Religion is firmly embedded in the lives of human beings. Each religious festival have god and goddess and their respective temples associated with it. Religion has been the driving force of many of the human activities and at the same time religion has been the central topic of philosophical speculations throughout the ages.
Furthermore, religion is responsible for the emergence of value system and to a greater extent; it is a way of life. These places of Hindu religion in the world and at the same time Nepal is known in the world as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. These tow religions, along with many other religious sects, have played great role in the building of social, mental structure, cultural systems, value addition, religion has inspired millions of people to make Kasthamandap, the temple of Pashupatinath and Swoyambhu and so on.
Innumerable carvings, idols and paintings of different ages point to the same fact. Above all, the places of religious significance bring spiritual peace to many.
Many believers of Hinduism and Buddhism believe that Nepal is the land of Gods. Similarly, many shrines and temples of the kingdom are related with the mythical patterns embedded in the religious systems. People of the land commonly agree that the Himalayas are the dwelling place of Lord Shiva;
Pashupatinath, the lord animals dwells in the temple of Pashupati; Indra, the kind of gods frequented Kathmandu and still look after the kingdom and so on. People searching for mental peace and other desirous to offer worship to gods and visit sacred places come in thousands from the different parts of the world.
The present article does not attempt to define religion and describe different religions of Nepal. However, attempts are made to introduce some important places of pilgrimage in the upcoming posts.
Chandeshwori Temple
The temple of Chandeshwor is situated in Banepa, 26 kilometers east of Kathmandu. A motor able road link the place with Kathmandu. The architectural design of the temple is attractive. It is built in pagoda style and its roof has three levels.
An impressive image of Chandeshwori (one of the various forms of Bhagavati) is installed in the temple. The image has great religious significance as it is believed that the goddess killed notorious demon called Chandashur at the very place where the temple stands now.
There are other temples in the vicinity. The temple of Chandeshwor Mahadev (one of the various forms of Lord Shiva) and Sitala temple stand in the courtyard. They are consecrated to Chandeshwor Mahadev and the goddess Sitala (the goddess of smallpox) respectively. Many devotees visit the place to pay homage to the deities. Thousands of people congregate in the place on the occasion of a three-day Jatra beginning from the full moon day of Vaisakh.
Nala Bhagavati Temple
The temple of Nala Bhagavati is situated in an ancient village called Nala. A motor able road links Banepa with Kathmandu and the temple is at the distance of 90 minutes walk from Banepa.
The temple has four stories and the architectural design of Nepali pagoda style. Inscriptions and images installed in the temple belong to Lichchhavi and Malla periods and they have great religious as well as historical significance. the main sanctum of this tall temple contains the image Bhagavati with her eighteen hands. People from the places far and near come here to pay homage to the goddess and also to observe the things of historical significance. Devotees gather here in thousands during Indra Jatra and Dashain (both the festival are described in detail in the chapter devoted to the festivals).
Contact our travel partner, Hidden Adventure to explore more of our cultural and historical sites.
This Article and upcoming posts are extracted from the book, TOURIST INFORMATION DIRECTORY, 1997. by my Late Father Journalist, Sociologist & Anthropologists, Er. Ramesh Chandra Bandhu Bhattarai
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