Bal Kumari Temple

The Bal Kumari temple at Thimi about five kilometers from Bhaktapur, Nepal. The 16th-century temple, dedicated to one of Bhairab’s shaktis. The goddess’ peacock vehicle is depicted on a column in front of the temple, as well as each corner of the temple. It’s the focus for the Balkumari Jatra a part of Bisket Jatra, a festival where Thimi welcomes the new year (around mid-April) with riotous scenes as the 32 khats (palanquins) whirl around the temple while Vermilion Powder is hurled at them.

It is the unique temple of Madhyapur Thimi, the 4th largest city in Kathmandu Valley. The temple was constructed in the 16th century with many later decorative additions.