Hindu Pilgrimage Sites in Nepal

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Hindu Pilgrimage Sites in Nepal

Hindu pilgrimage sites of Nepal are the major sightseeing attractions for those who are looking for a pilgrimage tour in Nepal. Most of these monuments are within the Kathmandu valley. Some of them are listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO. Kathmandu is also known as a city of temples and the Land of Gods. Majority of Nepalese people follow the Hindu religion. Thus, Nepal is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations among the Hindu people across the world. 

Some of the major Hindu pilgrimage sites in Nepal are Pashupatinath Temple, Muktinath Temple, Changunarayan Temple, Patan Area, Budhanilkantha Temple, Pathivara Devi temple, Halesi Mahadev Temple, Devghat, Janakpurdham, Doleshwar Mahadev and Manakamana Temple

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath temple is a pagoda-style temple which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Shiva devotees. It is located 3 KM west of Kathmandu on the bank of Bagmati River. There are 1000 Shiva Lingam in Pashupatinath. It is enlisted by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The main and important festivals celebrated on Pashupatinath are Maha Shivaratri and Teej. During these festivals, the majority numbers of women visit the temple. 

Pashupatinath temple in nepal

The temple has the gold pinnacle. People can meet Sadhus in Pashupatinath and also can take pictures with them. The temple is famous for its ancient art, culture and Sculpture. There are about 492 temples around the Pashupatinath temple area. The temple cremations can also be found. Funerals of Nepalese still take place daily on the Ghats to the south of the temple. Every evening a group of people perform Aarti at the opposite side of the temple, on the bank of the Bagmati river.

Muktinath Temple

Muktinath (3710 M) is a famous pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist. It is the sacred place for salvation which lies behind the mountains. It includes the Pagoda style temple of Vishnu which contains the image of Vishnu. Another major attraction is Mukti Kunda: two holy ponds “Laxmi” and ‘Saraswati” Kunda located in-front of the temple. It is believed that taking the plunge in these ponds will rinse away your sin. Muktinath, which is the Sanskrit name itself, has its religious history. On this site, the bells of Hinduism and the flag of Buddhist are in the same space which recognize unity in diversity.

Muktinath Temple in nepal

Peace and harmony that is flourishing around the temple. The Hindu god, Brahma is said to have lithe eternal flames that burn at Muktinath. People also have the holy bath at 108 taps which are behind the temple. Coldwater from the Himalaya flows throughout the year.

Changunarayan Temple

Changunarayan temple is known as the oldest temple of Nepal which is located 8 miles away from Kathmandu city. The temple is located at the top hill of Bhaktapur districts. There is an inscription of Mandeva who is the first historical king of Nepal. Famous for its ancient art and craft, stones, and metal which are culturally and archaeologically important.

Changunarayan Temple

Patan Area

In ancient times Patan was known as the Buddhist city. Patan is the pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhist. There are 55 major temples, 136 Buddhist monasteries and ancient metal craft around the Patan Durbar Square area. Patan is also known as “The City of Beauty”,5 km away from the capital city. It is famous for its finest art and crafts. Krishna temple and Baglamukhi temple are the famous temples around this area. Patan Museum, Mahaboudha, Kumbeshwar, Keshav Narayan, Vishwanath, Bhimsen and Taleju temples and Chasin Dewal and Sundari Chowk are Some places to explore in Patan square.

Patan Krishna Mandir

Janakpurdham

Janakpurdham, which is located at Dhanusha district of Nepal. This Site is famous for its ancient culture, arts and architecture. Vivaha Panchami and Ram Navami are the major festivals that are celebrated in Janakpurdham. It is also famous for the historic place where Ram and Sita got married. One of the holiest city among Hindu people. Devotees from Nepal, India and Srilanka visit this holy site on different occasions. Besides Ram Janaki Temple, other places to visit are Ratna Sagar. The sacred pond just of this temple is 10 minutes walk away from the temple.

Janakpurdham hindu pilgrimage sites in nepal

Budhanilkantha Temple

Budhanilkantha Temple, situated at the foot of Shivapuri Hills, is also known by the name Jal Narayan. The temple is known as the house of sleeping Lord Vishnu which is about 8 km away from the city. This temple is famous among the Hindu devotees. Budhanilkantha Temple largest stone carving temple of Nepal. Every year Haribodhini Ekadashi falls in October-November month. The big fair is held this month. This temple is a Unique Hindu shrine where many Indian tourist visits.

Budhanilkantha temple

Pathivara  Devi Temple

Pathivara Temple (3,794 M) lies in the Taplejung District, in the eastern part of Nepal. The Goddess Pathivara temple is a sacred pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhist followers. The Limbu community of Nepal considers the temple their major holy place. Faith in this temple is that those devotees who worship in this temple and their wishes get fulfilled by Goddess Pathivara. Devotees offer animal sacrifices, gold and silver to please the goddess. Both drive and trek ways are available to reach the temple. Travellers who are visiting the Kanchenjunga trek pass through the temple. Panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga can be seen from the Temple area.

Pathivara temple

Halesi Mahadev

Halesi Mahadev (1500 M) is a popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site in the eastern part of Nepal. The temple is inside the Cave (67 feet below) which lies in between Dudh Koshi and Sun Koshi river. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadev. It is believed that Lord Mahadev hid there when hiding from the demon Bhasmasur. Besides the religious purpose, Halesi could attract the visitor’s eye with its natural beauty, surroundings and landscape views.

hindu pilgrimage sites in nepal

Manakamana Temple

Manakamana temple (1300 M) is situated in Gorkha district of Nepal at the top of the hill. This is a temple of Goddess Durga Bhagawati. Manakamana Temple is the highly venerated sacred place of Hindu Goddess Bhagwati. The word Manakamana reflects two different Nepalese meanings, in which Mana means Heart and Kamana means wishes. It is believed that after visiting the temple, your hearty wishes will come true. The temple can be reached via 10-minute cable car ride from Kurintar.

hindu pilgrimage sites in nepal

Devghat

Devghat is a religious site of Nepal, which is located on the junction of Seti Gandaki and Krishna Gandaki river. Devghat is a home of various temples and caves, mostly dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Several Rishi’s Ashrams, Gurukuls and Sanskrit Schools are also within Devghat area. During the Makar Sankranti festival, thousands of pilgrims visit this sacred site and take holy baths on the Kali Gandaki river.

Hindu pilgrimage sites in nepal

Doleshwor Mahadev

Doleswor Mahadev Temple is 20 km away from Kathmandu city in Bhaktapur district. The faith about the visit to Kedarnath Temple is incomplete without the visit of Doleshwor Mahadev and Pashupatinath temple. Shiva devotees visit all these three holy places to wash off their sins once a lifetime. At the time of Mahabharat, Pandava brothers were searching for forgiveness from Lord Mahadev for the killing of many people during the Kurukshetra war. Lord Mahadev who wasn’t willing to forgive them and changed his form as a Bull.

hindu pilgrimage sites in nepal

But Pandav recognized him, he tried to fly away, but Pandav caught his tail, eventually, the head and body got separated. It is believed that the head remains at Doleshwor and the body is in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. On the occasion of several Mahadev festivals, a large number of devotees visit the temple. 

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