Bhutandevi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhutandevi (Hidimbi), located in Hetauda city of Bagmati Province, Nepal. It is considered a sacred location for Hindu devotees as Bhutandevi is regarded as the sister of demoness Hidamba, who was later married to Lord Bhima (one of the Pandavas) and gave birth to Ghatokach during the Hindu mythology Mahabharat era.
Goddess Bhutandevi is believed to the reincarnation of Goddess Durga, who is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity in Hindu religion. It is widely believed that devotees visiting this temple with a pure heart are blessed with peace and prosperity.
This temple is a unique piece of architecture built in Nepalese Pagoda style by the rulers of the Sen dynasty during the Medieval era. Bhutandevi Temple is considered more than a century old as bells and other elements in the temple are 100 years older.
Inside the temple, there is an idol depicting the goddess destroying Mahishasura, who is trying to revert to his human form after taking on the form of a buffalo. Mahishasura terrified everyone, from mortals to saints, even the god could not destroy him. After defeating the gods, he had taken control of all three worlds that had been lost in the fight.
As a result of the defeat, the gods’ fury manifested itself in the form of a mountain that united the power of all three worlds and turned into a woman who destroyed the demon in a nine-day-and-night struggle. Nauratha, or Navaratri, is currently celebrated as a commemoration of this battle. Within the Bhutan Devi temple grounds, there are several minor temples dedicated to gods and goddesses such as Radha–Krishna, Laxmi–Narayan, Shiva, Manakamana Devi, and others, and it is stated that she possesses the power of all of these deities.
A huge fair is organized in this temple for nine days during the festival of Navaratri during Dussehra. Devotees from all over the country visit this temple, especially on Saturdays or on auspicious festivals, because they strongly believe in Goddess Bhutandevi.
