Spiritual of Kathmandu
June 11th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
There is something impressive about a large of people who all believe the same thing. There are places in Kathmandu that have a spiritual energy you can almost sense in the air, like the buzzing of overhead power lines. The spirituality of Kathmandu seems to resonate with most travellers - not many leave without giving at least a moment’s thought to their position in the universe.
Perhaps it has somethng to do with the location,, surrounded by the highest peaks in the world. Or maybe it is the clear mountain air, or the hundreds of Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas littered across the Kathmandu valley, away from the material concerns of gas bills and the daily commute. Whether the spiritual feel-good factor survices the transition back to normal life is another matter, but quite a few travellers arrive agnostic and go home wearing the red robes of Buddhist monks.
The Kathmandu Valley is famous for its multi-tiered pagoda temples. Statues of Hindu deities are housed in small sanctums at the base of the towers and worshippers pray, individually or in family groups, standing outside the door. Shikhara temples, also common in the city, have a tapering, pyramidal tower representing Mount Meru, the celestial abode of the gods. Buddhist stupas also have a strictly defined structure symbolising core elements of Buddhist philosophy. Each level of the stupas represents cone of the five elements - the base is earth, the dome water, the spire fire, the umbrella air and the pinnacle ether. Many of the temples dotted around the valley are world famous, including the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, the fabulous Bodhnath stupa and the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath.
It is uniquely involving to witness worship at Kathmandu’s temples and shrines. Religion infuses all aspects of life for Nepalis and few locals would bat an eyelid at the idea of reincarnation, miracles or gods living right here on earth. Understanding a bit about Hindu and Buddhist religions will help you understand why many Nepalis wear red rice on their foreheads and why dozens of goat walk into the temples of Kali and Durga but very few walk out. Leather is banned from most Hindu temples our of respect for Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, and Buddhists only ever walk cloclwise around stupas. Spirituality is really let off the leash during Kathmandu’s festivals, when people haul huge chariots through the streets and hold boisterous masked parades to drive away demons and celebrate the passing seasons.
Considering the importance of spirituality to the locals, it is surprising that their scared centres are open to all: visitors are welcome at most of the temples and Buddhist stupas and monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley, with the notables exception of Pashupatinath.
Spiritual of Kathmandu
June 11th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
There is something impressive about a large of people who all believe the same thing. There are places in Kathmandu that have a spiritual energy you can almost sense in the air, like the buzzing of overhead power lines. The spirituality of Kathmandu seems to resonate with most travellers - not many leave without giving at least a moment’s thought to their position in the universe.
Perhaps it has somethng to do with the location,, surrounded by the highest peaks in the world. Or maybe it is the clear mountain air, or the hundreds of Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas littered across the Kathmandu valley, away from the material concerns of gas bills and the daily commute. Whether the spiritual feel-good factor survices the transition back to normal life is another matter, but quite a few travellers arrive agnostic and go home wearing the red robes of Buddhist monks.
The Kathmandu Valley is famous for its multi-tiered pagoda temples. Statues of Hindu deities are housed in small sanctums at the base of the towers and worshippers pray, individually or in family groups, standing outside the door. Shikhara temples, also common in the city, have a tapering, pyramidal tower representing Mount Meru, the celestial abode of the gods. Buddhist stupas also have a strictly defined structure symbolising core elements of Buddhist philosophy. Each level of the stupas represents cone of the five elements - the base is earth, the dome water, the spire fire, the umbrella air and the pinnacle ether. Many of the temples dotted around the valley are world famous, including the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, the fabulous Bodhnath stupa and the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath.
It is uniquely involving to witness worship at Kathmandu’s temples and shrines. Religion infuses all aspects of life for Nepalis and few locals would bat an eyelid at the idea of reincarnation, miracles or gods living right here on earth. Understanding a bit about Hindu and Buddhist religions will help you understand why many Nepalis wear red rice on their foreheads and why dozens of goat walk into the temples of Kali and Durga but very few walk out. Leather is banned from most Hindu temples our of respect for Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, and Buddhists only ever walk cloclwise around stupas. Spirituality is really let off the leash during Kathmandu’s festivals, when people haul huge chariots through the streets and hold boisterous masked parades to drive away demons and celebrate the passing seasons.
Considering the importance of spirituality to the locals, it is surprising that their scared centres are open to all: visitors are welcome at most of the temples and Buddhist stupas and monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley, with the notables exception of Pashupatinath.
