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Bouddhanath Stupa
This Colossal stupa the biggest in Nepal is situated about 7km. East of the capital. The Bouddhhnath stupa is also known as Khasti Chitya and is considered as one of the oldest stupas in the country.
After 1959, many Tibetans came and have settled in Bouddhanath area.
With a diameter of about 100m and a height of 40m, Bouddhanath is among the largest stupas in the world. The Bouddhanath stupa covers a vast area that has a circumbulatory path at the bottom and another path made of three-tier plinth. The stupa looks similar to Swayambhunath but many features in this stupa are pinnacles as well as 108 Buddhist Gods and Goddesses. The most attractive part of the Stupa is the all seeing eyes of the Buddha painted with red, white and blue.It is believed that King Manadeva built the Bouddhanath stupa during the Lichavi period. It has been renovated time and again and the present form of stupa was renovated in the 17th century.
The most popular festival celebrated here is the Tibetan New Year festival Lhosar that falls in February. The festival starts with prayers and worship. Thousands, of Tibetans dress Traditionally and dance after lighting incense to Buddha. Lots of Tibetan comes from Laddakh, Sikkim, Bhutan as well as other parts of the hills to celebrate this festival.
In Bouddhanath, there are many monasteries or Gompas. They are all beautifully decorated and colorfully painted. One can visit the monasteries and take photographs. It is advisable to give small donation when one takes photographs.
Pashupatinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all the Hindus of the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of Nepal. This is one of the oldest temples, situated on the banks of the Holy Bagmati River. It is double – roofed golden temple with four triple silver doorways. Pashupatinath covers and area of 281 hectares, which is one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal.
Pashupati is one of the many names of Lord Shiva, which means "Lord of Animals” or “Lord of the living beings”. Everyday thousands of Hindus go to the temple. It is situated 7km. From the old city of Kathmandu. The date of construction of this temple is unknown. However, it is believed to be built by the Licchavi King Supuspadeva in the 6th Century. It was renovated by King Jyoti Malla in 1416 A.D. King Bhupatindra Malla reconstructed it in 1697. All the Shah kings have splendor. Non – Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple. They can have a good view of the temple complex from the other side of the Basmati River. There are many Ghats on the bank of River Bagmati, which are rectangular or round ones for ritual bat. There are many small houses behind the Ghats; there are dying near the complex is almost a guarantee for betterment in the next life. After the death ritual of cremation is started immediately, all the ritual can be observed from the other side of the river.
People other than family members are requested not to go very near and disturb the cremation activity. Photos from far are possible
Dakshinkali and Chobhar
The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is one of the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km from the city center on the southern rim of the valley past Pharping village, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. According to a mythology the Goddess Durga has killed the demon and drank the blood of animals. This is the reason blood is scarified to her. The temple was built by Pratap Malla during 17th century, but the construction, seems to be very new. The preparation before and after the offering is very interesting to see.
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