Ugratara Temple (Ugratara Mandir)

Ugratara Temple, located at the foot of the hill near the headquarters of Dadeldhura district, is a famous Shakti Peeth of Sudurpashchim Nepal. Goddess Bhagwati is worshipped here and this temple is taken as the identity of Dadeldhura. The 'Dehi Jat' fair held here on the day of Kartik Shukla Purnima is very famous, where thousands of devotees participate.

History and Legend

There is an interesting historical story about the origin of Ugratara temple. Many years ago, when a local farmer was plowing at the place where the temple is currently located, the plowshare hit a stone (shila). Suddenly, blood started flowing from the stone. The farmer, panicked after seeing the blood, poured masha (black gram) khichdi that he had brought to eat onto the stone to stop the blood. After that, the blood stopped and it is believed that the Goddess appeared there. Since then, the worship of Ugratara Bhagwati started here.

Religious Importance and Festivals

Ugratara is considered one of the nine major Bhagwati temples of Sudurpashchim. Devotees have profound faith that their wishes are fulfilled by worshipping here.

• Dehi Jat: The largest fair of this temple is held on the day of Kartik Shukla Purnima. During this time, devotees from various districts of Sudurpashchim and even from India come for pilgrimage.
• Dashain: Special worship and sacrifices are offered here during Bada Dashain and Chaite Dashain.

The architecture of the temple is in the traditional Nepali style, and the peaceful environment of the temple complex provides spiritual peace to the visitors.