Hundreds of devotees began queuing early Tuesday to worship at the Taleju Bhawani temple in the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar complex in Kathmandu, which opens to the public only once a year, on Maha Navami, the ninth day of Dashain.

The annual opening draws large numbers of worshippers seeking to offer prayers and pay homage to the goddess. Devotees lined up from early morning as the temple opened its doors for public worship.

A key part of the Dashain festivities, the temple’s rituals include the Kalratri worship performed on the night of Maha Ashtami at the main Chowk courtyard. The ritual involves the sacrifice of 54 goats and 54 buffaloes.

Taleju Bhawani is traditionally returned to the main temple on the morning of Vijaya Dashami, the main day of the Dashain celebrations.