Top 5 pilgrimage destinations in Nepal

Either you are thinking of pilgrimage holidays or have question in mind “where to go for pilgrimage holidays?” Then; think no further. You may certainly consider Nepal. Nepal has prominent pilgrimage destinations visited thousands of pilgrimages from different part of the world around the year. Some of these destinations are listed as world’s heritage sites have great significance in Buddhism and Hinduism. Although, Nepal has lot pilgrimage sites, following are “Top 5 pilgrimage destinations in Nepal”. These sites are highly revered as Nepal pilgrimage holiday destinations.

Ridi

Ridi is one of the Nepal’s foremost holiest sites for Hindus. It is sometimes compared with Banaras (A holiest place in India). Located approximately 96 kilometres north of a jubilant and typical Newari town Tansen, Palpa; Ridi is visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims around the year. This sacred spot lies at the confluence of a mountain stream Ridi Khola and Kali Gandaki.

It is believed that, Saligram is found here. Ridi has numerous of holiest temples. Most famous amongst them is Rishikesh temple established by Mukund Sen, the first, the king of Palpa. It is believed that the king found the statue of God Rishikesh in the Kali Gandaki River during his holy dip.

Janakpur Dham

Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham. It is one of the historical and religious spots of Nepal. Located approximately 123 kilometres south east of Kathmandu, Janakpur is the Sadarmukam (administrative headquarters of Dhanusa District of the Janakpur Zone). Janakpur has attracted large scale of Hindu pilgrimage from around the world.

The most significant historical reference to Janakpur is in the Hindu epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama’s wife Sita Devi (also called Janaki) is said to have been the princess of Videha. It is believed that, King Janak (her father) found baby Sita in a furrow of a field and raised her as his daughter.

Furthermore, it is also believed that, both the great saints Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism, and Vardamana Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara of the Jain religion, are said to have lived in Janakpur. Although, Janakpur has lots to offer for Hindu pilgrims, Janaki temple dedicated to Goddess Sita should not be missed.

Lumbini

Lumbini is the distinguished place around the world as birth place of Lord Buddha. Furthermore, Lumbini has been enlisted as UNESCO Community History in world heritage site. This sacred pilgrimage spot is located in the south-west of Nepal. Large scale of Buddhists devotees and people of all walks of life from around the world pay visit to this sacred pilgrimage destination.

Himalayan Kingdom has been blessed with lots of natural beauty ranges from greeneries to immaculate laughing mountains including highest peak in the world Mount Everest and world’s famous heritage sites such as Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, National Parks and etc. Nepal, a cultural rich and diversified country offers a lot to the tourist.

Nepal is a tiny country but famous for its culture, peaks and heritage sites. Mount Everest and Lumbini are known as two major attractions of Nepal. Mount Everest is known as the roof of the world or tallest mountain in the world whereas Lumbini is known as the example of Peace. This beautiful country, Nepal is undergoing peace process after having bitter taste of decade long civil war.

Thus, Nepal Government is eager to promote and develop Lumbini pilgrimage as the Foremost Image for World’s Peace with the help of “Visit Lumbini Year 2012″ Champaign. Moreover, Nepal Government has been planning to develop Lumbini as one of the most centralized and modern Buddhism touristic hub of the world. Tourism in 2011 attracted large scale of Buddhist pilgrimages to the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. It is believed that, with the help of “Visit Lumbini Year 2012″ champaign, travel 2012 will even increase number of pilgrimage Buddhist enjoying Lumbini tour, culture trip, information on Buddha by visiting several Buddhist places.

Manakamana

Manakamana (1302mt) is situated in the Gorkha district, northeast of the town of Mugling, 108km from Kathmandu on the way to Pokhara, and is 12 km south of Gorkha Bazaar. Manakamana Temple is one of the manifestations of Goddess Bhagwati or Manakamana who is believed to fulfil wishes of devotees who pray at the temple. You will be travelling by Cable car, which is a ten-minute 2.8 km exhilarating ride. Visitors embark their trip from Kurintar, which is 105km west of Kathmandu. Upon reaching the temple, observe the beautiful river valley of Marshyangdi to the west, and Trisuli to the South. Enjoy a striking scenic view of the Manaslu- Himalchuli and Annapurna ranges, and the deep and terraced valleys.

Muktinath

Muktinath is a pilgrimage place for both Buddhist and Hindu. It is situated 48 kms north east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3749m. Its main shrine is a pagoda-shaped temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. Behind the temple there are 108 waterspouts cast in the shape of cow headed pour holy water.