Kathmandu : President Ramchandra Paudel today visited nine major goddess shrines in the Kathmandu Valley and paid homage to the deities on the occasion of the Sharadiya Nawaratra.
The Head-of-the-State reached the Naxal Bhagawati, Guhyeshwori, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Bhadrakali, Naradevi, Raktakali, Shobha Bhagawati, and Indrayani temples where he offered prayers to the deities. Following the worship, he received Tika and Prasad from the priests at the respective shrines.
First lady Sabita Paudel accompanied the President during the religious visits.
There is a long-standing customary for the Head-of-State to visit and pay homage to major Shaktipeeths (shrines of goddesses) in the capital on the day of Maha Ashtami during the Dashain festival.
During the time of monarchy, it was customary for the king to visit these shrines to offer worship and pay respects to these deities. The President continues this tradition following the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the republic.
