Satau chandikalika (सतौ चण्डी) is a famous temple in Syangja district located in Putalibazar municipality ward number eight. It is 11 km away from Syangja bazar. This historical place is full of natural beauty, from here you can view the mountain range of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and some places of Kaski, Tanahun, Parbat, Gulmi and Palpa can be visited from here.
Little above the temple, there is a palace built by Sataukote King known as Kot. Earlier, the kings used to worship gods for happiness, prosperity in their kingdoms and Sataukote kings may have established the temple and named it Satau Chandi. It is believed that this temple was built by the third king of Satau Shirbam Shahi. Chandi Devi, Kalika Devi and Pashupatinath are worshiped here. There was a military complex from Satunkot to Chandi Than temple, military ruins can still be seen on the premises.
According to a legend, a few months after Shirbam Shahi became king, a landslide swept away a Magar girl who was grazing goats in Halle khola village. People went to look for the girl and found the girl safe in between stones. People believed that the goddess had saved her through that stone so they took a piece of that stone and started worshiping the goddess Chandi a little above the place where the landslide occurred. The temple was built of stone and mud later in 865 B.S. the temple was rebuilt by King Dirgharaj Shahi in 1770. The temple of Chandisthan was renovated in 2045 B.S.
In this temple animal sacrifices are not performed from Pratipada of Ashwin Navadurga to Ashtami, Pratipada of Chaitae Dashain to Saptami, Ramnavami, Shivaratri, Balachaturdashi, Baikunthe Poornima, sorha Shraddha, Aushi, Ekadashi and throughout the month of Shrawan. Earlier there was an idol of Goddess Kalika made of fifty-six tola of Gold which was stolen later.
It is said that human sacrifices were given here in those days, currently only Panchabali is given. Devotees from different parts of the country come to worship here with the belief that worshiping Satun Chandi will save them from accidents and brings prosperity. Fairs are held on Ashtami during Dashain, Mahashivratri and Balachatudashi. Especially on Dashain and Chaite Dashain, there is a significant participation of devotees.
How to reach Satau chandikalika?
There is roadways from Syangja Bazar to Badkhola, Putlikhet, Lamage, Amdanda Rajasthal Maidan. By foot you can reach Syangja Bazar Lamage Baaskot, Bhandari village and Khorbar, passing through Gahte in two hours.