God resides here.

 

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Nepal, nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, is not only famous for its natural beauty but also revered as a land of deep spirituality. It is one of the few countries in the world where Hinduism remains the major religion, practiced by nearly 80% of its people. The culture, architecture, festivals, and daily life of Nepal are closely tied to the worship of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Nepal is often called the Land of Shiva. The sacred Pashupathi nath temple in Kathmandu is one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the protector of all living beings. Devotees from India and across the world visit this temple, especially during mahashivaratri to offer prayers and witness the grand celebrations.

The Kathmandu Valley is home to countless temples dedicated to deities like Vishnu, Lakshmi, Durga, and Hanuman. The changu narayana temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest Vishnu temples, with exquisite sculptures that date back to the 4th century.

Nepal has a rich tradition of goddess worship. The kumari, or living goddess, is worshipped as an incarnation of the Divine Mother Durga. She is chosen from the Newar community and honored in processions and festivals, especially during Indra Jatra.

Hindu festivals like dashain and Tihar (Deepavali) are celebrated with great enthusiasm across Nepal. Dashain honors the triumph of Goddess Durga over evil, while Tihar celebrates the bond between humans and animals—especially cows, crows, and dogs, each worshipped on special days.

Though predominantly Hindu, Nepal harmoniously blends Hinduism and Buddhism. Many temples, such as Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, show the intermingling of both traditions, symbolizing spiritual unity.

Nepal is truly a living museum of Hindu faith and devotion. Every mountain, river, and temple tells a story of divine presence. It is a land where gods and humans seem to walk side by side, preserving ancient traditions that continue to inspire spiritual seekers worldwide.

Jal narayana temple Nepal

Nestled at the foothills of the Shivapuri mountain range, about 8 kilometers north of Kathmandu, lies the serene and divine Jal Narayan Temple, also called Budhanilkantha Temple. It is one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu sites, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe.

The Sleeping Lord Vishnu

At the heart of this temple lies a majestic black stone statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Anantha shesa, floating gracefully on a pool of pure water. The name Jal Narayan literally means “the Water God,” symbolizing the eternal, peaceful rest of Vishnu amidst the cosmic ocean.

The statue, about 5 meters long, is carved from a single block of black balast stone and believed to date back to the 7th century CE during the reign of the Licchavi kings. The image depicts Vishnu in a calm meditative state, holding his four divine symbols — the conch (shankha), disc (chakra), mace (gada), and lotus (padma).

Our journey to Nepal was a deeply spiritual and unforgettable experience. We visited the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the majestic Mahadev Temple, and the serene Jal Narayan Temple, along with many other ancient shrines scattered across Kathmandu and Pokhara. The sight of the Everest and the surrounding annapoorna ranges added grandeur to the journey, blending nature’s majesty with divine presence.

At the temples, the monkeys mingled freely with the devotees, calm and unbothered, as though they too were part of the sacred rhythm of the place. The atmosphere was quiet, peaceful, and filled with a deep sense of serenity — a feeling that truly made one believe God resides here.

Equally memorable were the simple, honest, and kind-hearted people of Nepal, whose warmth and humility left a lasting impression on us. The entire experience felt almost surreal — a beautiful blend of devotion, nature, and peace.