Dakshinkali Temple

Dakshinkali sits at the confluence of two streams in a wooded gorge south of Kathmandu, dedicated to the fierce goddess Kali. It is one of the valley's principal shrines for animal sacrifice, busiest on Tuesdays and Saturdays when pilgrims arrive to make offerings. The open-air sanctum, sheltered by carved canopies and surrounded by forested hills, has an atmosphere quite different from the urban temples. Visitors descend stone steps to the sacred meeting of waters, and adjacent picnic grounds make it a common day trip from the city.