Intro:
Namobudha is one of the most important religious sites of the Buddhists. It is located on a picturesque hill. The religiously important Namobuddha, surrounded by serene environment and green hills, is gaining fame as an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The site is also gaining reputation as a tourist destination and more and more foreign tourists reach the place every year.
The Monastery:
Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is located at the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, Nepal. It is home to more than 250 monks and includes a monastic college, a school for young monks and a Tibetan Medical clinic.
For tourists there are several temples and stupas to admire. All surrounded by the most beautiful panoramic views. Highlight is the Golden Big Buddha and Shrine hall. Please note: opening times for the above hall are from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 17:00. Please remove your shoes before entering. Photography is also prohibited within this hall. It is beautiful, a lot of gold and wealth can be admired here. As well as important religious items.
Namo Buddha Temple:
At the bottom of the hill you can admire the Namo Buddha temple. Accessible by stairs from the Monastry, or via the main road. In addition to being an important temple, this is also the ideal location for lunch. Most hotels and restaurants in the area are located here.
The legend: Sacrifice of the Tigers:
According to legends, King Maharath ruled a large town located between Panauti and a nearby town Sankhu. King Maharath has three sons, and the youngest Mahahridaya was of very benevolent nature. Once, the three princes were traveling and entered a jungle. They saw a Tigers with her 5 cubs. The Tiger was thin and weak. Prince Mahahridaya asked his brothers why the Tigres was so weak and they replied she was weak and thin due to the lack of food. The kind hearted prince thought it would be an act of great kindness if he could feed the tigers with his own body. so he started feeding the hungry tigers ripping off his body parts with branches of trees, without the knowledge of his brothers and died.
It is beleived that the Stupa at Namobuddha houses the remians of the kind hearted prince. The benevolent prince's soul went straight to the heaven and is believed to have reincarnated in Nepal's Lumbini. It is said that, when Lord Buddha arrived at Namobuddha after receiving enlightenment, he revealed to his disciples that he had sacrificed his life at the spot in the earlies incarnation and the remains were housed there. The place is now regarded as a holy pilgirmage and devotees offer worship and light oil lamps in reverence.
Full moon festival:
This uge festival is organized here on the full moon day of Basisakh (May). the Birthday of Lord Buddha. Thousands of devotees both Buddhist and Hindu gather here for the festival. Tourist are also attracted to the artistic monasteries and the idol of "Sacrifice to the Tigress" located around the hilltop famous for viewing sunrise and sunset.
Getting there:
Namobuddha can be easily reached from various tourist destinations like Dhulikhel, Panauti, and Kathmandu. Namobuddha is located at a distance of 10 km from Panauti and 15 km from Dhulikhel. A day trip from Kathmandu is also possible, distance is about 43km.
There is a wide range of hotels around Namo Buddha. But you can also plan a day trip like us from one of the surrounding cities. In our case we visited Namo Buddha while hiking from Dhulikhel. A long trip of 25 km, but a beautiful trip. However you visit Namo Buddha, it is without doubt a very special location of great buddhist value.
