Editorial photo #13903333 Human Interest
Nepal: Daily Life In Bungamati
The idol of Hayagriva Bhairav is seen inside its temple in the Bungamati temple premises in Lalitpur, Nepal, on June 29, 2026. Hayagriva Bhairav is revered as a guardian deity in both Hindu and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, worshipped as a protector figure associated with wisdom and strength. The deity is depicted in a wrathful form, combining attributes linked to Shiva with horse-headed iconography associated with Vishnu or Avalokitesvara traditions, reflecting the religious syncretism of the Kathmandu Valley. Locals of Bungamati regard Hayagriva Bhairav as a protective guardian of the settlement, often referred to as a ''Maharaja,'' believed to safeguard the community from misfortune. The temple, located within the historic Newar town, holds cultural significance and is linked to traditional rituals and community beliefs. According to local folklore, the deity is associated with protecting residents during times of invasion, reinforcing his role as a guardian figure in Bungamati's cultural memory. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)
