swochhanda Bhairab temple. This ancient temple is on the banks of a river and is enfolded within dense forests, dedicated to Lord Bhairav. If you like travelling and have a religious inclination, this temple offers both; serene surroundings and an opportunity for spiritual connection and reflection.
Attractions and activities near Swochhanda Bhairav temple
The Swochhanda Bhairav temple serves as a gateway to various temples and activities that blend nature, spirituality, and cultural exploration around Chitlang. These are some of the attractions nearby:
1. Satdhara (Seven Springs)
This fountain has a cluster of seven natural stone taps with flowing spring water and has a major cultural and medicinal significance. According to legends, this fountain used to be a bathing spot for seven sages. To reach Satdhara, it is only an hour’s hike from the temple where you can walk through Newari settlements, enjoy jungle walks, and experience local traditions.
2. Bhedafarm
Many of you might have heard of Bhedafarm, Nepal’s largest natural ground. This terraced grassland that offers panoramic views has been a hotspot of many music videos and movie directors.
From the temple, you can reach Bhedafarm only in 1.5 hours while soaking in cinematic vistas. This spot is perfect for hiking and photography.
3. Markhu and Kulekhani reservoir
Just a 2-hour walk from Chitlang or a short drive will take you to Kulekhani, Nepal’s largest artificial lake. There, you can enjoy boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. Local eateries serve extremely tasty and fresh fish.
4. Shikhardham Temple
Yet another cultural insight awaits you in Chitlang. Not so far from the Swachhanda Temple, there is the Shikhardham temple atop Lamichane village that offers views of Brahmin settlements and traditional lifestyles. You can feel the spirituality while exploring the village.
5. Ashoka Chaitya
One of the biggest parts of Chitlang’s historical identity is the Ashoka Chaitya which has an inscription of how old the town is. This Buddhist stupa is linked to Emperor Ashoka and reflects the rich heritage of the ancient Newari heritage.
Historical significance of the Swochhanda Bhairab Temple
The temple of Swochhanda Bhairab (स्वच्छन्दभैरव) is a part of the vibrant cultural heritage of Chitlang. Just a 5-minute walk from Narayanhiti and about 15 minutes from Khaku-8 village, this temple is easily accessible to visitors.
People believe that this temple has various powers that help devotees overcome obstacles and achieve spiritual liberation.
- The guardian deity: The Newars consider Swochhanda Bhairab as a protector and guardian. The temple has the deity of Lord Bhairab, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. His powerful and esoteric nature is depicted with multiple faces and arms adorned with serpents and a necklace of skulls. This symbolizes his might and transcendence over evil forces. The locals believe that the deity watches over Chitlang, providing them with spiritual protection and blessings.
- Historical roots: The temple’s origins are connected to traditions and practices, with inscriptions and historical accounts proving that this place has been in existence for centuries. Chitlang itself has a rich history, serving as an important trade route and cultural exchange hub between Nepal and Tibet.
- Mythical stories: Various miraculous tales about Swachhand Bhairav have been told which are passed down through generations, enhancing the temple’s spiritual allure and encouraging pilgrimages from nearby regions.
- Architectural significance: The temple is an example of an architectural gem showcasing traditional Newar craftsmanship. The design and structure reflect the cultural heritage of Chitlang. This makes the town not only a religious site but also a historical monument.
Cultural significance
- Religious hub: The temple is central to local worship, mainly during the annual Swachhanda Bhairavnath Jatra which attracts devotees in thousands. There is a night-long musical procession with the deity’s idol, followed by rituals performed by specific communities like the Deulas and Manandhars.
- Spiritual practices: Devotees visit the temple for meditation and prayer, drawn by its serene atmosphere and the belief that it fosters spiritual awakening. This temple turns into a pilgrimage site during Maha Shivratri, attracting worshippers of Lord Shiva.
- Community Identity: The temple reinforces communal bonds through shared rituals like sacrifices and collective prayers responsible for preserving Chitlang’s cultural fabric.
Festivals celebrated near Swachhand Bhairav Temple
The area surrounding the Swochhanda Bhairav Temple hosts many unique festivals deeply rooted in their local traditions that are important to both Hindus and Buddhists. These are some:
1. Swachchhanda Bhairavnath Jatra
This festival falls on the night before Kojagrat Purnima in October or November. Villagers carry out a musical procession where they tour the Swachhanda Bhairav through Chitlang to the Bhairavthan temple in Majhgaun. They play instruments like Bhusiya baja and dhimey.
These long-night rituals are led by the Manandhar community where Deula clam offers animal sacrifices in honour of the deity. This festival is believed to protect the community from diseases and misfortune and marks the start of Kartik Purnima Nach.
2. Kartik Purnima Nach
10-12 days after the celebration of Swachhanda Bhairav Jatra, Chitlang celebrates Kartik Purnima Nach for 10-12 days. Thus multi-day dance drama depicts Lord Vishnu’s 17 avatars, mainly the Narasimha-Prahlad legend. This drama is performed in Sanskrit, Nepali, and Newari.
Dancers wear elaborate masks and costumes, reenacting stories of how Lord Narasimha slays the demon king Hiranyakashyap. Other than Chitlang, Patan is the only place where this festival is celebrated.
3. Khadga Jatra (Dashain)
Another important festival is the Khadga Jatra which falls during Dashain in September or October. This festival performs the act of killing Mahishasur (buffalo demon) using swords (khadga) in a choreographed display showing the victory of good over evil.
This festival is accompanied by Paya processions which are the traditional weapon parades and rhythmic drumming. This festival is rooted in tantric practices and is celebrated by the Newar Balami community.
4. Yemba Thanegu
This annual festival is a junior version of Kathmandu’s Indra Jatra, where masked dances and processions are carried out in honour of deities like Karunamaya which is Machhindranath. This festival reflects Chitlang’s historical ties to Kathmandu Valley’s Malla-era.
5. Bagh Bhairav Jatra
While primarily celebrated in other regions, Chitlang also celebrates Bagh Bhairav Jatra, another manifestation of Lord Shiva. The rituals include animal sacrifices, a symbol of devotion and appeasement of the deity’s fierce nature.
The atmosphere during this festive season is filled with traditional music and dance performances that enhance the community spirit.
Ritual practices at Swochhanda Bhairav temple
- Morning aarti: At dawn, devotees gather at the temple for ceremonial prayers (aarti), offering flowers, holy water, sacred threads, and incense to the idol.
- Offerings: Along with flowers and water, devotees also offer the fierce Bhairav meat and alcohol. Symbolic sacrifices include black cloth or sesame seeds to invoke protection from negative energies.
- Puja ceremonies: Special pujas are performed on auspicious days, mainly on Sundays and Tuesdays when many devotees gather for blessings.
- Cultural performances: Festivals often have traditional music and dance that create a vibrant atmosphere that connects religious and cultural expression.
How to get to Swochhanda Bhairav temple from Kathmandu?
To reach the temple, travellers can choose from multiple routes and transportation options. All this depends on their cost, comfort, and adventure.
Primary routes
- Kathmandu – Thankot – Godam
The distance of this route is 27-28 km which means it will take about 1.5 to 2 hours by road to reach there. This shortest route will offer you with scenic mountain views, forests, and terraced fields. Buses or private vehicles can take this route.
- Kathmandu – Pharping – Chitlang
This longer route is about 58 km and takes around 3-4 hours to reach Chitlang. Though longer, this scenic road passes through stunning villages and valleys.
Transportation options
A. By bus
- Local bus: From Kathmandu’s Kalanki Bus Park or New Bus Park, catch a bus to Godam. It will take around 3-4 hours to get there and you may have to pay NPR 200-300. From Godam, you can take a shared jeep for NPR 200 each to reach Chitlang village. It will take about only 30 minutes. If you want adventure, hike for 2 hours.
- Tourist bus: Through some travel agencies, you can get direct buses to Chitlang as part of guided tours. For 2 day package, you might have to pay around $30-50.
B. Private vehicle/jeep
- Jeep rental: This option is highly recommended due to rough roads. A 7-seater jeep costs around NPR 16,000 round trip (including overnight stay). If the group is larger, you can opt for a bus or a van.
- Taxi: You can also get a direct taxi from Kathmandu which can cost around NPR 5,000 to 7,000 one way.
Once you reach Chitlang, you can reach the Swachhanda temple easily by walking for some time. Most of the homestays like the Chitlang Organic Village Resort are within a 10-15 minute walk from the temple.
Best time to visit Swochhanda Bhairav Temple
While there is no fixed time to visit the Swochhanda Bhairav temple, Spring is the best time to hike in Chitlang. Even autumn is very good. These months offer the most favourable weather conditions for outdoor activities like hiking because:
- The weather is generally dry and sunny, providing comfortable temperatures for hiking. This is great for enjoying the scenic views along the way.
- These seasons have clear skies which enhance visibility and are perfect for photography.
- These seasons have fewer crowds than peak festival times, allowing for a more peaceful hiking experience.
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Chitlang, do consider visiting the Swachhanda Bhairav temple for spiritual awakening. The centuries-old temple will reflect the vast cultural and religious history of Chitlang along with the legends connected to Hinduism while giving you enough time to acknowledge its natural beauty.
