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The Bagmati River flows close by and the Arya Ghat cremation grounds are here. We strongly advise photographers not to take photos of cremations and of bereaved families. Sadhus, sages who follow the lifestyle of Shiva, may be seen covered in ashes and loincloths. They ask for money in case you want to take their photos. Those of Hindu faith only may enter the main Pashupatinath courtyard.
Swayambhu's light was covered in time because few could bear its intensity. By the thirteenth century, after many layers were added to the original structure that enveloped the Lord's power, a dome-like shape had been acquired. The stupas central mast was damaged and replaced at that time. Peripheral sources of power were discovered on the hilltop as well and stupas, temples, and rest houses were built to honour them. Images of important deities, both Buddhist and Hindu, were also installed. Today, age-old statues and shrines dot the stupa complex.
Swayambhu is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world, and its worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks, and Brahmin priests to lay Buddhists and Hindus. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa. Other monasteries here have huge prayer wheels; fine Buddhist paintings, and special butter lamps, which may be lit after presenting monetary offerings. Swayambhu is a major landmark of the Valley and looks like a beacon below the Nagarjun hill. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. Devotees have climbed the steps on the eastern side for centuries. Statues of the Buddha, mini stupas, monasteries and monkeys make the climb to Swayambhu - which is fairly steep - worthwhile. But for someone who is pressed for time, the western road allows you to get off your transport almost at the base of the stupa.
Many people believe that Bouddhanath was constructed in the fifth century, but definite proof is lacking. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. One legend has it that a woman requested a Valley king for the donation of ground required to build a stupa. She said she needed land covered by one buffalo's skin and the King granted her wish. She cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give her the land. The Bouddha area is a visual feast. Colorful thangkas, Tibetan jewellery, hand-woven carpets, masks, and khukuri knives are sold in the surrounding stalls. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Conveniently situated restaurants with rooftop patios provide good food and excellent views of Bouddhanath.
On the struts of the two-tiered Changu Narayan Temple, are the ten incarnations in which Narayan destroyed evildoers. A sixth-century stone statue shows the cosmic form of Vishnu, while another statue recalls his dwarf incarnation when he crushed the evil king Bali. Vishnu as Narasingha disemboweling a demon is particularly stunning. The western bronze doors sparkle in the evening sunlight, dragons decorate the bells, and handsome devas stare from the walls. Garuda, half man and half bird, is the steed of Vishnu, and his life-sized statue kneels before the temple. The favourite of many tourists is the statue of Vishnu sitting astride his steed.
Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot in the spring when surrounding
valleys break out in a rich kaleidoscope of different coloured
flowers. The flowers are beautiful against the serene backdrop
of the snow-covered mountains. Ever popular among the tourists
are the short treks and picnics, which Nagarkot offers. Treks
from Nagarkot are unique and delightful. For anyone who wants
to have an adventure without exerting much effort, a hike to Nagarkot's
surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short
distances on trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders
such as the outer of verdant forests, flower-covered meadows and
unusual rock formations. |
It
is easy to be overwhelmed by the seemingly uncountable monuments
in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The house of the Living Goddess
( Kumari Ghar ), the ferocious Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god,
and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights
at the Square! The buildings here are the greatest achievements
of the Malla dynasty, and they resulted from the great rivalry
between the three palaces of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
The Valley was divided among the children of Yaksya Malla. For
visitors today, and for the Nepalese, it was serendipitous that
they, and later their off springs, began an artistic warfare trying
to outdo each other in splendid constructions. Kings copied everything
their neighbours built in an even grander style. A visitor who
wanders around the Square will see a round temple in the pagoda
architectural style, the temple of Goddess Taleju (legend has
it that She played dice with King Jaya Prakash Malla), and an
image of Shiva and Parbati sitting together among the many monuments.
A
circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth-century
statue of the Buddha, an eighth-century statue of Brahma the creator
and numerous other temples. Some other places to visit are Rajrajeswari
Temple, built in 1407, Kailas with lingas more than 1,400 years
old, Gorakhnath temple, and the courtyard of Biswarup. There are
rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia
offer worship to Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. 
The
history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu,
or the "the self-existent". In times uncharted by history,
Boddhisatwa Manjusri came across a beautiful lake during his travel.
He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake's center,
so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to
worship the lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and called
it the Kathmandu Valley. From then on, the hilltop of the self-existent
Lord has been a holy place. 
Behind
the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri or Saraswati - the
goddess of learning. 
Bouddhanath
is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the
focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms
thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient
trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered
prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from
Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath.
They established many gompas, and the "Little Tibet"
of Nepal was born. This "Little Tibet" is still the
best place in the Valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk
about in maroon robes. Tibetans walk with prayer wheels in their
hands, and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha
as worshippers circumambulate the stupa on their hands and knees,
bowing down to their lord. 
Nagarkot,
located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic
spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular
sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Visitors
often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so
that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot
has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest
as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern
Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river
valley to the east. With an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot
also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and is described by
visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round.