Bajrabarahi Temple Location: Sankhu, Nepal

The Bajrabarahi Temple (also spelled Vajravarahi) is located in Sankhu (Sankharapur), a historic Newar town approximately 13 km (8 miles) northeast of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Significance

• Dedicated to Vajravarahi (Tibetan: Dorje Phagmo), the "Diamond Sow"—a wrathful dakini manifestation of Vajrayogini in Vajrayana Buddhism
• Major pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus (syncretic worship)
• 17th-century pagoda-style structure with gilt copper roof, intricate woodcarving
• Associated with the Sankhu Bajra Jogini tantric tradition

Visiting

Accessible by local bus/taxi from Kathmandu (45–60 min). Combine with Sankhu's other heritage: Vajrayogini Temple (hilltop, 1.5 hr hike), ancient city layout, and traditional Newar architecture. Festival: Bajra Jogini Jatra (April/May) features masked dances and ritual processions.

Sankhu was a key node on the ancient Tibet-Nepal trade route; its preservation offers rare insight into traditional Newar urbanism.