The Bhimsen Temple of Khokla Busty is in the heart of our Newar community. It is a place of worship, faith, history, and cultural heritage. As devotees step through its grand entrance, they are embraced by an atmosphere of peaceful devotion that has stood the test of time.
From the rhythmic chants that echo through its sacred halls to the intricate carvings adorning its walls, every element of this temple narrates a story—a tale of devotion, tradition, and spiritual awakening. Whether you seek solace, divine blessings, or simply an appreciation of its architectural marvels, Bhimsen Temple of Khokla Busty offers an experience that connects the soul to the sacred.
 |
| Front side Image: Old Bhimsen Temple of Khokla Busty, India. |
History and Origin:
The Bhimsen Temple of Khokla Busty, India, was established in 1970 by the Khokla Newar Guthi Samaj. This temple has been a spiritual haven for the devotees and a symbol of the Newar community. It is built for people to come together to practice their faith, connect with their heritage, and follow ancestral tradition.
Bhimsen God:
For the Newar, Bhimsen God is revered as the god of wealth and prosperity, trade and commerce, health and progress, power and strength and worshipped by almost all the Newar community, from Nepal and India. In the Newari language, he is called “Bhimdyo” whereas the “Bhim” is short for “Bhimsen” and “Dyo” refers to “God” in newari language.
The Mahabharata Hero
Bhimsen, also known as Bhimasena, is a central figure in the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata, where he is revered as one of the five Pandava brothers. Celebrated for his extraordinary strength and unwavering bravery, Bhimsen’s legendary exploits are numerous. He is particularly known for his vow to avenge the humiliation of Draupadi, the Pandavas’ common wife, who was unjustly treated by the Kauravas. This vow culminated in a fierce battle during the great war of Kurukshetra, where Bhimsen fulfilled his pledge by defeating and killing Dushasana with a single, powerful blow from his mace.8 Even in his youth, Bhimsen was distinguished by his exceptional strength and an equally remarkable appetite, earning him the epithet “terrific”.8 Understanding his character within the Mahabharata provides essential context for his veneration, as his attributes of strength, righteousness, and the protection of dharma resonate deeply within Hindu tradition.
The Newari God of Commerce
In a fascinating cultural adaptation, Bhimsen has been elevated in Nepal, particularly within the Newari community, to the esteemed status of the god of trade and business.2 This role represents a significant departure from his primary identity as a warrior in the Indian epic tradition, where the realm of commerce is typically associated with deities like Ganesha.2 This “unexplained metamorphosis,” as noted by one scholar 2, highlights the localized religious interpretations and syncretic nature of religious practices in the region. Newar traders traditionally hold the strong belief that anyone who can please Bhimsen will be rewarded with profitable business ventures.2 Consequently, images of Bhimsen are often carried by members of the Newar business community to wherever their commercial activities take them, underscoring his importance as the ultimate deity of economy for the Nepalis.2 This unique association of Bhimsen with commerce underscores the close intertwining of religious belief and economic life within the Newari culture.
Iconography and Depictions
The visual representations of Bhimsen within the Patan temple vividly reflect both his legendary strength and his revered status. He is frequently depicted as a powerful, red-complexioned figure, often portrayed in dynamic poses such as crushing an elephant with a knee or lifting a horse into the air.5 These depictions serve as potent symbols of his superhuman strength, a key attribute from his Mahabharata narrative. The main statue within the sanctum features a distinctive iconography: the deity is shown wearing a long skirt, with legs positioned astride, clad in mail, and wielding a large club. His headgear is described as “Grecian,” adding an intriguing element to his visual representation.2 The statue is also noted for its “wild-eyed” appearance, which likely contributes to the sense of his formidable power.5 Local legend recounts the story of King Yog Narendra Malla’s desire to replace the original clay idol with a metal one. The king commissioned a renowned artist, but was initially dissatisfied with the lifelessness of the wax models. His frustration reportedly reached a point of anger, which, according to the tale, inadvertently inspired the artist to finally create a fierce and lifelike metal idol depicting Bhimsen in a fighting stance, poised to strike down his rival Dushasana.8 It is also said that upon the installation of this new statue, a radiant white light emanated from the temple, bestowing the street in front with its current Nepali name.4 This narrative not only highlights the importance placed on the deity’s physical representation but also provides a unique piece of local folklore connecting the statue’s creation to a significant event and a reflection of the king’s own demeanor.
Temple Management and Rituals:
“The management and upkeep of the Bhimsen temple are entrusted to the Kapali-Jogi, a specific Newar caste of Shaiva renouncers. This group plays a crucial role in the community’s religious life, performing various services such as death rituals and providing religious music for community members. The Kapali-Jogi are also responsible for maintaining the shrine to Bhimsen.”
The above paragraph about the temple management system and Kapila Jogi is just a fact and a belief context of the community. But this temple is managed and maintained by a few very interested grandfathers of the Newar Guthi Samaj. Remembering, until 2022 it was worshipped by the Late Jakri Bal Bahadur Pradhan and the Late Jakri Bhakta Bahadur Pradhan.
Bhimsen Jatra:
This is one of the most important festivals dedicated to Bhimsen, primarily celebrated by the Newar community in August/September (Bhadra month). During this festival, devotees carry palanquins or chariots with Bhimsen’s idol through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and devotional songs, expressing gratitude for his blessings and seeking continued prosperity.