The Himalayan nation is a confluence of two of the world’s greatest religions – Hinduism and Buddhism.

These religions paved way for the multitude of temples, stupas, durbars and monasteries that make up the topography of the land of the Gurkhas and are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Most of Nepal’s pilgrimage sites draw throngs of people from across the globe, often cramping religious places on festivals such Dashain, Janmashtami, Shivaratri, Tihar and more.

The Hindu pilgrimage sites can be divided into four sections or Char Dams – Pashupat Kshetra, Mukti Kshetra, Ruru Kshetra and Baraha Kshetra, positioned in the different directions of the country, ranging from east to west and north to south.

Also, there are Vaishnav, Shaiva and Shakti shrines as per the devotees’ faith in Vishnu, Shiva and Kali.

In terms of Buddhism, Lumbini – the birthplace of Buddha stands as the most holiest site for the Buddhists in Nepal and around the world.

Interestingly, there are many temples, shrines and monasteries, which are significant to both Hindus and Buddhists.

The temple of Muktinath in Mustang is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Avalokiteshwar, equally revered by Hindus and Buddhists.

Besides, there are several monasteries and caves where the holy Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated.

While there is an endless list of temples, shrines, monasteries and more, here is a select few!

Nepal’s Top Pilgrimage Sites

Boudhanath Stupa

The 36-m high structure is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. It is located 8kms from Kathmandu and is visible right from the Tribhuvan airport. It was constructed in the 14^th century and is believed to have been created soon after Buddha passed away. The stupa’s massive mandala also makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Read more..

Swayambhunath

Famous as the ‘Monkey Temple’ among visitors, the stupa is situated in the northwest region of Kathmandu Valley. The stupa presents a captivating view of the city as it overlooks most part of the valley. The site stands as a symbol of faith and harmony. It is believed to have evolved automatically when the valley was bought to life from a large lake more than 2,000 years ago. Swayambhu means self-existent one. Read More

Pashupatinath

The most holiest shrine for Hindus in Nepal and India is located on the banks of Bagmati River on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is spread across an area of 246 hectares and is filled with temples and monuments. It features a variety of styles temples such as dome style, pagoda and Srikhara style. The shrine houses several temples including Bhuwaneshwori, Dakshinamurti, Panchdewal, Tamreshwor and more. The temple receives thousands of festivals on the occasion of Shivaratri. Read More

Lumbini

The Buddhist pilgrimage site is of high importance to Buddhists as it is considered as the birthplace of Buddha. The enlightened soul was born at the very spot in 623 B.C. The site is located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal and has the commemorative pillars erected by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 B.C. Mayadevi temple is one of the most important sites in the Lumbini garden. Read More

Muktinath

Follow the trail through Jomsom and arrive at Muktinath, a religious site that is of high significance to both Hindus and Buddhists. For Hindus, this a place of salvation where bathing in the water guarantees salvation after death. It is believed that the Lord Brahma himself lit the eternal flames that burn at the temple. Buddhists believe that this is the place where the holy sage Guru Rinpoche came to meditate. For Tibetan Buddhists, this place is one of the 24 tantric places, which houses the statue of Avalokiteshwara, the deity who embodies the compassion of all the Buddhas. Read More

Tengboche

The Tengboche monastery is situated in the Khumbu subregion of Nepal’s Province 1 and is considered as the largest gompa in the region. It houses a residing holy monk or Ringpoche who bless pilgrims and visitors to the area. The Buddhist monastery presents a picturesque view of the Himalayan mountains, which includes some important peaks such as Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse and Tawache among others. An interesting fact about Tengboche monastery is Tenzing Norgay, the first man to reach the summit of Everest was once sent to the very monastery to become a monk.

Budhanilkantha

The Budhanilkantha is one of the most-loved Vishnu temples of the Kathmandu Valley and is situated at the foot of the Shivpuri Hills. The temple presents an intricately-designed sculpture of the sleeping Vishnu, who looks similar to the Buddha. The stone statue of Lord Vishnu is the largest Vishnu statue in Nepal and is seen lying on a bed of Nagas in the center of a small pond.

Nepal’s topography exudes as sense of calm and peace that not only comes from the rich vegetation and landscape but also from the spirituality of its temples, monasteries and shrines. Read More

Wanting to make a religious pilgrimage? Then what better place than the abode of the Himalayas?

The post Nepal’s Top Pilgrimage Sites – The Abode of Spirituality appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

Considered to be the holiest Tibetan monument, Boudhanath was built during the reign of King Manadeva in the 5^th century AD and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Boudhanath or Jharung Khashor symbolizes the high knowledge treasure of the Buddhas and is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees who prostrate and circumambulate it with a pure heart.

A Symbol of Tibetan Culture

Boudhanath reflects the rich Tibetan culture as evident in its holy appearance.

A square tower with the eyes of the omnipresent Buddha painted on all four sides stands atop Boudhanath.

Prayer flags in five colors with mantras and prayers, representing the five elements or Five Pure Lights of Tibetan Buddhism namely space, air, water, fire and earth, are tied all around this great stupa called ‘Chorten Chenpo’ in Tibetan.

Over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries and nunneries are located close to the monument including the Shechen Monastery, Khawalung Monastery, Kopan Monastery, Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery and Pullahari Monastery & Retreat Center, the seat of His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche of Tibet in Nepal.

Association with Padmapani

While the nine levels of the Boudhanath stupa symbolize Mount Meru, considered the center of the cosmos, the 13 rings from the base to the pinnacle of the monument represent “Bodhi” or the path to enlightenment, from which the name Boudhanath has been derived.

The 108 forms of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara or Padmapani, are depicted in exquisite sculptures around the base of the stupa, while the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” is inscribed on the prayer wheels beside his image.

Tourist Attractions

Nearby Boudhanath are several handicraft stores selling Tibetan souvenirs, statues, prayer flags, ceremonial horns, Tibetan drums, singing bowls, thankas and other items of tourist interest.

Feeding of birds is organized here early in the morning each day for the visitors to participate in as an act of giving and compassion.

The Taragaon Museum on Boudha Road and the Bodhisattva Gallery promoting and selling Newari art statues and Paubha paintings are among popular among tourists to Boudhanath.

The famous Pashupatinath temple is within a 30-minute walking distance of Boudhanath. Regular bus services to the ancient temple of Changu Narayan are also available from here.

Reaching Boudhanath

Boudhanath is situated at a distance of seven miles from the center of Kathmandu and is easily accessible by taxis and buses.

The Boudhanath stupa that was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake has been renovated at a cost of Rs 230 million and reopened to the public in November 2016.

One of the few places across the world where unfettered Tibetan Buddhist culture is on view, Boudhanath presents a fascinating and enriching spiritual experience to all tourists visiting Nepal.

Also Read:

• Nepal, The Perfect Tourism Destination for an Unforgettable Holiday Experience

The post Boudhanath, Asia’s Largest Stupa and Nepal’s Chorten Chenpo appeared first on Nepali Sansar.