The Vajrayogini Temple in Kathmandu (Sankhu) is one of the most important tantric Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, located in the ancient Newar town of Sankhu (Shankharapur), about 15–20 km northeast of central Kathmandu.

Exploring the antique town of Sankhu and the significant Buddhist pilgrimage destination- Vajrayogini temple offer new insights to the devotees of visiting the Shaktipith.

Bajrayogini Temple is also known as Bodhisattva’s temple, which is a sacred pilgrimage destination, especially for those who follow Tantric Buddhism. There is a myth that says the Vajrayogini temple was built by King Prakash Malla in 1655. The Tantric deity Vajrayogini is one of the most powerful goddesses that people will get strength. The site is combined with Ugra Tara.

🛕 Vajrayogini Temple (Sankhu, Kathmandu)

📍 Location

The temple sits on a forested hillside above Sankhu, reached by a long stone stairway that climbs from the historic town below. The site is part of the sacred landscape of northeastern Kathmandu Valley, near Manichuda Hill and traditional Newar settlements.

🧘‍♀️ Deity and Religious Importance

The temple is dedicated to Vajrayogini, a powerful tantric Buddhist goddess (also associated locally with forms like Ugra Tara).

• In Vajrayana Buddhism, Vajrayogini represents wisdom, transformation, and enlightened energy
• She is worshipped in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions in Nepal
• The site is considered a Shakti Peetha (seat of divine feminine power) and an important pilgrimage destination for Newar Buddhists and Tibetan Buddhists

🏛️ Bajrayogini Temple History

The history of the temple is layered with legend and reconstruction:

• The site is believed to be very ancient, with associations to early settlement myths of Sankhu
• Some traditions trace activity at Sankhu back to early medieval times (around 6th century inscriptions in the region)
• The current main temple structure is often linked to reconstruction in the 17th century under King Pratap Malla (1655 CE)
• It has been rebuilt and restored multiple times, especially after earthquakes

🏯 Bajrayogini Temple Complex

The Vajrayogini complex is not a single building but a multi-layered sacred site, including:

• Two main temples (upper and lower shrines)
• Shrines of Bhairav, Ganesh, Vishnu, and other deities
• A chaitya (stupa) and tantric ritual spaces
• Stone carvings of protector deities
• Pilgrim rest houses and smaller shrines along the hill route

The architecture blends:

• Newar pagoda style
• Buddhist tantric symbolism
• Hindu iconography

🪜 Pilgrimage Route

• Visitors usually start from Sankhu town
• A steep stone stairway hike (30–60 minutes) leads to the temple
• Along the way are:
  • Water spouts
  • Shrines to deities like Bhairav and Ganesh
  • Rest shelters and small ritual spots

🔱 Myths and Legends

Local traditions say:

• Vajrayogini “opened” the valley by draining a lake with her ritual dagger
• She instructed the creation of Sankhu town in a sacred geometric form (conch-shaped layout)
• The area is connected to tantric masters and meditation caves used by ancient practitioners

🌄 Cultural Significance Today

• Major site for Newar Buddhist festivals and rituals
• Important for tantric Vajrayana practice
• A popular mix of pilgrimage + hiking destination
• Part of the broader network of Vajrayogini temples across Kathmandu Valley

🧭 In Simple Terms

The Vajrayogini Temple of Sankhu is:

A hilltop tantric Buddhist shrine above an ancient Newar town, combining mythology, meditation tradition, and centuries-old architecture dedicated to the goddess Vajrayogini.

Festival at Bajrayogini Temple

The famous Bajrayogini Fair is held in ChaitePurnima, the Gregorian calendar’s Full Moon Day in March or April.

Effect of 2015’s Earthquake on Bajrayogini Temple

The earthquake that hit Sankhu City on April 25th 2015 had an enormous effect. Temple Bajrayogini was no different. The engineers hadn’t declared the temple secure.

Renovation of the temple is essential to guarantee protection. The Bajrayogini temple sculptures are comfortably moved, and wooden planks support the shrine.

Best Travel Itinerary

Nepal Tours a well-balanced 2-days Kathmandu itinerary combining Kathmandu sightseeing with a dedicated trip to Sankhu and the Vajrayogini Temple, designed for a realistic pace with travel times.