Spiritual · Bhedetar
Dantakali and Budhasubba temples below Bhedetar
A morning visit to two temples on the hills at the edge of Dharan, on the way up to Bhedetar: Dantakali, a goddess shrine, and Budhasubba, a temple sacred to Kirat and Hindu devotees, with its famous bamboo grove.
Before climbing to Bhedetar, we stop at the forested hill of Bijaypur on Dharan's edge. Dantakali temple is a goddess shrine where, devotees say, a tooth of the goddess Sati fell, making it one of the Shakti sites of the region. Steps lead up through trees to the shrine, which is busiest on Saturdays and festival days, when families come with offerings of flowers, rice and red powder.
Nearby, Budhasubba temple is revered by Kirat and Hindu worshippers alike. Local belief holds that the bamboo growing around the shrine grows without tips, and the grove is part of every visit. Couples come to pray for children and newlyweds for blessings, and many tie offerings or threads near the shrine. The temple shows how Kirat and Hindu traditions have grown together in Dharan, a city with deep Kirat roots.
Our guide explains the stories and rituals, and how Kirat and Hindu worship meet in Dharan. We move quietly, give space to worshippers and take photographs only where it is welcome. The visit takes about two hours with both temples. Then we continue up the road to Bhedetar for the views, a meal and, if the timing works, the sunset over the plains you have just left.
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Questions
Where are Dantakali and Budhasubba temples?
Both are on the forested hills at the eastern edge of Dharan, near the start of the road to Bhedetar and Dhankuta. They are a few minutes' drive from the city centre and easy to combine with Bhedetar.
What is special about Budhasubba temple?
Budhasubba is sacred to Kirat and Hindu devotees, and is known for the bamboo around it, which local belief says grows without tips. Many couples visit to pray for blessings and children, and the temple is busy on Saturdays and festival days.
What should I wear to the temples?
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and leather items where asked. Ask before photographing worshippers or shrines, do not touch offerings or images, and walk around shrines clockwise as local people do.
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