By Binu Shrestha, Kathmandu, Oct. 27: A month-long religious fair has begun at the historic Aadinath Temple on Chobhar Hill in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, attracting devotees from across the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas. The annual fair begins on Kojagrat Purnima and continues until Kartik Shukla Purnima, bringing together people from different religious communities.
The fair holds deep religious significance, with devotees believing that offering prayers at the temple brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to their families while helping them overcome fear, illness, and other hardships.
Saroj Shakya, one of the priest at Aadinath said the Chobhar area is believed to have been among the first places of human settlement after water drained from the Kathmandu Valley through the Chobhar gorge.
He said that month-long festival begins today. The Nirjala fasting ritual scheduled to start on Thulo Ekadashi. During the fast, devotees abstain from both food and water before completing the ritual.
“We have witnessed people suffering from leprosy who, according to their accounts, became healthy after observing the fast here,” Shakya claimed, highlighting the strong religious faith associated with the temple.
Associated with the Lichchhavi-era King Amshuverma, Aadinath Temple is regarded as an important historical and archaeological site. The temple houses an idol representing the combined form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, known as Ardhanarishwor
or Aadinath.
One of the temple's characteristics is its importance to both Hindu and Buddhist communities. Hindu devotees worship Aadinath as a manifestation of Shiva-Shakti, while Buddhists revere the deity as Anandadi Lokeshwor, a symbol of compassion.
Buddhist devotees believe that worshipping and meditating on Lokeshwor brings longevity and prosperity and protects against premature death.
According to local residents of Kirtipur, the temple has long served as a shared place of worship for Hindus and Buddhists. The centuries-old tradition reflects the religious harmony and cultural ties between the
two communities.
During the fair, devotees perform Sapta Satwo puja and offer religious flags, utensils, ornaments, and other ritual items at the temple. The temple premises come alive with traditional musical performances, devotional hymns, bhajan-kirtan, and religious dances throughout the festival.
Local resident Kanhaiya Kunwar said devotees visit the temple daily during the fair with various offerings and perform rituals accompanied by traditional musical instruments and devotional activities.
Beyond its religious importance, the Aadinath fair represents a living cultural tradition that preserves the historical identity of Chobhar and Kirtipur. The shared devotion of Hindu and Buddhist followers continues to make the temple a symbol of religious coexistence, cultural heritage, and community harmony.
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