Raj Rajeshwari Temple, Kathmandu

The Raj Rajeshwari Temple stands on the south bank of the Bagmati River within the revered Pashupatinath temple area of Kathmandu. Though smaller and quieter than the main Pashupatinath Temple, it is an important center of goddess worship and reflects Nepal’s rich religious and cultural heritage. The shrine is associated with Raj Rajeshwari, a form of the Divine Mother, and is also known as the residence of the Tantric Goddess.

Built in 1407 during the reign of Jayadharma Malla and Jagyoti Malla, the temple follows the classic Nepalese pagoda style. Its tiered form and intricate woodwork highlight traditional Nepalese craftsmanship. At its core is a life-sized clay image of Nava Durga, represented on all four sides.
The temple has long been linked with local legends, including stories from the Devmala genealogy about King Bishnugupta discovering a mysterious idol and constructing a new earthen fort for ritual purposes. Special worship ceremonies are still held here on every full moon day, keeping the temple closely tied to the spiritual life of the community.

After paying homage to the goddesses, devotees may continue northward along the river corridor toward Aryaghat to offer water at the Brahmanal.