The Kalika (Kumari) Temple of archaeological significance is located in Ward No. 8, Tankwato, Bode, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality. The temple complex lies approximately 50 feet west of the ancient Bode settlement. This shrine is called “Tankwa” (meaning “below the slope”). To the west of the temple, there is a “Pati” (traditional resting place). To the left of the downward slope on the eastern side of the temple, there is a stone spout and a small pond that collects the spout’s water. About 15 meters east of the temple, there is another stone spout. Recently, the temple complex has been preserved and enhanced as a model of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality. Restoration work has been carried out, including paving the temple courtyard, reconstructing the spout, pati, and pond. Additionally, the entire complex has been developed into a green garden.
(1) Historical Background
This temple is another heritage site of historical significance in the Bode area. According to an inscription from Nepal Sambat 763 located in the temple complex, this shrine was expanded into a temple during that period, indicating that the shrine existed before that time. Another inscription states that the temple was renovated in Nepal Sambat 819.
(2) Cultural Significance
Kalika is worshipped as an important Shakti Peeth (power center), with various rituals performed at the site. Especially during Ganesh Chaturthi, those knowledgeable in Tantric practices worship here. During the famous Biska Jatra of Madhyapur Thimi, on the night of Baisakh 1 (New Year’s Day), the Chanhasya Jatra is conducted in Bode. All the Khats (palanquins) of Bode are taken to this temple complex, where they are left for the night while bhajan and kirtan (devotional songs) are performed. At dawn, the Khats are carried to the Ganesh Temple in Pachwo, located north of the Layeku of Bode, where the tongue-piercing ritual is conducted on Baisakh 2.
During the procession, it is believed that the Ganesh from Pachwo leads the way while the Kumari follows at the end, providing protection. The tradition of taking the Mahalaxmi Khat (considered the protector deity of Bode) to this temple during the Biska Jatra shows the religious and cultural importance of this Shakti Peeth.
(3) Artistic Significance
This north-facing, single-storey temple is approximately 22 feet high. The temple has a tile roof with three pinnacles aligned at the top. The walls beneath the roof feature “Chapa Jhya” (wooden lattice windows). Like other temples, it has an open design on three sides — the front, left, and right. The artistic façade includes decorative panels on both sides of the main entrance, with a carved wooden door frame resembling an “Aankhi Jhyal” (decorative window).
Above the temple’s main door, there is an intricately carved “Tulung” featuring the image of Kalika, Garuda, and various deities with 16 or 4 hands. In Bikram Sambat 2054, a bronze peacock statue was installed atop a 15-16 feet concrete pillar directly in front of the temple. Inside the temple, the Kalika idol is placed a few inches forward from the rear wall. The idol is a plain, smooth stone without any features.
Behind the idol, there is a 1-foot wide and 1.5-foot high decorative screen, and on both sides, there are two pairs of lions. One pair is placed in front of Kalika, and another pair behind. Small abstract stones, representing the Astamatrika goddesses, are placed on either side of the idol. A bronze “Ilan” hangs from the ceiling above Kalika, and the inner walls of the temple feature a painting of a “Kawa” (skeleton).
