Introduction
Thimi Layakoo, located in Ward No. 4 of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, is situated at the heart of the Thimi settlement. Currently, Adarsha Higher Secondary School is being operated in this complex, and one of the buildings houses the Layakoo’s Taleju. This complex, located along Thimi’s main road, spans an area of approximately 3.5 ropani. Despite the presence of the school, one building on the southern edge of the complex serves as the Taleju temple, where religious and cultural activities are performed.
Historical Background
No definitive informational material about the establishment of Thimi Layakoohas been discovered yet. Local elders claim that the main building of this Layakoo had nine stories, though this remains to be officially verified. During drainage construction around Layakoo, the discovery of bricks of archaeological significance provides some indication of its antiquity. This highlights the need for excavation and further research in the Layakoo complex.
Outside the Layakoo courtyard, along the main road, there is Thimi’s only Shikhara-style temple (Tahadega), which, according to the inscription, was commissioned by Indra Singh Duwaal in Nepal Samvat 769.
Cultural Significance
The Thimi Layakoo holds a significant place in the local culture and heritage. This site is also the dwelling place of Balkumari, the town’s guardian deity. The five idols of Balkumari, which are part of the festival processions, are kept in the Taleju building within this complex. It is said that after the festivals conclude, these idols are concealed within a wall of Taleju and sealed with clay. The exact location is unknown even to the person who seals it. However, as the Biska Jatra approaches, the wall containing the Balkumari idols begins to crack, guiding people to the location where the idols are retrieved for the festival. Similarly, the jewelry (Tisa) offered to Balkumari is also stored within this Taleju.
On the day after Vijaya Dashami (Dashain), a Khwa (Paya) procession is carried out from Layakoo . Various local communities associated with Layakoo participate in this ritual. Layakoo also plays a significant role in the Biska Jatra. Eight days before the Khata Jatra begins, the Balkumari jewelry (Tisa) is removed, washed, and dried in Layakoo . Throughout the festival, various cultural activities are performed.
On the eve of Biska Jatra, the Mikhumey procession, led by elders from Thimi, is carried out under the direction and supervision of Layakoo officials. Furthermore, the management, coordination, and regulation of Biska Jatra are overseen by layakoo. The Khata Jatra, part of Biska Jatra, formally begins when Balkumari’s main jewelry (Tisa) is brought from Layakoo and taken to the Balkumari Temple in Kwalakhu Tol.
On the final day of Khata Jatra, celebrated on Baisakh 2, the Balkumari idol returns to the Layakoocomplex, marking the official conclusion of the Thimi Biska Jatra for the year. After Balkumari enters Layakoo, other Khats (palanquins) are also brought into Layakoo, and celebrations take place for some time. Finally, Balkumari is immersed in the Layakoocomplex, while the other Khats circle around Balkumari’s palanquin and return to their respective neighborhoods.
