Pilgrimage Sites of Nepal

Nepal is known for its natural beauty and a melting pot of two of the world’s oldest religions – Buddhism and Hinduism. Some of the most ancient religious sites exist here with a history that dates back to several thousand years. Buddhists and Hindu pilgrims come to find salvation in these holy sites. Some of these sacred sites are set amongst breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, which involve trekking along deep valleys. It can be an out-of-this-world experience that is both physically and spiritually rewarding. Nepal is a land steeped in mythology and legends. It is home to numerous Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites. The Himalayas have always been considered the abode of gods. The Hindu scripture Skanda Purana cites, ” In a hundred ages of the gods, I cannot explain the glories of the Himalaya to thee.” It is also said that the Himalayas’ sight cleanses the sins of humankind while the morning dew is dried up by the morning sun.

The Hindu pilgrimage sites have been divided into four sections known as Char Dham ( Four Abodes), Pashupati Chettra, Mukti Chettra, Ruru Chettra, and Baraha Chettra. These abodes are spread in different parts of the country in all four directions; East, West, North, and South. Similarly, the devotees of Vishnu, Shiva, and Kali or Bhagawati, known as Vaishnava, Shaiva, and Shakti, go to the respective shrines to worship.

Pashupatinath Temple

The Hindus and Buddhists have lived side by side in harmony for a few thousand years. Numerous temples, shrines, and monasteries are sacred to Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple is considered the holiest for the Hindus in Nepal. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is located in the Terai region South West of Kathmandu. It is considered one of the most sacred places for Buddhists.

The Temple of Muktinath is situated in the trans-Himalayan district of Mustang. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Avalokiteshwar; Buddhists and Hindus revere this site. Several monasteries and caves where Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche are believed to have meditated before introducing Tantric Buddhism to Tibet.

Gosainkunda Lake is tucked away in a serene location in the Langtang region at 4380 m and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are Bonpo monasteries in the Mustang and Dolpo districts of Nepal. Bonpo predates Hinduism and Buddhism. It is a practice of animism and shamanism.

The Hermits at Pashupatinath Temple

The temples, monasteries, shrines, and lakes are flocked by many pilgrims on specific religious festivals and occasions. For example, the Temple of Pashupatinath draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India during the Shivaratri Festival.

The Pashupatinath temple and two Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Lumbini, are UNESCO World Heritage sites.