4 Buddhist pilgrimages of Kathmandu

Hidden in the citadel of mountains, the Kathmandu valley nourished Buddhism as it was from the ancient time. Being in the juxtaposition of Tibet and India, the valley was an important trading route channelizing cultural exchange. Because of its safe geographical location and the cultural harmony, Kathmandu valley was one of the most important Buddhist centers during the medieval period (9 – 18th century).

While its neighbors went through several political uprisings, Buddhism remained intact in the Kathmandu valley making it one of the oldest living Buddhist heritage.

Here are the four Buddhist pilgrimages of Kathmandu.

Three Stupas of Kathmandu

A pilgrimage of the three stupas of Kathmandu valley is one of the lifetime journeys for Buddhist from the region. The three stupas are known as Swyambhunath, Boudhanath and Namobuddha.

Swyambhunath Mahachaitye on a hillock 100 m above the valley dates back to the 5th century. The name Swyambhunath means self created or self originated symbol of enlightenment. According to Buddhist legend Swyambhunath existed from the time when Kathmandu valley was a Lake. Majushree drained the water from the valley and covered the self created enlightenment with a dome, thus establishing the Mahachaitye.

The second important Stupa of Kathmandu valley is the Boudhanath Stupa in the east of Kathmandu. With 100 m of diameter and 36 m height, Boudhanath stupa is the largest stupa in Asia. It was first built in the 7th century in the outskirts of Kathmandu along the trans-Himalayan trade route with relic of Kasyapa Muni Buddha who preceded ShakyaMuni Buddha.

With over 60 monasteries, residence of Himalayan Buddhist communities and Tibetan pilgrims, the neighborhood around Boudhanath stupa is now known as ‘Little Tibet of Kathmandu’.

Namo Buddha stupa lies on a mountain, some 40 km southeast of Kathmandu. Namo Buddha stupa is believed to be built with relics of a prince who sacrificed his life to feed hungry tigress and her cubs out of great compassion. This was one of the previous lives of Shakya muni Buddha who was later born in Lumbini.

A stone tablet carved with a scene of the prince feeding his flesh to the tigress and her cubs is established at the site of the incident. A pilgrimage walk circumnavigates newly established Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery (Namo Buddha monastery), the stone tablet temple and the Namo Buddha stupa.

Buddhist pilgrimage tour of Kathmandu

The Buddhist pilgrimage tour of Kathmandu could be organized for one day to six days. The tour could be organized throughout the year. Being in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kathmandu has moderate temperature throughout the year. Since it is cultural sightseeing this is the best tour for the rainy season as well.

Pharping caves of Padmashambhava (Guru Rinpoche)

The two caves of Pharping are where the Indian master Padmashambhava attained the siddhi of Mahamudra. Pharping is about 35 km south of downtown Kathmandu. The site is as important as Boudhagaya for the Vajrayani Buddhists.

This site is often regarded as the most significant among all locations associated with Guru Rinpoché's activities. In this area, the Mahaguru engaged in retreat within two caves situated in the present-day village of Pharping. In the winter season, he meditated in the upper Asura Cave, which received ample sunlight, while in the scorching summer months; he sought seclusion in the lower Yangleshö cave. It was at the Asura Cave where he achieved the highest realization of Mahamudra, the Great Seal, by integrating the practices of Yangdak Heruka and Vajrakilaya.

Sankhu Vajrayogini and Milarepa cave

Shanku in the northeast of Kathmandu valley is one of the ancient Newari settlements along the trade route to Tibet. The famous temple of Vajrayogini is perched in the middle of the mountain known as Manichunda hill above the Sankhu village. Records have it that the idol of Vajrayogini was part of the 7th century Gum Bihara (monastery). The Gum Bihara played a crucial role in the dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet. While the monastery was destroyed, the temple was later built in the 16th century by Pratap Mall, a king of Kathmandu. The main temple enshrines a representation of Ugra Tara, or Ekajati. The female deity is depicted wielding a sword—khadga—and is aptly called Khadga Yogini. The upper temple has an identical image of Ugra Tara.

One of many important siddhas visiting the site was a Tibetan Buddhist Master Milarepa. His cave and few important Buddhist statues are still seen in the premises.

Monastic tour of Kathmadu and Patan

With over 300 medieval monasteries, Kathmandu valley used to be one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage as well as learning centers. In the backstreets of the bustling markets of old towns, one can still see tranquil Bahals (monasteries) dating between the 8th to 16th century.

Walk though the old towns of Patan and Kathmandu and discover some of the enchanting temples of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), Tara (Dolma) and Vajrayogini.

The Golden temple of Patan still recites the 900 years old ‘Pragya Paramita’ every morning. The 1,000 years old Pragya Paramita at Bhatwan Bahal of Kathmandu can be observed by outsiders.

I am an adventurer from the Himalayas of Nepal. I love exploring reading and writing travel journal. Believe it or not, More you read the less you understand. My blogs about Nepal Tibet Bhtutan tour