Kathmandu: Neglecting its criticism as the pursuit of the privileged people to waste time, adventure goes beyond recreation serving as a means to transcend life’s limitations emerging in the beauty of nature. Being one of the types of tourism, Spiritual tourism in Nepal has lately stolen the spotlight.
Spiritual tourism is to travel to find life meaning. As its name suggests, it is defined as something that connects your body, mind and soul. Besides offering physical, mental and emotional benefits by connecting your body, mind and soul, it presents an opportunity to travel in nature where you can get peace of mind by savouring nature’s beauty in any form be it entertainment, enlightenment education.
It gives enlightenment and entertainment for visitors apart from offering education as visitors learn many new things from spiritual tourism.
Spiritual tourism in Nepal is not linked with any specific religion since it is different from religious tourism. It purely connects with your body, mind, and soul while religious tourism has a link with religious faiths and beliefs. It has a broader perspective than religious tourism.
Aside from providing inner peace and happiness, it also contributes to the country’s economy by generating employment opportunities through the attraction of spiritual tourists. It encourages local cultures and their traditions while valuing and protecting local talents, and arts.
Nestled in the Himalayas, Nepal is rich in culture, religion, language and clothing with a blend of spirituality hospitality, and modern life. Its rich cultural heritage shows the diverse ethnic and religious significances of the people, showcasing many unique diverse religious traditions and festivals, clothing, arts, foods, and customs.
Diverse Nepali people celebrate many festivals including Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Indra Jatra, Ghode Jatra, Yomari Puja, Lhosar, Maghi, etc. along with different types of languages in use like Nepali, Maithili, Newari, Gurung, Magar, Limbu, Tharu, Satar. Similarly, different types of traditional clothing are worn like Daura Suruwal, Dhaka Topi, etc.
The country provides a platform for spiritual tourism which should not be missed by anyone on the lookout for exploring its beauty. From thousands of temples of various goddesses and gods revered by people from various cultures to monasteries to mosques, Nepal is home to holiness making it a perfect place for spiritual tourists.
Tourists visiting Nepal can also indulge themselves in Yoga, and meditation, which are a means to give humans peace of mind, calmness and stress-free life. Besides, finding oneself in nature, in the lap of the Himalayas, mountains and hills helps one break free from the stressful life.
Since Nepal also serves as a land of Ayurveda, a traditional treatment means for ill people, spiritual tourists can reap benefits as well. Given these accounts, Nepal makes a perfect place for destinations for spiritual tourists.
Some of the spiritual tourist destinations are as follows:
Pashupatinath Temple
Sitting on the banks of the sacred Bagmati river in the heart of Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple holds religious significance for Hindu people dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main Hindu deities. The temple attracts both Hindu and non-Hindu people from all over the world with the belief that their wishes come fulfilled by worshipping at the temple, according to the religious belief.
It also attracts millions of tourists each year. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the temple built in a mix of pagoda and shikhara styles is surrounded by small shrines and structures. There are four doors on the four sides of the temple which are painted silver with a gold-coated roof, adding to its beauty.
One of the attractions of the temple is the Maha Shivaratri festival which is celebrated annually generally in the Nepali month of Falgun. Devoted to the honour of Lord Shiva, the festival attracts millions of Hindu and non-Hindu people from Nepal, neighbouring India, and other countries.
On the day, people fast after taking a bath and perform ritual puja in the respect of Lord Shiva. They stay awake through the night as well. Nanga Babas, (necked priests), who are considered ‘true’ devotees of Lord Shiva are also present at the temple area offering blessings to visiting devotees.
People visiting the temple can have a glimpse of the vibrant atmosphere of Hindu rituals, prayers and ceremonies, making it a perfect place for cultural significance and spiritual aspects.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Located at the top of the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa to both followers of Buddhism and Hinduism. Surrounded by a forest, many monasteries, prayer wheels, shrines and structures relating to Buddhism, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu city from the top of the temple. One has to tackle 365 steps uphill to reach top, which is one of the major attractions of the temple increasing the significance of the site.
The temple is considered a symbol of peace, love, and unity among the Nepali people. This place is also known as the monkey temple as there are hundreds of monkeys lurking in the forest.
Boudhanath Stupa
Situated in the Kathmandu Valley, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in Nepal and a sacred place for Buddhists. Surrounded by numerous monasteries, shops, and restaurants, it makes up a religious and spiritual place where daily rituals are performed by Buddhist monks and nuns.
It also offers as a place where visitors can see Buddhist monks and nuns with prayer wheels and flags in their hands offering prayers and counting beads strung on a garland by their fingers.
Lumbini
The birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Lumbini is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of followers of Buddhism, and non-Buddhists from all over the world with its beauty, and the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and various monasteries being major attractions.
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, one can find place a of solitude for attending peace of mind. The place has a good weather condition as it receives an abundance of sunlight during the summer and a chilly atmosphere during winter.
Adding to its beauty, several monasteries and shrines are making it a complete platform for spiritual purposes like Yoga and meditation. The different architectural designs and attractive paintings on the walls will surely attract visitors.
Janakpur
Located in the southeast of Nepal, around 225 kilometres from Kathmandu, near the border with India, Janakpur is an important religious site for Hindus believed to be the birthplace of Sita, the spouse of Lord Ram, one of the major deities of Hindu people.
Formerly the capital of the Mithila Kingdom where King Janak, Sita’s father ruled in ancient times, the city is held in high regard as an ancient historical place carrying bravery, spirituality and love as mentioned in the epic Ramayan. One of the major attractions of the city is the Janaki Temple which is dedicated to Sita. Many rituals and festivals are organised in the temple on various occasions adding to its allure.
Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, got married to Sita here in a grand ceremony. This important event is remembered every year as Bibaha Panchami drawing thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
Muktinath Temple
Situated in the Mustang region, “Muktinath” is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists dedicated to Lord Bishnu. Popularly known for its 108 water spouts, natural gas fires, and stunning mountain views, the spiritual and religious site is surrounded by thousand square meters of temples, shrines, burial stupas, prayer wheels, and natural springs, along with other natural and man-made features filled with supernatural characteristics reflecting both Buddhist and Hindu principles.
Historically, Muktinath carries power with its association of the Shaligram (sacred stone) where pilgrims worship in the belief that they will get power, god’s blessings, purity and inner peace attracting spiritual tourists.
In the backyard is a temple called Muktidhara where frozen water continuously flows from the bullhead-shaped stone spout and two Kunda (ponds in front of the temple). Taking a bath in these 108 waterspouts and two Kunda (ponds) is believed to bring salvation.
Muktinath Temple carries the symbol of the religious significance between both Hindus and Buddhists. According to Hindu legend lord Bishnu got salvation from the curse of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore, he is worshipped as Muktinath (the lord of salvation).
Gosaikunda
Located in the Langtang National Park in Rasuwa district in Nepal, Gosaikunda is a sacred alpine lake believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, one of the major Hindu deities. Situated at a height of around 4,380 metres (14,370 feet) above sea level, the place, known for its stunning natural beauty, holds religious significance for followers of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
It is believed that Shiva and goddess Parbati resided in the place. Gosaikunda Yatra, an annual religious festival and trekking event, is a major attraction of the place in which hundreds of pilgrims take place. Pilgrims engage in prayers and rituals and take a ritual dip in the belief that their sins will be cleansed and they will get blessings from gods and goddesses. The Yatra takes place in August during the full moon.
Surrounded by forests, alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrains, visiting people take breathtaking views of mountains including Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung.
One can use four different trails to reach Gosaikunda from Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok districts: Kathmandu-Dhunche-Gosaikunda; Melamchi-Kutumsang-Thadepati-Gosaikunda; Sundarijal-Kutumsang- Gosaikunda; and Ghyangphedi-Yarsa-Gosaikunda.
Gosainkunda offers a unique blend of natural beauty, trekking adventure, and cultural significance. The majestic site attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The holy Gosaikunda lake has unparalleled importance for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The Hindus believe that all the Hindu deities descend to the lake in Janaipurnima, and therefore, taking a holy dip in the lake is their chance to get closer to divinity.
Concluding, the article Spiritual Tourism In Nepal can be the new way of tourism. Tourist can purify their mind and soul and can change their way of living their life.
