popular temple of kathmandu

 

Pashupatinath Temple

Hinduism is the most widely followed religion in Nepal. The country has embraced this religion and respects it with several sacred places of interest, including Pashupatinath Temple. The sacred place is considered one of the most important temples in the world and one of the most visited tourist places in Kathmandu. The complex is on UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ list for decades. The extensive Hindu temple has a sprawling collection of images, inscriptions, ashrams, temples and images. 

Highlights: There are 12 Jyotirlinga in India and the one in Nepal is the head over this body. The temple has 275 holy abodes of Shiva as well. Temple architecture is quite intriguing as it is built in Nepalese pagoda style of architecture. The wooden rafters are carved to perfection whereas the overall foundation is like cubic constructions. The sacro sanctum here is that of s stone Mukhalinga, or a linga with a face.

Boudhanath (Stupa)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest stupas in the world, the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu is a significant place in Buddhism and architecture, both. Located on an ancient trade route that entered Kathmandu from Tibet.

The place has seen many traders and travellers offering prayers to their lord here, as the Stupa is considered to be the tomb of the remains of Kassapa Buddha. With a lot of legends attached to the place, it is one of the best places to visit in Nepal and easily deserves to be called so.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Situated on top of a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, this tourist place in Kathmandu is an ancient architectural marvel is one of the best attractions of the city. The entire complex is surrounded by a wide variety of trees. It comprises of the main stupa, many shrines,

temples, monastery, museum and a well-stocked library.

The temples are painted with the eyes and eyebrows of the Buddha with the number 1 in local script painted as the nose of the lord, which is a sight to behold in itself.

Kopan Monastery

Founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe, who died in 1984, Kopan monastery is a sacred Buddhist site in the world. Located on the hilltop north of Bodhnath, the monastery is pleasant place where you can explore and study Buddhism.


Highlights:The monastery is still looking for the reincarnation of Lama Yeshe. However, the young Spanish boy, who was declared to be reincarnated Lama no longer resides at the Kopan Monastery. In fact, he renounced his vows and now works in Ibiza as a cinematographer. But that’s not what’s intriguing about the monastery. The place is best known for its books on Buddhist psychology and philosophy. Kopan is a pleasant walk from Bodhnath and Gokarna Mahadev Temple.

Hanuman Dhoka Temple

A part of the Durbar Square of Kathmandu, it is a complex of buildings which consists of the royal palaces of Malla kings and the Shah Dynasty. Spread over a whopping 5 acres, the place gets its name from the standing statue of the Hindu Lord Hanuman on the entrance and lists among best tourist places in Kathmandu, “Dhoka” in Nepali meaning door or gate.

The statue itself dates back to 1672. The door is the entrance to the complex of Palace inside and is also the entryway to the Nasal Chok, Mul Chok, Mohan Chok and the Tribhuvan Museum, which exhibits the royal belongings of King Tribhuvan.

Buddha Nilkanth

Budhanilkantha Temple is a hindu open air place of worship that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located below the Shivapuri Hill at the northern end of Kathmandu Valley, this place is very much popular for its large reclining statue of Lord Vishnu.

Being one of the most sought after tourist places in Kathmandu, it attracts zillions of visitors and devotees especially in large numbers during the occasion of Haribodhini Ekadashi Mela which is organised every single year on the 11th day of Kartik Month of the Hindu Calendar.

Jagannath Temple

Jagannath temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most sought after Hindu places to visit in Kathmandu that is widely famous for its architectural designs and religious significance. The exotic carving on the body of the temple makes it one of the best tourist places in Kathmandu and in turn it attracts zillions of visitors all through the year.

The temple was constructed in the middle of 16th century when the King Mahenda of the Malla Dynasty used to rule. The temple is a two storied building that is located on a raised platform and is constructed in a traditional pagoda style with wood and bricks.

Kathesimbhu Stupa

The 17thcentury rendition of the renowned Swayambhunath temple, Kathesimbhu Stupa is one of the most popular Tibetan pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu. Located between Thamel and Durbar Square, the stupa was built using the left over materials from Swayambhunath temple complex.

It is set in a hidden courtyard, surrounded by smaller stupas, engravings and statutes. Although well maintained and intact, this UNESCO World Heritage Site witnessed minor damages in the 2015 earthquake.

Dakshinkali Temple

Dakshinkali Temple is one of the major Hindu Shrines in the city of Kathmandu which is dedicated to Goddesses Kali. The name and fame of one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu is due to the rituals and traditions followed. There are animal sacrifices in every fortnight.

The place of worship was constructed by Rani Rashmoni who was a great devotee of the fierce and feared Goddesses Kali. You can find the idol of the temple standing on top of a corpse portraying the victory of good over

 evil.

White Monastery

Nepal holds a prominent place in Buddhist culture. The country has a number of monasteries, including Seto Gumba or the White Monastery. This is a natural beauty with the relevant religious importance. The white monastery is surrounded by lush green valley and vivid terrain which makes it such a delight to watch and a must place you cannot miss to visit in Kathmandu.

Highlights: The White Monastery gives heavenly pleasure and provides bird eye’s view of the Kathmandu Valley. One of the main highlights of this monastery is its white colour as well as the serenity and calmness that it has to offer. The monastery has several murals, statues and paintings that can provide in-depth information about Buddhism. The place is on off-beaten track but located close to the Swoyambhunath Stupa.