Nepal Temples

Nepal is an interesting place but it is the people and their faith that make it such humbling experience. We managed to trek to, and explore some places that are off the main tourist track. Including Ghorka, Manakamana and Bandipur. We met many local people who were interested to speak with us and find out where we were from. All the time we noted many of them didn't seem to have much in the way of possessions. All were smiling and friendly, there is an air of spiritual satisfaction among the Nepalese.
The following photos show some of the interesting Temples we visited during December 2012.

Manakamana

These bells with their stunning background were interesting.

At the temple there was a humming hive of activity. The queue in the
 background stretched well up the hill in front of the shops.
 Many holding chickens or a goat.

Once the animal has been blessed it is brought around to the slaughtering
area where it is sacrificed. It is then cut up and placed in bags to be taken away.

SOme of the people asked to pose with us, others just sidled up and had  our photos poached.
It was very much of the tourist being the centre of attention.

To get to the temple at Manakamana it is a long hike up from the river, or you can take the cable car sky-ride up in twenty minutes. We enjoyed the cable car ride which rose up steeply through the clouds. This temple is one that many Nepalese visit due to the belief that if they make a sacrifice here their wish will be granted. There are even special carriages for the livestock. Goats and Chickens. We were told that on a Saturday or Sunday it gets very busy so it would not be so busy. Actually we are not too sure we would like to see this place when it is busy. The experience was amazing, we did not see any other white tourists while we were there. But we did become the center of interest for many who wanted a photo.

In and around Kathmandu

A walk down many of the narrow lanes, and into some of the low narrow access lanes often revealed interesting shrines and temples. We also made a trip out to see Bhouddahanath Stupa which is the largest in the world. It also had large numbers of people on their pilgrimage. Enormous and fascinating. 

The Buddha Eyes see all. And this set can see right out across Kathmandu Valley.

Late afternoon sun reflects off the gold plating.
The prayer flags fluttered and did their thing.

Ruth feeling truly blessed to be able to have this experience. 

It was peaceful sitting in one of the roof top cafes and enjoying the  setting of the sun ,
washed down with a Spiced tea, An amazing calm place.

The Monkey Temple (Swayambhu)

We were fortunate to be given the opportunity walk with a local guide to the Monkey temple. It is quite a climb up the steps to the temple area. The view out over the valley from this temple is worth the effort. The monkeys seem be guarding the park like grounds. We were there at feeding time and just after, so we got to see some very contented monkeys. 

Relaxed and watching the world go by.

Having been fed it was time to preen.

Each little recess in this wall holds a  gold buddha.

These magnificent Buddhas were undergoing a little touch up.

The prayer wheels hold the ability to complete ones worship.

I couldn't help wondering just what this guy was thinking.
He was certainly deep in thought at this moment.

The Tooth Shrine:

On one of the little lanes we came across this interesting shrine. It was a sizable lump of wood with coins nailed on to it.

Apparently in nailing a coin and saying a prayer you can hope to have your tooth problems cured. It just happened that this lane had quite a number of local dentists.

This whole experience makes a little change inside to the way we think and view the world. There are so many beliefs and and religions, who knows what is the right religion. What I do know is that there is a genuine concern for fellow man  as the basis of every culture.