Dhulikhel - Namobuddha - Panauti 1D

Namobuddha Monastery

Namobuddha is about 40 km southeast of Kathmandu valley in Kavre District. According to legend, some 6000 years ago, prince Mahasatwo, discovered a tigress about to die starving with her five little babies. Mahasatwo cuts his body and feed the tigress leaving the bones which were brought back to the village and buried in the tomb. Later in about 3500 years, Gautam Buddha came to the village and declared that he was the reincarnation of prince Mahasatwo. Gautam Buddha renamed this village Namo Buddha which means Hommage to Buddha.
It is one of the most popular Buddhist destination and a center for tourism. The main festivals celebrated here are kartik purnima and Buddha Jayanti. We can see beautiful panoramic view of snow-capped mountains and landscapes of Panauti and Balthali. This is one of the holy palce where Buddha gave his life to the tigress showing love and compassion to the entire world.

Panauti

Panauti is a small town located 32 km Southeast of Kathmandu. Rosi, Punyamati, and “invisible” river, Lilawati creating a tri-junction (Tribeni dham) makes it important pilgrimage site where every 12 years, a month-long fair is held known as the Makar Mela since 774 Nepal Sambat introduced by King Pratap Malla. During this celebration, hundred and thousands of devotees visit Panauti to cleanse themselves in this sacred water. The Harisiddhi dance is considered to be the oldest traditional dance in Nepal. This dance was initiated about 2,400 years ago by King Vikramaditya.It is said to use the language of gods and speech of the spirits. Indreshwor Mahadev Temple was restored in medival period by different rulers and with French aid in 1982-1983, A 16 th century Unmatta Bhairab Temple, Tulanarayan Temple, Sohrakhutte Pati, Lapati, Ghat sattal, Dharmadhatu Chaitya, Umamaheshwor, Stone pillar, Satya Narayan, Laxmi Narayan, Krishana Narayan, Surya Narayan, A 17th century Brahmayani Temple, and Tin dhara are the major highlights of Panauti.