Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Nepal: BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Nepal: BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE: "Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and ..."
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming valley as it highlights the ancient of the kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place – struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows – all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony.
The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are:-
The Lion Gate:
Dating as far back as AD 1696 this gate is guarded on either side by huge statues of lions. Alongside, there are two stone images of (the dreadful aspect of Shiva) and Ugrachandi (the consort of the Shiva in her fearful manifestation).
The Golden Gate:
The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the goddess Kali and Garuda (the mythical man – bird) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is embellished with mythical creatures of marvelous intricacy. In the words of Percy Brown, and eminent English are critic and historian, the Golden Gate is the most lovely pieces of are in the whole Kingdom; it is places like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its erected by King Ranjit Mala and is the entrance of the main courtyard of the palaces of Fifty – five windows.
The Palace Of fifty – five Windows: This magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshay Malla in AD 1427 and was subsequently remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with fifty-five Windows, considered a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.
The Art Gallery: The Art Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods and descriptions. This gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.
The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla: This statue shows king Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is set on a column facing the palace. This is considered the most magnificent statue amongh the many statues in the squares.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming valley as it highlights the ancient of the kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place – struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows – all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony.
The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are:-
The Lion Gate:Dating as far back as AD 1696 this gate is guarded on either side by huge statues of lions. Alongside, there are two stone images of (the dreadful aspect of Shiva) and Ugrachandi (the consort of the Shiva in her fearful manifestation).
The Golden Gate: The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the goddess Kali and Garuda (the mythical man – bird) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is embellished with mythical creatures of marvelous intricacy. In the words of Percy Brown, and eminent English are critic and historian, the Golden Gate is the most lovely pieces of are in the whole Kingdom; it is places like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its erected by King Ranjit Mala and is the entrance of the main courtyard of the palaces of Fifty – five windows.
The Palace Of fifty – five Windows: This magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshay Malla in AD 1427 and was subsequently remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with fifty-five Windows, considered a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.
The Art Gallery: The Art Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods and descriptions. This gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.
The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla: This statue shows king Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is set on a column facing the palace. This is considered the most magnificent statue amongh the many statues in the squares.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is in many ways the most medieval of the three major cities in the Kathmandu valley. Much of its glorious architecture dates from the end of the 17th century. Bhaktapur is about 12km south east of Kathmandu's city centre and is easily reached by bus or minibus. Foreigners have to purchase a ticket to visit the town.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an assortment of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is part of a charming valley as it highlights the idols of ancient kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place - struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows - all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony.
Monday, April 25, 2011
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
Patan is probably one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. It is believed that the city was founded in the 3rd century A.D. Patan is situated on a plateau across Bagmati River. Another name of Patan, is Lalitpur. This city is known for its finest traditional crafts and rich artistic heritage.
Patan is designed and built after Buddhist Dharma Chakra. It is surrounded by 4Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, one at each corner of its cardinal points. These stupas are said to have been built by the famous Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It is also said that the ancient city got its name Lalitpattan after the Lalitadhara forest was cleared by king Biradava. It must be remembered that the name of Patan used by Newars in Yala. It is said that King Yalamber named this city after himself. Before Malla Dynasty ascended the throne in 1480 the Muslim Emperor Sam Suddin Iliyas destroyed the temples and monuments of Patan. When King Siddhi Nar Singh Malla ascended the throne in 1618, he started to rebuild the city and Shrinivas and Yog Narendra Malla made further contributions to it. These days one can see the beautiful palace complex and squares built during the Malla period.
Things to see here are:
Krishna Temple:
The Krishna Mandir is dedicated to lord Krishna and was build by Siddhi Narsingha Malla in 1637. Many writers have considered this temple as and ornament of Patan. This temple was built in Shikhara style, which is considered to be of Indian influence in Nepal. The temple is three storied and important scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics have been carved inside the temple. The statue of Krishna lies in the first floor and only Hindus are allowed to go in. It is one of the most visited temples in Patan. On the occasion of Krishna Janmasthanmi (Lord Krishna’s Birthday), thousands of devotees come to the temple. The other importance of this temple is a statue of Garuda)(the vehicle of Krishna or Vishnu) in front of the temple.
Golden Temple:
The Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is the richest temple in Patan. The temple is just tow minutes walk towards, the north f the Durbar Square. The temple, built in the 12th Century, is popular among the Buddhists of Patan. At the main entrance tow lions are guarding the temple. The building has three roofs with copper golden facades. Inside the temple, there are images of Buddha and Boddisattvas. IN the courtyard, there is a small temple with beautifully decorated pinnacle.
Other interesting things to see here are Mulchowk, Jagat Narayan Temple, Big Bell, Pillar of Yognarendra Malla, Hari Shanker temple, Vishwanath temple, Bhimsen temple, Marga Hiti, and Mani Mandap, Café Pagoda, Kumbheswor Temple, Rato Machhendra Temple, Minnath, Rudra Varna Mahavihar and so on.
Patan is probably one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. It is believed that the city was founded in the 3rd century A.D. Patan is situated on a plateau across Bagmati River. Another name of Patan, is Lalitpur. This city is known for its finest traditional crafts and rich artistic heritage.
Patan is designed and built after Buddhist Dharma Chakra. It is surrounded by 4Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, one at each corner of its cardinal points. These stupas are said to have been built by the famous Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It is also said that the ancient city got its name Lalitpattan after the Lalitadhara forest was cleared by king Biradava. It must be remembered that the name of Patan used by Newars in Yala. It is said that King Yalamber named this city after himself. Before Malla Dynasty ascended the throne in 1480 the Muslim Emperor Sam Suddin Iliyas destroyed the temples and monuments of Patan. When King Siddhi Nar Singh Malla ascended the throne in 1618, he started to rebuild the city and Shrinivas and Yog Narendra Malla made further contributions to it. These days one can see the beautiful palace complex and squares built during the Malla period.
Things to see here are:
Krishna Temple:The Krishna Mandir is dedicated to lord Krishna and was build by Siddhi Narsingha Malla in 1637. Many writers have considered this temple as and ornament of Patan. This temple was built in Shikhara style, which is considered to be of Indian influence in Nepal. The temple is three storied and important scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics have been carved inside the temple. The statue of Krishna lies in the first floor and only Hindus are allowed to go in. It is one of the most visited temples in Patan. On the occasion of Krishna Janmasthanmi (Lord Krishna’s Birthday), thousands of devotees come to the temple. The other importance of this temple is a statue of Garuda)(the vehicle of Krishna or Vishnu) in front of the temple.
Golden Temple:The Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is the richest temple in Patan. The temple is just tow minutes walk towards, the north f the Durbar Square. The temple, built in the 12th Century, is popular among the Buddhists of Patan. At the main entrance tow lions are guarding the temple. The building has three roofs with copper golden facades. Inside the temple, there are images of Buddha and Boddisattvas. IN the courtyard, there is a small temple with beautifully decorated pinnacle.
Other interesting things to see here are Mulchowk, Jagat Narayan Temple, Big Bell, Pillar of Yognarendra Malla, Hari Shanker temple, Vishwanath temple, Bhimsen temple, Marga Hiti, and Mani Mandap, Café Pagoda, Kumbheswor Temple, Rato Machhendra Temple, Minnath, Rudra Varna Mahavihar and so
Mustang, Jomsom and Muktinath
MUSTANG, JOMSOM & MUKTINATH
Muktinath (3870m/12600 feet) This is where I stayed the day I crossed THorung La. Muktinath is a very holy city to TIbetan Buddhists. It is believed that the 5 Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Wood and Metal) exist in their purest forms here.
Situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet) at the base of the Thorong La mountain pass in the Mustang district, Muktinath is a highly venerated sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Hindus call the site Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the “place of salvation” and it is one of the most ancient temples of the God Vishnu and the Vaishnava tradition in Nepal. The shrine is considered to be one of the eight sacred places known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras (the other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Totadri, Pushkar and Badrinath), as well as one of the 108 Divya Desam, or holy places of worship of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, it is also one of the 51 Shakti Pitha goddess sites.
The temple is small and contains a human-sized golden statue of Vishnu as Shri Mukti Narayana. In addition to Mukti Narayana, the temple has bronze images of Bhoodevi (the Earth-goddess form of Lakshmi), the goddesses Saraswati and Janaki (Sita), Garuda (the mount of Vishnu), Lava-Kusa (the sons of Rama and Sita) and the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages created by Lord Brahma). There is an old Buddhist monk present in the temple and worship is conducted by Buddhist nuns.
Behind the temple is a semi-circular wall with 108 stone faucets at a height of seven feet. The faucets all have the same shape of the head of a bull and are separated by approximately one foot. Water from the ice-cold Kali Gantaki River has been diverted to flow through the mouths of these bulls and hardy pilgrims who visit the temple often stand beneath each of the spouts.
The number 108 carries great significance in Eastern philosophy. In Hindu astrology, there are 12 zodiac or Rashi and 9 planets or Graha, giving a total of 108 combinations. Also there are 27 Lunar mansions or Nakshatras, which are divided in 4 quarters, or Padas each giving a combination of 108 Padas in total.
The Kali Gantaki riverbed downstream from Muktinath is the sole source of the rare Shaligram stones that are required to establish a temple of Vishnu anywhere in the world.
Buddhists call Muktinath Chumming Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means ‘Hundred Waters’. According to Tibetan Buddhism Chumig Gyatsa is a sacred place of the Dakinis goddesses known as Sky Dancers, and also one of the 24 celebrated Tantric places. Additionally, the site is believed to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Virtue. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition states that Guru Rimpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated here on his way to Tibet.
water spouts |
After completing prayers and worship at the Muktinath temple many pilgrims, both Hindu and Buddhist, visit Mebar Lha Gomba, the small monastery of `miraculous fire’, which is situated near the entrance gate of the temple. This monastery, dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) and containing a statue of the Buddhist deity Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara), is famous for its continuously burning natural gas fire, which Hindus worship as Jwala Mai, the Goddess of Fire.
MANAKAMANA
Situated atop a 1300-meter hill, 105 kilometers to the west of Kathmandu, the Manakamana Devi temple is a highly venerated sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati. The name Manakamana is derived from two words, Mana, meaning heart and Kamana, meaning wish. It is believed that the Goddess Bhagwati rewards those who make the pilgrimage to her shrine by granting their wishes, and she is especially popular with Newari newlyweds who pray for sons.
The history and location of the Manakamana temple are explained by a curious legend. The Queen of the 17th century Gorkha King, Rama Shah, was said to have magical powers that only her devotee, Lakhan Thapa, knew about. One day the Queen’s husband became aware of her secret when he saw her in the form of a goddess and Lakhan Thapa in the form of a Lion. Soon thereafter the King mysteriously died and the Queen, as was the custom of the day, committed sati (ritual immolation) upon her husband’s funeral pyre. Prior to her death, the Queen had promised her devotee Lakhan Thapa that he would soon again see her. Some time later while plowing a field, a farmer discovered a stone from which blood and milk were pouring. When Lakhan Thapa learned of this he was convinced it was a sign from the dead queen, and at the site where the stone had been discovered he constructed a temple in her honor. The present 19th century temple is a replacement of the one built by Lakhan Thapa. Tradition has it that the temple priest must be a descendent of Lakhan Thapa.
The Manakamana temple overlooks the Trisuli and Marshyang-di river valleys, and offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna mountains to the north. The temple is set in a square, which is overlooked by an enormous sacred magnolia tree. Two popular festivals, Dasain (in September-October) and Nag Panchami (July – August), draw large numbers of pilgrims from throughout the country. In the past, pilgrims used to make a long and arduous trek up to the hilltop temple from the town of Kurintar on the Trisuli River. Nowadays, a cable car ride of 10-15 minutes brings visitors from the base-station in Cheres to the temple site.
An hour walk from the Manakamana temple leads past the Bakeshwar Mahadev Mandir Shiva temple to the Lakhan Thapa Gurpha sacred cave, which is named after the founder of the Manakamana temple.
Situated atop a 1300-meter hill, 105 kilometers to the west of Kathmandu, the Manakamana Devi temple is a highly venerated sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati. The name Manakamana is derived from two words, Mana, meaning heart and Kamana, meaning wish. It is believed that the Goddess Bhagwati rewards those who make the pilgrimage to her shrine by granting their wishes, and she is especially popular with Newari newlyweds who pray for sons.
The history and location of the Manakamana temple are explained by a curious legend. The Queen of the 17th century Gorkha King, Rama Shah, was said to have magical powers that only her devotee, Lakhan Thapa, knew about. One day the Queen’s husband became aware of her secret when he saw her in the form of a goddess and Lakhan Thapa in the form of a Lion. Soon thereafter the King mysteriously died and the Queen, as was the custom of the day, committed sati (ritual immolation) upon her husband’s funeral pyre. Prior to her death, the Queen had promised her devotee Lakhan Thapa that he would soon again see her. Some time later while plowing a field, a farmer discovered a stone from which blood and milk were pouring. When Lakhan Thapa learned of this he was convinced it was a sign from the dead queen, and at the site where the stone had been discovered he constructed a temple in her honor. The present 19th century temple is a replacement of the one built by Lakhan Thapa. Tradition has it that the temple priest must be a descendent of Lakhan Thapa.
The Manakamana temple overlooks the Trisuli and Marshyang-di river valleys, and offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna mountains to the north. The temple is set in a square, which is overlooked by an enormous sacred magnolia tree. Two popular festivals, Dasain (in September-October) and Nag Panchami (July – August), draw large numbers of pilgrims from throughout the country. In the past, pilgrims used to make a long and arduous trek up to the hilltop temple from the town of Kurintar on the Trisuli River. Nowadays, a cable car ride of 10-15 minutes brings visitors from the base-station in Cheres to the temple site.
An hour walk from the Manakamana temple leads past the Bakeshwar Mahadev Mandir Shiva temple to the Lakhan Thapa Gurpha sacred cave, which is named after the founder of the Manakamana temple.
The history and location of the Manakamana temple are explained by a curious legend. The Queen of the 17th century Gorkha King, Rama Shah, was said to have magical powers that only her devotee, Lakhan Thapa, knew about. One day the Queen’s husband became aware of her secret when he saw her in the form of a goddess and Lakhan Thapa in the form of a Lion. Soon thereafter the King mysteriously died and the Queen, as was the custom of the day, committed sati (ritual immolation) upon her husband’s funeral pyre. Prior to her death, the Queen had promised her devotee Lakhan Thapa that he would soon again see her. Some time later while plowing a field, a farmer discovered a stone from which blood and milk were pouring. When Lakhan Thapa learned of this he was convinced it was a sign from the dead queen, and at the site where the stone had been discovered he constructed a temple in her honor. The present 19th century temple is a replacement of the one built by Lakhan Thapa. Tradition has it that the temple priest must be a descendent of Lakhan Thapa.
The Manakamana temple overlooks the Trisuli and Marshyang-di river valleys, and offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna mountains to the north. The temple is set in a square, which is overlooked by an enormous sacred magnolia tree. Two popular festivals, Dasain (in September-October) and Nag Panchami (July – August), draw large numbers of pilgrims from throughout the country. In the past, pilgrims used to make a long and arduous trek up to the hilltop temple from the town of Kurintar on the Trisuli River. Nowadays, a cable car ride of 10-15 minutes brings visitors from the base-station in Cheres to the temple site.
An hour walk from the Manakamana temple leads past the Bakeshwar Mahadev Mandir Shiva temple to the Lakhan Thapa Gurpha sacred cave, which is named after the founder of the Manakamana temple.
DAKSHINKALI
Dakshinkali, located 22 km south of Kathmandu, near the village of Pharping, is one of the main temples in Nepal dedicated to the goddess Kali, the fearful form of Shiva’s consort Parvati. The word Dakshinkali is made up of Dakshin and Kali. Dakshin means south and Kali is derived from one of the Hindu goddess Kali. Therefore, it basically means the goddess Kali of the south. The main deity in the temple is a black stone, six-armed form of Kali, standing on a prostrated figure of Shiva. Animal sacrifices, particularly of cocks and male goats, are the main way that the goddess is worshipped, and this is especially seen on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and also during the yearly Dashain festival held in September/October.
Budhanilkantha and Shivapuri
A paved road leads 8km north from Kathmandu to BUDHANILKANTHA, site of the Jalasya Narayan (sleeping Vishnu), one of the valley;s most impressive reminders of its semi-mythic early history.There's small village with basic teahouses nearby, but the Vishnu statue, set in a walled compound, is the only attraction of the place.Try to make it here in time for the morning puja (9-10am), when things are most interesting.Buses to Budanilkanata leave from the City Bus Park in Kathmandu every half-hour or so.Cycling, you'll want a mountain bike for the last sleep bit (and for any longer rides), or bring your boots: from Budhanilkantha you can hike to the summit of Shivapuri, the second-highest point of the valley rim.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Swayambhu
Swayambhunath Stupa is the oldest holy shrine in the Kathmandu valley. As these Swayambhunath photos show, the Stupta, with its piercing eyes, is a captivating sight.
Even if temple-touring makes your eyes glaze over don't miss Swayambhu,perched on a hill 2km west of Thamel.To begin with , it's a great place to get your bearing , geographically and culturally, in your first few days in Nepal: the hill commands a sweeping view of the Kathmandu valley, and the temple complex, overrun with pilgrims and monkeys,is a real eye opener.
But there's much more if you dig for it.The two thousand year old Stupa is most profound expression of Buddhist symbolism in Nepal,and the sources and central location of the valley's creation myth.There's evidence to believe the hill was used for animist rites even before Buddhism arrived in the valley two thousand years ago.Tantric Buddhists consider it the chief "Power point" of Kathmandu Valley, and one chronicle states that an act of worship here carries thirteen billion time more merit than anywhere else.
Swayambhunath Eyes Close Up |
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Pokhara
POKHARA
Culture of Nepal
Nepal is a small country with different varieties. This country is famous for its unity in diversity, in language and lifestyle, caste and religious. Although there are different religions like Hindu, Buddism, Christian, Muslims etc live in Nepal, there is no discrimination among them. Every religion is prevailing with equal respect. Different religious sites can be found here like The Pashupati Nath temple the greatest deity of Hindu, Swayambhu stupa and Boddha Nath stupa of Buddism, different Mosques of Islamism and churches of Christianity etc. Nepalese are religious people. So, they have strong faith on divine Power.
In Nepal, the typical Nepali costume of women is Gunnau Cholo, Dhoti and Patuka and the Nepali costume of men is Daura Suruwal and Dhaka topi. But except it there also can be other costumes like Bakhu, Lehnga, haku patasi, kactihad etc. It also represents the culture of the specific society. The rituals and language of one society may or may not be similar to other according to the human race.
There are many typical dance in every society like kauda dance related with Magar, Ghatu dance is related with Gurung, Dhimal dance is related with Dhamal etc. like wise festival also differ from one caste and religion to other like Dashain, Tihar, teej, etc is celebrated by Chhetri, Bhraman and Hindu and Fagu, Maghi etc celebrated by Maithali, Bhojpuri and Losahar clebrated by Tamang and Sherpa. Some festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated by many religions like Hindu and Buddhist but they celebrate it according to their rules and norms. While celebrating their festivals every people meet their relatives near and dear ones.
There are several social and cultural beliefs and customs in Nepal like respecting elders, regarding the guest, loving younger, helping poor etc. This belief has made Nepali people helpful, peaceful and popular. Many cultural heritage of Nepal included in the world heritage list like Pasupati Nath, Swayambhu, Patan Darbar,Changunarayan, Lumbini, Bhaktpur Darbar,Bouddha Nath,Hanumandhoka Darbar, which has become property of the whole human race. So in a year thousand foreigners come to our company to visit culture heritage. Similarly some of the tourists come to Nepal to observe the lifestyle and peaceful environment created by Nepal and its culture. It has helped Nepal to gain financial status. The profit our company earns by selling tour and trekking packages to the guests is shared and invested for the preservation of culture and heritages and awareness of the local community.
In Nepal, the typical Nepali costume of women is Gunnau Cholo, Dhoti and Patuka and the Nepali costume of men is Daura Suruwal and Dhaka topi. But except it there also can be other costumes like Bakhu, Lehnga, haku patasi, kactihad etc. It also represents the culture of the specific society. The rituals and language of one society may or may not be similar to other according to the human race.
There are many typical dance in every society like kauda dance related with Magar, Ghatu dance is related with Gurung, Dhimal dance is related with Dhamal etc. like wise festival also differ from one caste and religion to other like Dashain, Tihar, teej, etc is celebrated by Chhetri, Bhraman and Hindu and Fagu, Maghi etc celebrated by Maithali, Bhojpuri and Losahar clebrated by Tamang and Sherpa. Some festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated by many religions like Hindu and Buddhist but they celebrate it according to their rules and norms. While celebrating their festivals every people meet their relatives near and dear ones.
There are several social and cultural beliefs and customs in Nepal like respecting elders, regarding the guest, loving younger, helping poor etc. This belief has made Nepali people helpful, peaceful and popular. Many cultural heritage of Nepal included in the world heritage list like Pasupati Nath, Swayambhu, Patan Darbar,Changunarayan, Lumbini, Bhaktpur Darbar,Bouddha Nath,Hanumandhoka Darbar, which has become property of the whole human race. So in a year thousand foreigners come to our company to visit culture heritage. Similarly some of the tourists come to Nepal to observe the lifestyle and peaceful environment created by Nepal and its culture. It has helped Nepal to gain financial status. The profit our company earns by selling tour and trekking packages to the guests is shared and invested for the preservation of culture and heritages and awareness of the local community.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Pashupatinath Temple
The Holiest Hindu Temple
Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings'.
what to see when one reaches there» Gold-painted images of guardian deities
» Chaturmukha (four-faced statue)
» Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century
» Brahma Temple
» Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken
» Arya Ghat
» Gauri Ghat (holy bath)
» Pandra Shivalaya (15 shrines)
» Gorakhnath and Vishwarup Temples
» Guhyeshwari (Guhjeshwari) Temple
» Kirateshwar Mahadeva Mandir and Surya Ghat
Royal Chitwan National Park
Wild roars of tigers, chirping of jungle birds, soothing breeze and the splashing ripples of the river Rapti... a visit to the Royal Chitwan National Park may sound dream-like but reality speaks for itself. Visit Chitwan if you believe the above statement and all the more if you doubt it.
Striking Features
- There are more than 43 species of mammals, over 450 species of birds, and more than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles in the park.
- One of the most important sub-tropical parks in Indian sub-continent.
- More than 43 mammal species, 450 bird species, and more than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles.
- Known for diversity of eco-systems. Within the park are Churia hills, ox-bow lakes, and the flood plains of Rapti, Reu and Narayani rivers.
Bouddhanath Stupa
Bouddhanath Stupa, the biggest stupa in Nepal, lies about 7 km east of the capital. The Bouddhanath stupa, also called by many as Khasti Chitya, is one of the oldest stupas in the country. After 1959, many Tibetans arrived and settled in Bouddhanath area. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, is included in World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO.
With diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Buddhanath holds its place among the largest stupas in the world. The Buddhanath stupa covers a vast area. It has a round path at the bottom while another path is made of three-tier plinth. The stupa resembles Swayambhunath stupa to some extent. The most impressive part of the stupa is the eyes of the Buddha which are painted with red, white and blue colors.
Kathmandu valley
The Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above which tower mighty snow-capped peaks. It consists of three main towns of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu , Patan and Bhaktapur. The Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. It is situated 4,423 ft. above sea-level. The ancient Swasthani scriptures tell of Lord Shiva, supreme among Hindu gods, who came down to the Kathmandu Valley to escape boredom. He came as a tourist, if that is the appropriate word, but he was neither among the first nor the last of the gods to visit the Valley. Visitors have come to since times forgotten. And though the country is much different today than it was in ancient times, it has not diminished in charm; the increase in the number of visitors over the years is a living proof. Those who come to the Valley today will appreciate a lot more than Lord Shiva did in his tour. The architecture started here by the Lichhavi and Malla kings is one such example. Much of the greenery that Lord Shiva saw is gone, but the forests surrounding Pashupati, where he stayed, are still intact.
LUMBINI
Lumbini is hallowed ground as Shakyamuni Buddha was born here in southern Nepal more than twenty-five hundred years ago. As a sacred birthplace, it is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the globe. Many excavations have taken place here around this small town in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. Ruins of the old city are clearly visible and many artifacts were unearthed during the excavation. Shakyamuni Buddha was born a prince to the ruler of the little principality. Important landmarks are the Maya Devi temple and the Ashoka pillar. The remains of many ancient stupas and monasteries can be found in the surroundings of Lumbini The Ashoka pillar is said to have been erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC and bears an inscription confirming this as the birth place of the Buddha. A stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch is seen in the Maya Devi temple. The belief that touching it will render a woman fertile has led to erosion as thousands of hands have stroked it.
Patan
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
It is situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors’ attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Squareconsists of three main chowks: Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. The museum inside the Durbar Square is considered as one of the best museums in Asia. It specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. It Opens daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is closed only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days during Tihar.
It is situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors’ attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Squareconsists of three main chowks: Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. The museum inside the Durbar Square is considered as one of the best museums in Asia. It specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. It Opens daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is closed only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days during Tihar.
Mount Everest
MOUNT EVEREST |
Mount Everest, also known as Mount Chomolungma or Sagarmatha, is the world's Highest mountain which is located at the 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level.The highest mountain in the world attracts many well-experienced mountaineers as well as novice climbers who are willing to pay substantial sums to professional mountain guides to complete a successful climb.The first ascent in 1953 by Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, reaching the summit of Everest has been considered one of the greatest achievements in Mountaineering.
The description of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest)
Highest peak in the world |
Location : On the Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal-Tibet, China Border.
Range : Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas.
Elevation: 8,848 miter Ranked 1st as the highest mountain in the world
Continent: Asia
First ascent : Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal) on 29 May 1953. Best months
For climbing : April, May
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