TOP MOST VISITED SPIRITUAL PLACES IN NEPAL

Overview – Spiritual Places of Nepal

Despite being a secular country, Nepal is dominantly Hindu majority country with visible Buddhist population. Nepal is filled with numerous sacred temples, mountains, and many other places, which are worth exploring. Nepal is also called the land of Sadhus and Saints from the inception of land and still, the spirituality is found in nooks and corner of Nepal.

Kathmandu valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by tier upon tier of green mountain walls above which tower mighty snow-capped peaks. The valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. It is situated at 1310 meter above sea level. It contains three fabled cities of great historic, religious and cultural interest. Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). Every town has Durbar Square (old palace) with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. The valley has often been described as an open-air art gallery with thousands of sacred shrines in brick, stone, metal and wood scattered throughout it.

The distinctive white dome and a golden peak of Boudhanath Stupa is the holiest site for Tibetan Buddhists outside of Tibet itself. It was built in the 14th century and is one of the biggest stupas in the world. Many Buddhist sites in Tibet are actually modelled on this amazing place. The Boudhanath area is a hub of Tibetan life in Kathmandu, and the lanes around the stupa are full of Tibetan trinket shops catering to locals as well as tourists. It is auspicious to go around the stupa clockwise (called a kora), and to spin the brass prayer wheels along the way.

List of Holy/Spiritual Places in Nepal

1. Swayambhunath
2. Pashupatinath
3. Dakshinakali
4. Baudhanath Stupa
5. Changu Narayan Temple
6. Kirtipur
7. Lumbini
8. Kakre Bihar
9. Muktinath
10. Manakamana

Detail on Mostly Visited Holy Places in Nepal

1. Swayambhunath:

The mighty Swayambhunath is situated in the northeast edge of Kathmandu valley. Another name of Swayambhunath temple is also called monkey temple. The ancient temple is as old as 2500 years and the dome-shaped temple is situated in the hillock of about 77m above the ground. The temple has distinct painted eyes on the four sides that represent all-seeing eyes of Buddha, which is watching all the time to the wrongdoers and good-doers. The mighty place is the famous place for Buddhist pilgrimage. Mainly the compound of Swayambhunath has an ancient temple of Haratima, which is the place of worship for both Buddhist and Hindu. The holy shrine is situated about 3 km northwest of Kathmandu valley.

2. Pasupatinath:

The ancient Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva where thousands of tourists flock each year on the special occasion of Maha Shivaratri has many attractions out of many, two-tiered golden roof and four silver doors are unique in its aspects. The temple is situated at the bank of holy Bagmati river in the eastern edge of Kathmandu valley. Bagmati riverbank is filled with the cremation-taking place, which can be observed every day.

3. Dakshinakali:

Dakshinakali is the about 22 km drive from Kathmandu, which is situated at the south edge from the valley. The exquisite views of the beautiful landscapes, farmlands and the Mountainous range on the backdrop can give you a soothing experience while you travel to Dakshinakali. For the vegetarians and vegans, the sacrifice of male-goats and roosters might be not palatable which takes place two times a week on Saturday and Tuesday. The prerequisite of travelling to Dakshinkali temple is you can visit some of the ancient temples like Shesh Narayan Temple and ancient Buddhist monastery, which lies, on the way. Likewise, on the way, you will be given a chance to visit the Chovar gorge from where water was drained out of the valley.

4. Bauddhanath Stupa

Bauddhanath Stupa is yet another attraction those who are on a spiritual quest. The ancient stupa dates back to the 5th century. Bauddhanath Stupa is considered one of the holiest stupa in the world, where hundred thousands of Tibetan followers flock each year to visit the shrine.

5. Changu Narayan Temple

In the early 5th century, the oldest temple of Lord Vishnu was built which is located 20 km northeast of Kathmandu. Changunarayan provides a picturesque view of the valley and some of the Himalayas on the backdrop. There are other historical sites in Changu Narayan, which dates back to 5th-9th century AD; therefore, the site is named as the living monumental garden.

6. Kirtipur:

Kritipur is situated in the single hill of Kathmandu. Newar population dominates the hill. Some of the exquisite things not to miss are old temples and Buddhist shrines.

Summary:

There is no dearth of spiritual sites in Nepal. You will find some of the unique cultures that link Hinduism and Buddhism with each other. If you visit Nepal you will not regret visiting. The place is worth exploring. When are you visiting to placate your spiritual quest?

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