Tal Barahi Temple

Tal Barahi Temple, also known as Lake Temple or Varahi Temple, is a two-story pagoda temple on a small Phewa Lake island. Dedicated to Goddess Varahi, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, both Hindu and Buddhist followers visit here for worship. It is believed that the temple was built by King Kulmandhan Shah because of a dream that he saw. 

Goddess Varahi is an avatar of Goddess Durga who is believed to be the symbol of strength (Shakti).  Varahi or Barahi means 'Boar' in Nepalese. It is a form which was taken by Goddess Durga to kill the destructive demons. She is believed to have fought the mighty demons with her tusks and killed them all. After the fight, she is believed to have visited the Pokhara Valley and found it so enticing that she wanted to stay there. Ever since, this powerful form of Goddess Durga has been an important deity for the Hindu community in Nepal. Locals also state that the temple was in fact, built by an ardent worshipper of Goddess Varahi, King Kulmandhan Shah of the Shah Dynasty. It was made during his resign in 1864, and he chose the spot on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake for the temple to be built. The island was actually formed after the inflow of water to Phewa Lake was controlled by a dam built nearby.

The main shrine set has traditional pagoda-type architecture, mostly made of wood, bricks, and stone, and has a premise large enough to accommodate a number of devotees. The premise also has decent seats where one can sit for a moment before returning to the city. When visiting Phewa Lake, sailing to the island and exploring the temple are highly recommended.