Nepal is famous for its tranquil temples, which are among the most beautiful in the world. Temples in Nepal are a must-see for any traveler, from ancient Hindu temples to Buddhist shrines. With hundreds of temples spread across the country, deciding which ones to visit might be difficult. So, let’s know about Top 10 Famous Temples in Nepal.To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of Nepal’s most notable temples. These temples are must-see sights for any traveler, from the grandeur of Pashupatinath Temple to the tranquil ambience of Boudhanath Stupa. These temples in Nepal will deliver an amazing experience whether you are a spiritual seeker or simply a tourist.
This blog article will present an introduction of the history, culture, and significance of ten of Nepal’s most famous temples. From Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple to Bhaktapur’s Changu Narayan Temple, these temples are some of the most recognizable in the country and a must-see for any visitor.Nepal is home to a number of old temples and religious landmarks, making it a great location for anybody interested in learning more about the region’s culture and history. There are numerous amazing temples in Nepal that are worth seeing, ranging from the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to the majestic Manakamana Temple in Gorkha. Here we present ten of Nepal’s most famous and recognizable temples – a must-see for any traveler!
Interesting fact of the Top 10 Famous Temples in Nepal
01. Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu is one of the most historic and popular temples in Nepal as millions of Hindu pilgrims come to visit the temple every year.
02. It is situated in the ‘Gorkha’ district of Nepal. People come here to fulfill their wishes since the 17th century.
03. Changu Narayan is considered to be the oldest temple of Nepal. It remains a milestone in Nepali temple architecture with rich embossed works.
04. Nyātāpola (Nepal Bhasa: 𑐒𑐵𑐟𑐵𑐥𑑀𑐮, “ṅātāpola”, lit. ‘something with five storey’) is a five tiered temple located in the central part of Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is the tallest monument within the city and is also the tallest temple of Nepal.
05. Budhanilkantha temple is one of the main attractions of Kathmandu. It is also known as Narayanthan temple and Jal Narayan temple. It is a Hindu open air temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. The statue of Budhanilkantha is also the largest stone carving of Nepal.
- Top Five Benefits of Starting a Business as a Student
- Top 10 Companies in Bangladesh 2024
- Top 10 Groups of Companies in Bangladesh (2024)
- Top 10 Billionaires in Bangladesh 2024 | Meet the Richest Titans from Bangladesh
- Top 10 Best Furniture Stores Online in the UK
List of Top 10 Famous Temples in Nepal
01. Pashupatinath Temple
Nestled in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, Nepal, the illustrious Pashupatinath Temple stands as an iconic Hindu sanctuary, paying homage to the revered deity Lord Pashupatinath. This sacred edifice, perched gracefully on the banks of the Bagmati River, has been a focal point of religious devotion for over fifteen centuries, making it one of the world’s oldest Hindu temples.
While the primary sanctum remains exclusively accessible to adherents of the Hindu faith, visitors from all walks of life can admire the resplendent pagoda-style architecture from the temple’s exterior. The temple complex further enchants with its array of additional shrines and monuments, each bearing testament to Nepal’s rich religious and cultural tapestry. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pashupatinath Temple transcends its religious significance, embodying a living repository of cultural heritage. Its enduring presence stands as a timeless tribute to the profound spiritual legacy that graces the land of Nepal.
02. Boudhanath Stupa
The Boudhanth Stupa is one of Nepal’s oldest stupas. Its vast mandala makes it the largest spherical stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world, and it is located in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. For Buddhists and Hindus, the Boudhanata Stupa is historically and religiously significant.The stupa is fashioned like a mandala and resembles Tibet’s Gyantse. The white-washed dome is an architectural marvel that wonderfully compliments Gautam Buddha’s all-seeing eyes, which represent awareness. The original stupa was built around AD 600, and it was restored in the 8th century by the Licchavi emperors. For ages, Tibetan merchants have rested and given prayers here.
Hundreds of prayer flags cover the stupa and its surroundings, giving it a distinct and lovely appearance. Around the stupa, there are various little shrines and monasteries where devotees can meditate or learn more about Buddhism. Visitors to the site can explore the surrounding region, which includes gift shops and eateries providing delectable local cuisine.The Boudhanath Stupa is a popular tourist destination in Kathmandu. It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal from 1979 A.D.
03. Swayambhunath
Swoyambhunath, one of Nepal’s most ancient and well-known temples, is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Kathmandu Valley. The stupa is painted with Buddha’s eyes and brows. The number one in Devanagiri script is painted between them in the shape of a nose.It is situated on a hilltop. The site has two entrances: a lengthy stairway leading directly to the temple’s main platform from the top of the hill to the east, and a motor road around the hill from the south leading to the south-west entrance.
This historic temple complex is located on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley and offers a breathtaking view. The stupa is made up of a white dome and four pairs of eyes. The “all-seeing wisdom” of the Buddha is said to be represented by these eyes. There are other shrines and statues devoted to several Buddhist deities on the stupa. Visitors can walk the 365 steps to the summit of the hill, where they can visit the numerous shrines and take in the beautiful views.
04. Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is one of Nepal’s most famous temples. It is the oldest temple in Nepal, dating back to the fourth century and located on a mountaintop near the village of Changu in the Bhaktapur region. The temple is located on a high hill overlooking the settlement and valley below, providing spectacular views of the countryside.Visitors to Changunarayan Temple may enjoy breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley below as well as study the many sculptures and carvings that adorn the walls. It is a popular site for both locals and tourists, providing a unique look into Nepal’s rich cultural legacy.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is surrounded by four courtyards. It is built in the traditional Nepali style of architecture. Inside, there is a massive stone platform with carved carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as an inner shrine housing Lord Vishnu’s statue. On the site is also a bronze statue of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s mount.The temple compound is a major pilgrimage spot for Hindus who come here to pray and make offerings to Lord Vishnu. Changu Narayan Temple is one of Nepal’s most prominent religious monuments, with multiple smaller shrines and temples on its grounds. Visitors can explore the temple complex’s numerous elaborate carvings and sculptures while learning about this magnificent country’s rich history and culture.
05. Manakamana Temple
Manakamana Temple is one of Nepal’s most prominent temples, located in the Gorkha district. This old temple attracts Hindu pilgrims who come to pray and make offerings to the goddess Bhagwati. Goddess Bhagwati is honored at Manakamana Temple. According to Hindu vedas, the Goddess Bhagwati is a manifestation of Durga, a powerful female deity who shields her worshipers from all evil. The temple is located at an elevation of 1,300 meters and is accessible via cable car or hiking trails.
The Manakamana Temple is well-known for its religious significance and spiritual force. When visitors enter the temple, they describe feeling a sense of tranquility and clarity. The sacred shrine devoted to goddess Bhagwati is located in the heart of the temple, where devotees pray and give sacrifices in order to obtain divine graces. There are also several minor shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses like as Shiva, Parvati, and Vishnu.
The temple is also an excellent place to visit if you want to enjoy nature and culture in Nepal. The walking trails that encircle the temple offer spectacular views of lush green valleys, woodlands, and wildlife. In addition, tourists can participate in traditional festivals and cultural activities hosted by local communities throughout the area.Manakamana Temple is one of Nepal’s most famous temples, and no journey to Nepal is complete without a visit. So, if you want to have a truly spiritual experience in Nepal, Manakamana Temple should be at the top of your list!
06. Janaki Temple
Janaki Temple is the most visited Hindu temple in Nepal’s Terai area. It is also one of Nepal’s most historically significant ancient temples. Janaki Temple, located in the Dhanusha area of Janakpur, is entirely dedicated to Goddess Sita, also known as Mother Janaki.It is completely white and covers an area of 1,480 square kilometers, making it Nepal’s largest temple. One of the most beautiful aspects of Janaki Temple is that it was built in the style of Mughal and Hindu architecture from ancient Nepal. The temple is a three-story edifice composed entirely of stone and marble.
Janaki Temple has a particular place in Hinduism due to its link to the epic Ramayana. Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh, India, erected it. The construction of this temple is said to have cost nine hundred thousand gold coins, or nine lakhs. As a result, this temple is also known as “Nau Lakha Mandir,” which translates to “Temple of Nine Lakhs.”Every year, thousands of pilgrims from Nepal, India, and other nations visit Janaki Temple.
07. Muktinath Temple
Muktinath Temple is the largest Lord Vishnu temple in Nepal, located in the Muktinath Valley at the foot path of the Thorong La mountain pass in Nepal’s Mustang province. It is one of the world’s highest temples because it is located at a height of 3,800 meters above sea level. Muktinath shrine is a sacred Hindu and Buddhist shrine.Muktinath is particularly precious to Hindus since it is one of the Char Dhams of Nepal and the 106th of the 108 Divya Deshams designated sacred by Sri Vaishanava. Muktinath Temple’s principal shrine is regarded as one of the world’s eight most important Hindu sanctuaries.Muktinath temple is particularly sacred to Buddhists since it is a sacred spot for dakinis and one of the twenty-four Tantric places for Buddhists.
Muktinath is the only spot on Earth that contains all five elements (fire, water, sky, earth, and air) that make up all material things in the cosmos. Along with the surrounding soil, air, and sky, there is a water spring and a flame powered by naturally occurring gas outflow, creating the appearance of the water itself burning. There is no other known co-located water source and burning gas.Muktinath should be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal because of all the unique aspects about this sacred temple.
08. Dakshinkali Temple
Not only does the Kathmandu Valley feature many temples, but so do the surrounding areas. Daskshinkali Temple is one among them. A Dakshinkali Temple, one of Nepal’s largest Hindu temples, is located around 22 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu and about one kilometers outside the village of Pharping. The temple is devoted to the Goddess Kali.
According to the Shiva Purana and other Hindu vedas, Goddess Kali is the incarnation of Goddess Annapurna, who is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. “Anna” means “Food,” while “Purna” means “Full.” As a result, it is claimed that visiting this shrine satisfies the human need for nourishment.For Hindus in Nepal, this temple has ancient, historical, and religious significance. Dakshinkali is a renowned trekking destination in Nepal and one of the country’s major tourism attractions. Thousands of visitors and pilgrims visit this temple every year.
09. Mayadevi Temple
Mayadevi Temple, nestled in the heart of Lumbini, Nepal, stands as a revered Buddhist sanctuary with profound historical significance. This ancient temple is hallowed as the sacred birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the revered founder of Buddhism. Surrounding this spiritual haven, one discovers the presence of a consecrated garden and a revered water body known as Pushkarni. In a momentous archaeological discovery in November 2013, an international team of experts unveiled the remnants of an ancient shrine, a relic that predates 550 BCE, beneath the temple’s grounds. This remarkable finding is hailed as the world’s earliest-known Buddhist shrine, amplifying the temple’s sanctity.
For Buddhists, the Mayadevi Temple holds unparalleled reverence, drawing multitudes of devotees from both near and far. Each year, countless local and international pilgrims converge upon this hallowed site, seeking solace, engaging in meditation, and yearning for spiritual enlightenment. The Mayadevi Temple serves as a timeless beacon of faith and a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism.
10. Chinnamasta Bhagwati Temple
Chinnamasta Bhagwati Temple is the most popular Hindu temple in Nepal’s Terai region, following Janaki Temple. It is one of Nepal’s oldest temples. Shaktishimhadeva, the fifth ruler of the Karnata dynasty, founded the shrine as a Siddha Peetha in the 13th century.The temple is located in Saptari district’s Chinnamasta Rural Municipality, about 10 kilometers from Rajbiraj, near the Nepal-India border. It is the Terai region’s oldest, most cherished holy spot, and most prominently adored location. The historical name “Shakhada Bhagwati” is more common for this temple. Because the goddess’s head has gone missing, the temple is now known as Chinnamasta Bhagwati.
This is most likely Nepal’s sole Hindu temple that has been invaded and devastated by Mughals. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the ruler of Delhi, invaded Bengal in 1324 CE, and on their route back to Delhi, the Tughlaq army passed through present-day Saptari to reach Simraungadh, causing damage to the temple and the goddess Bhagwati’s idol.Chinnamasta Bhagwati Temple is one of Nepal’s most important temples, attracting thousands of visitors and devotees from Nepal and India all year. We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned about these well-known temples in Nepal. In Nepal, there are thousands of tiny and large temples, each with its own distinct character. These temples in Nepal have reflected Nepal’s rich old cultural and religious traditions.