Pashupatinath Temple:
It is the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, first established in 5th century. The holiest Hindu pilgrimage place in Nepal Pashupatinath has received the attention of worshippers for at least fifteen hundred years. Dedicated to Shiva the lord of Destruction the temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. A circuit of the Pashupatinath area takes visitors past a sixth century statue of the Buddha an eighth century statue of Brahma the Creator freshly painted skeletal images guarding temple gates, and other magnificent temples dedicates to various deities in the complex. Pashupati Nath Temple is situated 5 km. east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupati Nath, with tow tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus, and visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.
Boudha Nath Temple:
Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest stupa in Nepal lies a further 2 km north from Pashupatinath Temple and also the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located in the town of Buddha, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. It was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepal’s, as well as a popular tourist site.
Swayambhunath Temple:
It is the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the almost entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. Swayambhunath is a best place to observe religious harmony between Nepalese Buddhists and Hindus. The stupa is one of the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshippers come from diverse ethical backgrounds. Situated on the top of a hill. It provides an excellent view of the Katmandu Valley. Huge prayer wheels and fine Buddhist paintings are displayed in the monasteries as well as the largest Buddha statue in the country.
Swoyambhunath literally means ‘Self-Existent One.’ Swoyambhunath is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that the construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth century Swoyambhunath had developed into an important Buddhist learning site.
