Unveiling Khadga Devi Temple: Bandipur's Ancient Shrine of Power - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Turn left and walk up the stairs through the brick arch and follow the trail for 5min, and you will come to Khadga Devi Temple.
Khadga Devi Temple is one of the most spiritually significant and historically rich landmarks in this peaceful hill town of central Nepal. Though it may appear modest from the outside, the temple holds deep cultural importance for locals and offers a mysterious, mythic allure for curious travelers.

The Origin of the Name Khadga Devi

The name ‘Khadga Devi’ comes from Sanskrit:

• 'Khadga' means ‘sword’

• 'Devi' refers to the goddess

Together, Khadga Devi translates to the ‘Goddess of the Sword’. The temple is dedicated to a powerful, unseen divine force said to reside in a sacred weapon kept inside the shrine.

A Temple with a Sacred Artifact

The temple is not architecturally grand, but its spiritual significance, mythological backstory, and peaceful location make it a meaningful stop for those exploring Bandipur’s cultural side.
Unlike many temples adorned with idols and statues, Khadga Devi Temple is unique: it enshrines a sword wrapped in layers of cloth, hidden from public view. Locals believe the sword holds divine energy and should never be unsheathed. It is only worshipped during the Dashain festival, Nepal’s biggest Hindu celebration, when the sword is ceremonially honored by the community.

According to local tradition, the sword is said to have belonged to King Mukunda Sen of Palpa, a 16th-century ruler known for his power and expansionist ambitions in western Nepal. The story goes that the sword was imbued with divine energy and later brought to Bandipur, where it became an object of worship rather than warfare.
Some locals believe the sword represents Khadga Devi herself — a fierce, protective goddess similar to Durga or Kali. The belief is that uncovering the sword or misusing it would bring disaster, as the object is too powerful for ordinary mortals to behold.

The temple will be locked when you get there. You can try to look inside, but you will not see much.

Back to your self-guided tour

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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