Introduction to Thanimai Temple

The famous Thanimai Temple, located in Vasanthpur, Bhanu Municipality-7, Tanahun, has been developed as a religious destination. Devotees from various districts of Nepal come here to bring floral palanquins for worship.

Recent Devotee Turnout

According to the Thanimai Temple Management Committee, a large number of devotees visited the temple recently. During the two Tuesdays in the month of Kartik, over fifteen thousand devotees came for worship. The committee's chairman, Jeevan Thapa, informed that on the second Tuesday of Kartik, eight thousand devotees performed worship, and on the third Tuesday, seven thousand five hundred fifty-seven devotees visited.

The Tradition of Floral Palanquins

The first Tuesday of Kartik did not see any palanquins because it coincided with the Ausi, a moonless day considered inauspicious for the ritual. Over the two active Tuesdays, one hundred forty-four floral palanquins were brought to the temple. These came from various places, including fifty-nine from Tanahun, thirty-five from Lamjung, twenty-three from Gorkha, sixteen from Chitwan, seven from Kaski, three from Kathmandu, and one from Nawalparasi. This tradition of offering floral palanquins happens every Tuesday during the months of Asoj, Kartik, Mangsir, Magh, Phagun, and Chaitra, attracting huge crowds of devotees.

The Religious Ritual and Belief

There is a strong religious belief that offering a floral palanquin at the temple fulfills one's wishes. The devotees carry the palanquin along with a traditional musical band, performing song and dance as they circle the temple three times. After this procession, a decorative arch brought with the palanquin is swung three times and then tied to a shrine in the upper Thumka area. Following this, devotees enter the main temple to worship, praying for their wishes to be granted. The entire Vasanthpur area echoes with the sounds of music, flags, and chants praising Thanimai.

Temple Practices and History

The tradition involves preparing the floral palanquin every Monday with a Satyanarayan puja before offering it at the Thanimai Temple. Worship is performed daily at the temple except during the month of Sawan, on Ekadashi, and on Ausi, the moonless day. The temple, situated at an altitude of one thousand two hundred meters above sea level, offers views of the Himalayan range, including sights like Laxmi Bazar in Gorkha, Liglig Kot, Palungtar, and Rainaskot. The temple was damaged in the earthquake of 2072 B.S. but has since been completely rebuilt at a cost of two million rupees, funded by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and donations collected at the temple.

Origin and Legend

Local elders say that worship at this temple began in the year 1825 B.S. According to a legend, a strong whirlwind occurred in the area, and when a person took shelter under a tree there, a divine presence disappeared into the spot. Since that time, worship began at that very location, establishing the sacred site of the Thanimai Temple.