Deuti Bajai Temple
The Gangamala Deuti Bajai Temple, located in Pipira of Birendranagar Municipality, Surkhet District, is a major religious tourist destination not only in Surkhet District but also in the Karnali Province. The history of this temple is connected with the Raji caste, considered an ancient caste living in the Surkhet district.
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According to legend, Raji caste people found four sisters while casting a net in the Bheri River and built a temple dedicated to the goddess on the river’s bank. When the Dolpavasi learned about this, they came to Surkhet to take back Gangamala. At that time, Gangamala grew angry and disappeared. It is believed that Gangamaya, who had vanished, later re-emerged in Rolpa.
Also Read : The Mystical Ruins Of Kakrebihar: A Journey Into Nepal’s Ancient Past
The Seven Sisters
It is popularly believed that Keshamala Salyan Kalikamati, Ratnamala Surkhet Gochche Pokhara, Rudramala Surkhet Subaghat, Chaturmala Kalyan Surkhet, Chamamala Babaiguthi Bardia, Rammala Chinchu Surkhet, and Gangamala New Village Pipira Surkhet are among the seven sisters of Deutimai.
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Among them, when the Rajis of Surkhet encountered Gangamala in the form of a maiden while casting a net in the Bheri River, they were both surprised and terrified. The goddess calmed them, saying, “Do not be afraid, rather install me in a suitable place.” She also expressed her inability to consume fish and meat, stating that she would be satisfied after being worshiped by the Rajis. Since then, the worship of the goddess has been carried out by the Rajis.
The Deuti Bajai Title
Another legend relates to the addition of the surname “Devati Bajai” behind Gangamala. One day, a local widow’s daughter-in-law was accused by a relative guest of being a witch. Unable to bear the accusation, she committed suicide in the Gangamala temple. Due to her untimely death, ghost spirits began to haunt the villagers. After a Brahmin performed a homayajna, the ghost spirit was calmed down. Thus, it is said that Sri Gangamala was worshiped as Deuti Bajai, with added power.
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Worship and Beliefs
It is customary to take vows in the Gangamala Deuti Bajjayi temple by lifting Akshata and flags. If you make a vow in this way, there is a belief and faith that your thoughts will come true. There is also a belief that Deuti Bajai delivers justice. Elders say that there is a tradition of shedding blood on the unjust and offering flowers to the righteous. People still fear Deuti Bajai for her supernatural power.
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Animal sacrifice has been stopped on Deuti Bajya, Ekadasi, Aunsi, Sunday, and Sankranti days. The practice of sacrificing pigeons was removed when the then King Birendra visited Surkhet. Now, it is customary to fly a pair of pigeons. Bells, Dhwajas, Trishuls, Akshata, Fruits, and Incense are worshiped.
Historical Significance
In 1812, the Nepal-Tibet war took place at Taklakot. The Gorkhali soldiers were victorious, and the weapons they used, such as cannons, swords, mukhuri, and bayonets, are still in a dilapidated state near the Gangamala Deuti Bajai temple, in the vicinity of a Peepal tree. Animal sacrifice is done in the vehicle of Deuti Bajai, and priests of the Raji caste still worship here.
In BS 2029, the then King Birendra commissioned the restoration of the Gangamala Deuti Bajai temple.
map Of Deuti bajai temple
As the years have passed, I have witnessed the temple’s evolution, from the days of animal sacrifices to the modern practice of flying pigeons, a symbol of our respect for all living beings. Yet, the essence of our devotion remains untarnished, a sacred fire that burns brightly in our hearts.
May the legacy of the Gangamala Deuti Bajai Temple continue to inspire generations to come, reminding them of the indomitable spirit of our people and the profound connection we share with the divine forces that guide our existence.
