KATHMANDU: All preparations have been completed to open the Taleju Temple for the public on the occasion of Maha Navami, the ninth day of the Dashain festival.

The temple is opened only once a year, on this auspicious day, for worship and darshan. Located in the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, the Taleju Bhawani Temple draws hundreds of thousands of devotees on Maha Navami.

According to Kajiman Pyakurel, chief of the Hanumandhoka Durbar Caretaker Office, arrangements have been finalized to allow devotees to enter and offer prayers today.

Meanwhile, the idol of Taleju Bhawani had been brought to the Mulchok of Hanumandhoka Palace on Phulpati (Monday).

It will be returned to the main temple only on the morning of Bijaya Dashami.On the night of Maha Ashtami, the Kalaratri ritual is performed at Mulchok following tantric traditions, with the sacrifice of 54 goats and 54 buffaloes.

The ritual is believed to be conducted to invoke divine power for the functioning of the state.