Published by: Mandira
Published date: 24 Jan 2022
Our religious heritage refers to valuable objects and qualities such as historical buildings and cultural traditions that have been passed down from the previous generation to the present generation. The people of Nepal follow different religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Jain, Sikhism, Kirant etc. Some of our religious heritages are listed below:
Pashupatinath
Pashupati area is a holy place of the Hindus. It is situated in Kathmandu. The Pashupati area includes the temple of Pashupati, Deupatan, Jaya Begheswori, Gaurighat, Kutumbahal, Gaushala, Pingalasthaan and Sleshmantak forest. There are about 492 temples, chaityas, satals, etc. Temples are constructed in various styles. There are about one thousand Shivalingas in the Pashupati area. Pashupati area was listed in World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1972 A.D.
Swayambhunath Stupa
The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath is situated on the top of a hill in Kathmandu. It is one of the most popular holy places. The temple is also known as “monkey temple” because many monkeys found there. Swayambhunath temple is regarded as the symbol of religious tolerance as there is the temple of Hindu goddess Saraswati. There are other stupas and idols also. The biggest statue of Buddha has also been constructed near Swayambhunath temple.
Changunarayan Temple
Changunarayan Temple is the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley. The temple was constructed before the 4th century. The temple stands of culture, religion, history and faith of Kathmandu valley. Changunarayan Temple is located in Bhaktapur district and 22 kilometer east of Kathmandu. Changunarayan Temple is constructed during the rule of Lichchhavi king Mandev. Changunarayan Temple is made in Pagoda style.
Ram Janaki Temple
The beautiful Janaki Mandir is a Hindu temple located at the heart of Janakpur. It is one of the famous holy places of Hindus. This temple is covered by full of Mithila art and architecture. It is believed that this temple was constructed by the queen of Tikamgadh. The temple was built in dedication to Goddess Sita. All its 60 rooms of the temples are decorated with colored glass, and paintings, with beautiful windows and turrets. It gives the identity of our country.
Jame Mosque
This mosque is located northwest of the Royal Palace in Kathmandu. It is the most popular holy place of Nepalese Muslim Community. People from Muslim Community gather every Friday to do prayer. They do Namaz ever hour. The important festivals of Islam are Id, Baker Id, Ramjan etc.
Larumba
Larumba is the famous holy place of Kirat community of Nepal. It is located in Ilam District. The people of Kirat gather here to celebrate their festivals. They read mundhum and worship god according to their culture. The people who follow this religion wear white tika on their forehead. Most of the peoplewho follow this religiondo not eat meat.
Church Assumption
Assumption Church is located at Dhobighat of Lalitpur district. It is the holy place of the Christain. Most of the Christain people gather here on Saturday to pray to Jesus Christ. Christain people come here during Christmas, other festivals and marriage ceremony.
Besides this, there are several religious heritages in Nepal. They are Bouddhanath, Manakamana, Swargadwari, Gosaikunda, Pathivara are some of the examples of the famous religious heritage of Nepal. Whatever the religion these places belong to, all of them are our valuable heritages. It is our responsibility to preserve them.