Bouddhanath Temple and Pashupatinath Temple

“Om Namah Shivaya” and “Buddham Saranam Gachhami – Om Maney Pembey Huum” are two chants often heard in the streets of Kathmandu. These two mantras are the core of Buddhism and Hinduism. Yes, today’s blog is also about two of the iconic pilgrimage destinations located in Kathmandu of the Buddhists and Hindus. Let’s find out in detail about the Bouddhanath Temple and Pashupatinath Temple. These two places are not only important from the religious point of view but also from the architectural point of view. Nepal’s ancient history and the rich craftsmanship as well as spiritual sides are hugely represented by the Bouddhanath Temple and Pashupatinath Temple.

Buddhists’ Sacred Pilgrimage in Nepal

For now, let’s talk in brief about the sacred pilgrimage sites of Buddhists people here in Nepal. Remember that the country is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lumbini is the place where Shakyamuni Buddha was born. Besides Lumbini, Swyambhunath, Bouddhanath, and monasteries in the remote places like the Tsum Valley, Langtang Valley, Nar Phu Valley, Upper Dolpo, and Manaslu Circuit Trail are also the best sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. However, this blog is just covering one a piece pilgrimage site of two religions in the form of Bouddhanath Temple and Pashupatinath Temple blog.

Hindus’ Sacred Pilgrimage in Nepal

Most of the people consider Nepal as the spiritual land of gods and goddesses. Therefore, you can find lots of sacred places for pilgrims. Major Hindu pilgrimage sites present in Nepal are Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Pathibhara, Gadimai, Devighat, Badimalika, Kalinchowk, Manakamana, Ganga Jamuna, etc. which has high regards among followers. Therefore, the country is one of the best destinations to the Hindus.

Religious Harmony in Nepal

It is evident that Nepal has the best harmonious environment for all the religious followers. Surprisingly, the temple of Hindu has the statue of Lord Buddha as well. On deeper note, Hindus believe that Lord Buddha is also one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This may seem so odd but the religious harmony and religious tolerance among Nepalese people is very high. Till this date, there are no incidents of unrest among different religious followers.

Nepalese people vibrantly celebrate Christmas and EId festivals as if their own. It shows their great character of understanding and acceptance. Nowhere in the world would you find the great religious harmony than in Nepal.

Bouddhanath Temple and Pashupatinath Temple

There are several pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Among several of these sites, today’s blog covers the Bouddhanath Temple and Pashupatinath Temple which are the pillars of these two religions. Find out brief information about these two UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE sites via this blog. You can always do the heritage tour in Nepal after illustrious trekking trips. Book the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal and do the Kathmandu Valley Tour before or after the trek. Similarly, you can also choose to do the Kathmandu Day Tour before the Manaslu Circuit Trek when you are waiting to get your restricted area permit.

Jarung Kashor or Khasti Chaitya: Bouddhanath Temple

According to the Newari traditions, the Bouddhanath Temple is known as the Khasti Chaitya. The Stupa is built in the spherical shape which is also the embodiment of enlightened mind of all Buddhas. Remember that the Stupa is filled with consecrated substances. In fact, it is also the point of the origins of Tibetan Buddhism. The site was listed as the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site in 1979. The building has bone pieces of Kassapa Buddha and Shakyamuni Buddha alongside the Dharmakaya Relics, Dharma Relics, Mind Qualities, Speech, Mind, Cloth Relics, Body Relics, and Activity representation among its other relics.

The temple used to be the center of trade between Nepal, India, and Tibet in the ancestral times. Traders used the route of Tibet, Sankhu, Bouddhanath, Charumati Stupa Chabahil, Bagmati River, and Patan during the Licchavi dynasty and Malla dyanasty.

Famous Buddhists Shrines and Places in Kathmandu besides Bouddhanath

Throughout Nepal, there are many monasteries, Milarepa Caves, and Stupas which are the sacred pilgrimage sites of Nepal. However, Kathmandu district has some places where Buddhists can get spiritual connections. Here are the top 4 places where a Buddhist can go for pilgrimage. These places are known for its significance in terms of religion, spirituality, and historical values.

• Swyambhunath Stupa: Monkey Temple
• Kapan Monastery
• Bouddha Stupa
• Pharping Monastery

Pashupatinath Temple

4 Dhams (Char Dham) are the most important religious sites of Hindus. Praying in all these Dhams (Religious Places) can only be fruitful if they visit the Pashupatinath Temple. Therefore, the significance of the temple is very high among Hindu followers. Listed as the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE in 1979, the Pashupatinath Temple has more than 518 mini temples including the legendary Mrigasthali (Deer Forest), Guheshwori Temple, and Gorakhnath Temple. It is one of the oldest Hindu Temples of the world believed to have been build in pre – vedic times. As per the Shiva Purana, the Linga of Pashupatinath temple is the representation of fulfillment of desires.

The pagoda style main temple of the Pashupatinath has its story. According to historians, the temple was renovated and built in its way by the King Prachanda Deva during the Lichhavi dynasty’s rule in Nepal. It spans around 246 hectares and the temple has roof of gold.

Observing funeral traditions in Pashupatinath & Evening Prayers in Pashupatinath Temple

Non Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple of Pashupatinath. However, there are many things a tourist can know while doing the Pashupatinath tour. In this blog titled Bouddhanath Temple and Pashupatinath Temple, I must state that these two places are near to each other. Travelers can get exclusive information about traditions and values of Nepalese people by visiting these places.

The interesting thing to observe while doing the Bouddhanath Temple and Pashupatinath Temple tour is the experience of last funeral traditions. On the banks of the Bagmati River, you can see the corpse being burnt after rituals in front of the temple. This can be so different to westerners, but Nepalese people believe that we are the product of nature and we must perish in nature.

Make sure to contact this blogger or the travel planners of the Everest Trekking Routes to know more about traveling in Nepal. Feel free to inquire or ask as many questions as possible to make sure that you have a hassle free holiday in Nepal.