Badimalika Temple is one of Nepal's main temples, situated in the Triveni Municipality of the Bajura district of Sudurpashchim Pradesh. The temple shrine is dedicated to the devotion of the Hindu Goddess, Bhagwati.
Malika Chaturdashi is the biggest annual festival held in this temple. Two priests operate the rituals in the temple: one from the district of Kalikot and the other from the region of Bajura. In this article, we discuss all the aspects of the Badimalika Temple.
How to reach Badimalika Temple?
To reach the temple of Badimalika, one has to make a challenging trek from Martadi, the district headquarters of Bajura that lasts for 2-3 days.
Badimalika: Sacred Temple Majesty
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The Badimalika temple is at a remote location, and there is a shortage of lodges and restaurants for the travellers to rest and eat because the trail to the temple is not well built. So the travellers/trekkers themselves need to bring all the requisite facilities.
Throughout the walk, different species of wildflowers and numerous domestic animals such as pigs, goats, horses and buffalos can be seen grazing on the hills.
By Flight
To reach Badimalika Temple, one can catch a direct flight from Nepalgunj Airport to Bajura. A day's trek from Kolti can take you to Martadi, the district headquarters of Bajura, which takes longer.
Now, there is a flight from Dhangadi and Nepalgunj to Achham's Sanphebagar, followed by a few-hour bus trip to Bajura from there.
By Roadway
Badimalika can also be reached by bus from Budhiganga Municipality's Bamka Bazaar to Triveni Municipality, either on the Maure Kailashmandu or Maure Chhatara route.
The shortest route to Badimalik is known to be Maure Kailashmandu road pursuing the Nateshwori Temple path.
You can also enter Badimalika through Martadi Road, which is about two hours away from Bamka Bazar Station. To get to Martadi by highway, first, you have to reach Dhangadhi, Nepalgunj, or Tikapur and then take a direct bus.
History of Badimalika Temple
According to Hindu scriptures, Sati Devi's father, Daksha Prajapati, held a Yagya where he invited all the gods except Lord Shiva. Sati attended the ritual and questioned her father as to why she hadn't asked her husband, Mahadev.
Daksha Prajapati answered that Shiva consumed beer, smoked ganja, dwelled in cemeteries, wore a snake around his neck, had dreadlocks, smeared his body with ash, and wore tiger skin. So he was not a fitting person to invite for such a vital ceremony.
Unable to bear such harsh remarks of her husband from her father, Sati leapt into the yagya fire and gave up her estate.
Mahadev was so furious with the news of her demise that he sent Birbhadra and Bhoot to kill Daksha Prajapati and break the ritual.
Badimalika Trek: Sacred Mountain Journey
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Once he had gained his vengeance, Mahadev started to lament his wife's passing. Mahadev travelled the earth bearing the dead body of Sati on his back.
At this time, Vishnu released his Sudarshan chakra and wounded Sati's body so that flies and other insects could rot her carcass.
The places where Sati Devi's body pieces fell were regarded as Shakti peethas and considered essential sites of worship. Her left shoulder fell in the mountain Mallagiri in this process. This peetha in Mallagiri was called Malika after that event.
According to another Hindu legend, after executing the demon Mahisasur, Goddess Bhagwati rested in Dwaredhunga in Kalikot district.
During this time, one low caste individual gathered firewood at that location. The individual felt so weak that he begged the goddess for meat and bread.
In return, the goddess offered him everything he wanted. There was so much food that he could not finish it all by himself and called for other people to join him in the feast.
Badimalika: Weather's Sacred Embrace
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As his house seemed far from the place, his shouting could not be noticed by the citizens at his home, and nobody followed him. This enraged the individual, so he asked the goddess to kill everybody in his residence.
The goddess grants the person a dangerous wish. On reaching home, he finds all his relatives dead, which angers him further. He returns to Dwaredhunga. On seeing him back, the goddess opens the temple gate and flees.
Locals say the impression of the blow delivered to the temple door by the wrathful individual can still be seen. Because of this occurrence, the goddess left the place forever, passing through Triveni, Panchpur Patan, and Mallapuri Patan before finally settling in Badimalika.
Itinerary of Badimalika Temple
- Day 01: Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Dhangadi (109 m) via flight and then to Jadga by jeep or private taxi
- Our trek starts on the second day.
- Day 02: Jadga to Karala
- Day 03: Karala to Tribeni Badimalika (4,300 m)
- Day 04: Tribeni Badimalika (4,300 m) to Natshwori
- Day 05: Natshwori to Mourya
- Day 06: Mourya to Dhangadi
- Day 07: Fly back to Kathmandu from Dhangadi
The itinerary may vary depending on the type of package.
Major Festivals celebrated in Badimalika Temple
An annual fair is held at the Badimalika Temple during the Nepali month of Bhadra. Pilgrims come from all over Nepal and India in the hope that their wishes will be fulfilled if they pray at the temple.
The festivals of Ganga Dashara and Janai Purnima also feature two official fairs in the region.
For more information on the temples and festivals of Nepal, do visit hopnepal.com.
Frequently Asked Questions for Badimalika Mandir
1. Where is Badimalika located?
Badimalika is located in the Bajura district, which is in the far western region of Nepal. It lies at approximately 4,200 meters and is known for its cultural significance, especially the Badimalika Temple, a sacred Hindu site dedicated to Goddess Malika.
2. What is the Badimalika Trek?
The Badimalika Trek is a scenic trek that takes you through remote villages, dense forests, and beautiful landscapes at the Badimalika Temple. The trek offers beautiful views of the Himalayas, including the Api Himal and Nandadevi ranges.
3. How long is the Badimalika Trek?
The trek usually takes 7 to 10 days to complete, depending on your pace and the route. The duration can differ depending on rest stops.
4. What is the altitude of Badimalika?
The Badimalika Temple is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters, while the trek takes you through various altitudes, ranging from 1,000 meters in the lower regions to over 4,000 meters in the higher regions.
5. Is the Badimalika Trek difficult?
The Badimalika Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It involves trekking to high altitudes, with steep climbs and rugged terrain. A good level of fitness and proper rest are required for a successful trek.
6. When is the best time to trek Badimalika?
The best time to trek Badimalika is from March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). During these months, the weather is clear, and the temperature is moderate, offering the best trekking conditions.
7. What kind of accommodation is available on the Badimalika Trek?
During the trek, you’ll mostly stay in teahouses or local guesthouses. The accommodation is basic, but it provides an authentic experience of rural life in Nepal. In higher altitudes, camping may be necessary for a few days.
8. What can I see during the Badimalika Trek?
The trek offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Api Himal and Nandadevi. You’ll also pass through green forests, traditional villages, and fields of rhododendrons. At the end of the trek, the Badimalika Temple provides a spiritual experience.
9. Do I need a guide for the Badimalika Trek?
While it’s possible to trek independently, it’s highly recommended that you hire a local guide. A guide can assist with navigation, provide cultural insights, and provide safety, especially as the trek passes through remote and rugged terrain.
10. How do I get to the starting point of the Badimalika Trek?
The starting point of the trek is usually the Bajura district, which can be accessed via flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or Dhangadhi. Then, a jeep ride or local transport will take you to the trailhead.
