In the serene hills of the Kathmandu Valley, what began as a simple afternoon walk became a deeply moving and unexpected spiritual encounter. As part of my volunteer work with VIN, I had the opportunity to visit one of the lesser-known temples in the JitpurPhedi community: the Bhubaneshwori Temple. I was fortunate to be accompanied by Léna, another VIN volunteer from the journalism program, who has been living in the community for several months and kindly offered to take me there. She had warned me that the temple was usually empty quiet, almost forgotten. But that day, everything changed.
1. A Surprise Ceremony and an Unforgettable Welcome
As we climbed the path to the temple, Léna looked surprised. The quiet shrine she once knew was now filled with people. Dozens of Nepalis had gathered to attend a large Hindu ceremony, led by a revered figure they call Baba, considered by many to be a holy man.
We were immediately welcomed with open arms. Several people eagerly invited us to join them for a meal. Though deeply touched by their kindness, we had to politely decline, still adjusting to the bold flavors of Nepalese spices. Our refusal, however, was received without offense, only warm smiles and heartfelt hospitality.
It was then that we met Mr. Dhan, the principal of Angel’s School in Kathmandu. Accompanied by fellow teachers, he greeted us warmly, took a photo with us, and, to our surprise, invited us to join the ceremony. What started as a casual visit suddenly took on a whole new dimension.
2. Rituals, Songs, and the Sacred Flame
The ceremony lasted nearly two hours, suspended in time, far from anything I had ever experienced. We sang, clapped, walked in circles around the altar, and prayed with flowers in our hands while the priests sprinkled sacred water over us. I discovered unfamiliar yet beautiful rituals: devotees lying face-down on the ground in full surrender, vines being burned in metal plates while chants echoed through the air, bare feet rinsed at the entrance before stepping inside the temple. It was a choreography of devotion, spiritual and authentic.
At first, some onlookers seemed surprised. Two foreigners, allowed inside a sacred space. But as time passed, that curiosity shifted. We were no longer just guests; we were participants, trying our best to show respect and immerse ourselves in this sacred moment.
3. Baba and the Universal Language of the Heart
Then, Baba appeared. A silence fell over the gathering, and people formed a circle around us. He stepped forward and, speaking in English, shared a message that deeply moved me. He spoke of the universal language of the heart, how we are all connected by it, and how language is never a true barrier when we speak from within.
After the ceremony, we were given fruits, and we stepped outside to witness large ritual fires being lit under the glowing moon. We had arrived at the temple around 5:30 p.m., with no particular plan. We left hours later, empty-handed but with our hearts full, overflowing with memories we would carry with us for a lifetime.
3. A Bond That Will Stay With Me
To say that I don’t wish to return to Bhubaneshwori Temple would be a lie. I’ve formed a real connection with that place. Baba’s wisdom, the warmth of the faithful, the vibrancy of their clothes, the rhythm of the music, the uniqueness of the rituals, and the heartfelt way they welcomed us, it all made a lasting impression.
I am especially grateful to Léna, without whom I would never have had the chance to live such a meaningful and emotional experience. I truly hope that other volunteers will have the same opportunity to witness something so profoundly beautiful.
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