The story of Taleju Bhawani and her loyal protector, Lakhe, stretches over centuries and provides a profound insight into Nepal’s cultural and religious traditions. Originating from events in the 13th century after the invasion of Simraungadh by the Bengali Muslim ruler Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, it chronicles the experiences of King Harisingh Dev’s family, their deity, and the legendary Lakhe, highlighting themes of survival, devotion, and the strong connections between Simraungadh, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu. This article explores the historical importance of Taleju Bhawani’s journey, her tantric establishment in Bhaktapur by King Rudra Malla, and the legend of Lakhe, whose fearsome appearance and eventual assimilation into Bhaktapur’s cultural identity are integral to the city’s renowned folklore.
In the 13th century, following an attack by the Bengali Muslim ruler Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, King Harisingh Dev of Simraungadh fled his realm. Seeking refuge in Bhaktapur due to the strong ties between the two places, he unfortunately passed away during the journey. His queen, Devaldevi, and their son, Prince Jagatsingh Dev, arrived in Bhaktapur, bringing their family deity, Tulja Bhawani, through the eastern gate. King Rudra Malla of Bhaktapur performed tantric rituals to establish the deity in his royal palace. In Simraungadh, Tulja Bhawani was referred to as Taleju Bhawani, and Lakhe, a mythical demon, was regarded as one of her attendants, accompanying them to Bhaktapur.
Lakhe had a large, fearsome appearance with a terrifying face, unkempt hair, and chains on his arms and legs, which made him quite intimidating. Concerned that the people of Bhaktapur would be frightened, the king prohibited Lakhe from entering the city. Consequently, Lakhe had to stay outside the city at the foot of Lapton Hill, a lonely area with little traffic. Farmers working in nearby fields would occasionally see him, and while the children were initially scared, they soon realized he meant no harm and began to tease him. In retaliation, Lakhe tried to scare them, but the children continued their mockery. Over time, Lakhe grew more aggressive and started frightening anyone who passed by. The children who teased him became known as Chumpak or Nhyali Cha.
As access to the fields became challenging, the issue was brought to the king’s attention. Upon investigation, he discovered that despite Lakhe’s frightening appearance, he had a good character and served as a guardian of Taleju Bhawani. Thus, the king permitted Lakhe to enter the city on the condition that he would not harm anyone. Eager to worship their deity Tulja Bhawani, Lakhe headed towards Bhaktapur Durbar Square during the Yenya Punhi festival. Recognizing Lakhe’s good nature, the king allowed him to participate in the city procession.
After King Yaksha Malla’s death in 1540 B.S., his younger son Ratna Malla, who was quite clever, claimed the throne, ignoring the rightful claim of his elder brother Rai Malla. He established a separate kingdom, separating the state of Kantipur from his sister Dharmavati’s kingdom in Lalitpur. Not only did he create his own kingdom, but he also took Taleju Bhawani to Kathmandu, where he built a Mul Chowk (central courtyard) similar to the one in Bhaktapur to house the deity. It is believed that after Taleju Bhawani was moved to Kathmandu, Lakhe left Bhaktapur to follow her there.
