Overview
Dakshinkali Temple or Dakshin Kali Temple is located 22 kilometres outside Kathmandu, and only a kilometre away from the village of Pharping. The place of worship is one of the most important temples in Nepal and is dedicated to the fierce and feared Goddess Kali. The fame of this temple lies in its rituals and traditions. Twice a week, animals are sacrificed at this religious place - uncastrated male goats and cockerels in particular – as an offering to the ferocious spouse of Lord Shiva. The temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a devotee of Kali. The Dakshinkali Temple derives its name from a compound of the words 'Dakshin', which means 'south', and the name 'Kali', which signifies the deity that is worshipped here.
The idol of the Goddess is seen standing on top of a corpse, portraying the triumph of good over evil. Embellished with a sword in one hand, a skull cap in another, and a severed head in the third, the four-armed idol represents an image of a strong, empowered divine being who has arrived to conquer evil and emerge as victorious.