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The Creation of Kathmandu Valley & Manjushree Myth

Where Buddhist Lore Merges and Collides with Geological & Historical Facts

by Louisa Kamal
written by Louisa Kamal

Manjushri Park, near Chobar Gorge.

The story of Manjushri and the creation of the Kathmandu Valley can be regarded as a myth or even an allegory; a didactic tale meant to entertain and yet educate in much the same way as the myths of Ancient Greece or even the biblical book of Genesis which chronicles the creation of the world and all that is in it in a mere seven days. It is no easy matter to attempt to put the key events in context or even in order; to verify their accuracy; to distinguish fact from fiction. So all I can ask for in my retelling of the tale is Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s ‘willing suspension of disbelief’.

Let’s start by looking at the facts: the Himalayas and the surrounding region, including Nepal, are geologically ‘young’ and the tectonic plates on which they are based were still moving dramatically in ‘recent’ geological time: on a smaller scale, that movement continues to be felt today in the frequent tremors and thankfully less common earthquakes which still rock the region.

Visualization of the Naag Daha, Lake of Nagas, in what is now the Kathmandu Valley: 120,000 years ago (Google Earth Photo)

It was over one million years ago that there was a major tectonic uplift of what we now think of as the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. This caused the damming of the proto-Bagmati River, which flows approximately north-south, from its source in the Shivapuri massif to the vicinity of Katuwal Daha, and the creation of a huge lake covering the whole area from, again in modern-day parlance, Budhanilkantha in the north to Lalitpur in the south; and from Balaju in the west to Bhaktapur in the east. It can be surmised that the surface of the lake was broken by small rocky outcrops and that it was circled by a ring of modest mountains.

The southern rim of the Valley rose at a rate of about three centimeters per year, fast in geological terms, tilting the lake slowly northwards. The surface level of the lake is estimated to have been around 1400m above sea level (ASL), putting it on the same level as modern-day Narayanthan, and had a depth of around 200m.

When the last Ice Age started to loosen its grip, the lake began receding some thirty thousand years ago. Geologists now believe that the draining of the primordial lake was not a single geological event, but took place in multiple phases. The body of water first eroded the soft limestone at Chobar, creating a channel which caused the lake to gradually shrink, isolating three smaller lakes at Gokarna, Pashupati and Kitini (near Godawari). These lakes later, in turn, carved their own gorges and emptied into the main lake and/or the developing riverine system, until finally dry land—predominantly in the form of ridges—emerged above the water, to be later separated by the tributaries of the Bagmati, like the Manohara River. In their turn, these rivers continued to erode the soft clay. To put this in context, the land where Gauchar (site of the airport), Madhyapur Thimi and Patan are now situated emerged thirty thousand, twenty-five thousand and eighteen thousand years ago respectively.

Once the Valley started to be inhabited by the Lichhavi and then Newar peoples, the settlers built their communities on these ridges, using the fertile slopes and lowlands for their farms. Their abundant produce, along with their location on the ancient trade routes between Tibet and India, provided a source of wealth which they invested to form their rich cultural and architectural legacy.

The next step is to link these (relatively) hard facts with the legend and see if and how they dovetail.

The Swayambhu Purana, the only Buddhist text in a cannon of Hindu scriptures, relates how, in ages past, the Kathmandu Valley was a vast primordial lake of great beauty and radiance. This is a substantiated geological fact. Then the myths start to creep in. The lake was said to conceal untold treasure and be inhabited by a variety of water sprites, all ruled by the snake gods, or Nagas, led by King Karkot. Due to their presence, the lake became known as Naag Daha, the Lake of Nagas.

Many great holy men and yogis visited the wondrous lake: foremost among them was the Vipasyin or Vipassi Buddha, regarded as the 22nd of the twenty-seven Buddhas who preceded Shakyamuni Buddha and/or the first of the seven historical Buddhas. One day, Vipasyin was meditating on the summit Nagarjun (2095m)—now part of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park—when a lotus seed appeared before him. He caught it in his outstretched hand and then circumambulated the lake three times before hurling the seed into the air, where its arched path formed a rainbow before gently dropping into the water. As he did so, he made two predictions: the first was, ‘When this lotus shall flower, the primordial Buddha, Swayambhu, the Self-Existent One, shall be revealed as a flame’; while his second prediction foretold the coming of the great bodhisattva, Manjushri, the embodiment of supreme wisdom, who would drain the lake, thus creating a fertile valley in which people could live.

Time passed until, in the time of the second historical Buddha, Shikhin, the seed began to germinate in the silt at the bottom of the lake, gradually rising up through the water until finally surfacing and blooming with countless petals studded with diamonds, pearls and rubies and other precious stones. Most miraculous of all was the flame that glowed in its midst, the manifestation of the Adi Buddha, Swayambhu Jyotirupa or ‘Self-manifesting Jewel of Light’. The prism shone in five colours—white, blue, yellow, red and green—representing the quintessence of the five tatagathas or Transcendent Buddhas: Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Vairochana, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi.

Yet more time passed until the third Buddha, Vishvabhu (or Vessabhu), came with his disciples and, standing on the summit of Pulchowki, at 2755m the highest point in the Kathmandu Valley today, he not only worshipped the sacred flame but confirmed the imminent coming of Manjushri.

At that very time, Manjushri, meditating on Mount Wutai (Wu-tai-shan), currently in Shanxi Province and one of China’s Four Sacred Mountains, saw the manifestation of the Adi Buddha and the Self-manifesting Jewel of Light far away across the Himalayas. A more geographically plausible version of the story has him already resting on Mahamandap Hill to the east of Bhaktapur. Whichever version you believe, Manjushri went to see the marvel for himself, assuming the guise of the vajracharya (tantric master), Manjudeva.

Manjushri is reputed to have then made three circumambulations of the lake, walking on the surface of the water itself; followed by an additional circumambulation on dry land, leaping from mountain top to mountain top—including Nagarjun, Pulchowki and Champadevi—each in a single stride, before going to stand on the crest of what is now known as Swayambhu Hill or Sengu Hill to pray to the sacred flame. .

Let’s pause here and compare this with the geological facts. The story seems miraculous but the altitude of Sengu Hill is given in most sources as 1414m ASL, meaning that it could conceivably have been slightly protruding above the surface of the great lake (the mean altitude of which, as stated above, was an estimated 1400m ASL).

Chobar Gorge looking north to the southern edge of the Kathmandu basin

Whatever the case, and whether the Self-manifesting Jewel of Light was already resting on Sengu Hill or whether Manjushri plucked it out of the water and placed it there, the bodhisattva decided that he must find a way to enable all of mankind to come and worship this primordial flame. His mega plan involved draining the lake: to achieve this he created four gorges with mighty blows of his swords at, again in modern-day parlance and from north to south, Gokarna, Ghaurighat, Chobar, and Katuwal Daha. All of these places link exactly with the geological facts given above: Chobar, the location of the first channel in the limestone which started to drain the lake; Gokarna and Ghaurighat (Pashupati) the sites of two of the three smaller lakes which resulted after the main lake started to drain; Katuwal Daha, the site where the proto-Bagmati River was dammed when the tectonic plates started to shift then tilt. Only Kitini (Godawari), the location of the third small lake, seemingly has no role to play in the Manjushri legend.

Ghaurighat, with the gorge leading down to Aryaghat, Pashupatinath Temple.

Most people are familiar with only one of Manjushri’s four gorges, Chobar Gorge, situated in Kirtipur District and possibly semantically derived from kot-bar, or ‘sword cut’ In the vicinity today are two Manjushri Parks. One is at the gorge itself, where a trail leads as near to the gorge as it safe to go, enabling visitors to clearly visualize how the water had gushed through to drain the Valley, while the other is at some little distance away and boasts an impressive statue of Manjushri positioned in a rather drab and unkempt garden. A small entrance fee is charged for both parks.

The most northerly of the gorges, Gokarna Gorge, is situated just below the famous Gokarneshwor Mandir, most closely associated with Father’s Day or Gokarna Aunsi, whilst a little lower down on the Bagmati River the second gorge runs from Ghaurighat through to Aryaghat at Pashupatinath itself.

Gokarneshwor Mandir, where the Bagmati swings left through the gorge. Gokarna, Kathmandu.

The lowest gorge—and reputedly the first to be created by Manjushri—is at Katuwal Daha, several kilometers off-road from Dakshinkali and visited by only the most passionate followers of the Manjushri legend. (Katuwal is yet another candidate for being semantically derived from kot-bar/sword cut.  Although it can be clearly seen that here the Bagmati River finally leaves the Valley and enters the mountains ready to push its way down to India and become a left bank tributary of the Ganges, the site, with its suspension bridge crossable only on foot or by bike, has sadly become a favorite with junkies. Although there are religious shrines at the location, they are all connected with other stories and gods, none with Manjushri.

Katuwal Daha, looking south towards the Terai and India

One episode inevitably follows on from the draining of the lake: the fate of the nagas who were living there. Realizing that their abode was being destroyed, they approached Manjushri who explained to them that although he wished them no harm, the lake had to be drained for the benefit of all sentient beings. In the knowledge that the presence of the nagas was beneficial for the future of the Valley, he implored them not to leave, offering them new homes in ponds—‘daha’—he would create: Taudaha and Nagdaha. He assured the nagas that people would come and pay homage to them in these ponds for aeons to come. That, as they say, is another story, as is Manjushri’s erotic yet esoteric encounter with the goddess Guhyeshwari, which also involved him using his vajra (Diamond Thunderbolt)—perhaps commemorated in the mammoth vajra which pilgrims see today as they mount the long flight of steps up to Swayambunath—to subdue a powerful whirlpool which was beginning to form as the waters subsided.

After that, Manjushri took his beloved disciple, Shantikar or Shantashri Acharya, to a cave on Sengu Hill, passing on to him the teachings he had himself received from Guhyeshwari, making him the first Vajra master of the Valley. He, in turn, then initiated others into the rituals under a vow of strictest secrecy, thus establishing a lineage of vajracharya in the Kathmandu Valley. It is believed by the faithful that, in the form of either a rainbow body or an image of Chakrasamvara—a wrathful deity—Shantashri Acharaya still inhabits the caves deep inside the Shantipur Temple on the north side of Sengu Hill, which connect with the chorten’s sacred inner core.

Of course the name ‘Kathmandu’ still had not emerged in those far off days. After the waters of the lake had completely drained, leaving behind immensely fertile land, Manjushri’s disciples flocked to live in such an auspicious place, resulting in the bodhisattva founding a city or citadel—or possibly a great vihara or monastery—for them. Some say it was at the confluence of two holy rivers—the Bagmati and the Vishnumati—where Teku is today; others that it was in the vicinity of Balaju, and thus right at the foot of Sengu Hill.  Either way, it was supposedly constructed in the shape of the sword with which he had cleft the mountains to create the four gorges.

Manjushri named the place he had founded Manju Pattana (‘Pleasing or Beautiful City’) and enthroned one of his devotees, Dharmakara, as king. He is then accredited with teaching the people all the basics of civilization: farming and animal husbandry; culture and religious rituals; respect for the spirits of the forest so they could be propitiated before felling trees for timber; carpentry and the art of wood carving; and the use of red clay from the Valley floor to form and bake bricks with which to build simple yet strong dwellings. According to legend, he even instructed them in how to make roof tiles that resembled the scales of a naga; how to place dragon heads at the roof corners; and how to adorn the cornices with fabulous beasts, all for the sake of immortalizing the fact that the Valley had emerged from a primordial lake.  And last but definitely not least, he instructed the people in the art of metallurgy: gold, silver and bronze.

Manjushri Statue detail at the Manjushri Park, near Chobar Gorge.

One can only assume that ascribing all this to Manjushri is a way of accounting, through myth, for the burgeoning of the new and rich culture which historically emerged here, especially the religious culture, in which temples were adorned with elaborately carved friezes of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, while the exquisite images of the gods themselves were cast in gleaming bronze.

After completing his mammoth tasks of creating the Valley, peopling it with his devotees and equipping them with the skills needed to establish a great civilization, Manjushri was finally ready to return to his abode in Wu-tai-shan, but only after enshrining an image of himself on the western side of Sengu Hill, specifically known to this day as Manjushri Hill.

He left behind him a blessed realm that in future centuries attracted the deities of the Himalayas to come and dwell awhile among its inhabitants as well as renowned tantric masters like Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) who encountered his future consort, Shakyadevi, at Swayambhu.

‘Om ah ra pa tsa na dhi’: ‘Amidst the chaos, everything is pure by nature’ is Manjushri’s potent mantra. One can only wonder what Manjushri would make of the current state of chaos in the Kathmandu Valley were he to return today, and if he would still be able to identify its inherent pure soul.

All photos by the author except the google earth photo.

27 incarnation of BuddhaCREATION OF THE KATHMANDU VALLEYHistory of Kathmandu Valleyhow was Kathmandu Valley formedKarkot lives at TaudahaLake of NagasManjushree created Kathmandu ValleyManjushree with swordOm ah ra pa tsa na dhiPotent Manjushree MantraSwayambhu PuranaTwenty seven incarnation of Buddha
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Louisa Kamal

Louisa Kamal, a native of the UK and an MA in English literature, has spent over half of her life in Asia. She currently resides in Nepal with her partner and rescue dog, Maya, spending her time writing, taking photographs and trekking.

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Sama Chakeva clay sculptures by Mira Devi Dutta, B Sama Chakeva clay sculptures by Mira Devi Dutta, Bijay Kumar Dutta, and Priyanka Karna at Kathmandu Triennale (photo1-4). Taragaon Museum, Hyatt, Kathmandu.

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Tharu girls of Terahaut village in Saptari immersing clay idols on the last day of the Sama Chakheva Festival. By  @sankuchy

Sama Chakeva, a revered festival deeply embedded in the folk traditions of Mithila, unfolds its enchanting rituals in Kartik (Nov/Dec) on the eve of the Chhat Festival. The festivities commence in harmony with the migratory journey of birds, descending from the Himalayas to the southern plains of Nepal. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Puranic lore, this celebration, adorned with folk theater and melodious songs, venerates the profound bond between brothers and sisters.

As the sun dips below the horizon, young, unmarried girls gather near the ghats of Chhath, bearing baskets adorned with idols of Sama and Chakeva, alongside oil lamps, kohl, and everyday clay-made essentials. In the ambient glow of the night, they immerse themselves in the timeless melodies of traditional songs, engaging in rituals that transcend generations. 

On this sacred occasion, the river becomes a sanctifying space as young girls take a symbolic dip, purifying their spirits. The idols of Sama and Chakeva, witnesses to the festival's entirety, are tenderly immersed in the flowing waters, marking the conclusion of this deeply cherished celebration.
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Sikhs of Nepalgunj take on streets performing vari Sikhs of Nepalgunj take on streets performing various dances and activities, an expression of their cultural heritage on the occasion of the Guru Nanak Jayanti. Nepalgunj

Photos by RGB NIHAL RGB Camerography 

In addition to the dance, other cultural activities such as kirtan (devotional singing), recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism), and langar (community meal) are also integral parts of the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebration in Nepalgunj. These activities not only strengthen the bonds within the Sikh community but also promote unity and understanding among people of different faiths in the region.

The celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti in Nepalgunj is a testament to the diversity and richness of Sikh culture, and the dance performances play a vital role in preserving and showcasing this cultural heritage. Through these vibrant and expressive dances, the Sikhs in Nepalgunj convey not only their devotion to Guru Nanak Dev Ji but also their commitment to fostering a sense of community, joy, and cultural pride.

Read more on: https://askmeaboutnepal.com/guru-nanak-jayanti/
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Sikhs of Nepalgunj dressed in vibrant and traditio Sikhs of Nepalgunj dressed in vibrant and traditional attire, come together to perform dances as a form of devotion and expression of their cultural heritage on the occasion of the Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Photos by RGB NIHAL RGB Camerography 

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a sacred and joyous occasion celebrated by Sikhs around the world to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The celebration is marked by various religious and cultural events, including prayers, processions, and cultural performances. In Nepalgunj, a city in Nepal with a significant Sikh population, the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti is a vibrant and culturally rich affair.

The Sikh dance during Guru Nanak Jayanti is often characterized by energetic and rhythmic movements, reflecting the joy and reverence felt by the community. The dance is not just a physical expression but also a spiritual one, as it is performed with a deep sense of devotion and gratitude towards Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The beats of traditional Sikh music, including the sounds of the dhol (drum) and other traditional instruments, add to the festive atmosphere.

These dances often take place in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and spill out into the streets during processions. The streets of Nepalgunj come alive with the colorful attire of the dancers, the sound of music, and the rhythmic movements that captivate onlookers. The dance is a way for the Sikh community to share their joy and celebrate the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with the larger community.
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The heart-shaped lake nestles within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. A pristine alpine lake renowned for its captivating beauty and tranquil aura located in the remote Dolpa region of Nepal is the deepest lake in the country, plunging to a depth of about 145 meters (475 feet). The lake's turquoise waters contrast with the rugged terrain, creating a visual symphony that beckons adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

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Text and Photo by Dr. Jagaman Gurung,
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It is the auspicious occasion of Kartik Shukla Pak It is the auspicious occasion of Kartik Shukla Paksha Hari Bodhini Ekadashi, today, also known as Thulo Ekadashi. May the blessings of Lord Budhanilkantha Narayan make your days prosperous!

Photo by Pritam Thapa, Priti Thapa

Hari Bodhini Ekadashi is considered the most significant and prominent among the twenty-four Ekadashis observed throughout the year. It is referred to as Thulo Ekadashi due to its importance. In Hinduism, Ekadashi is observed as a day for worshiping Lord Vishnu. According to the legends, Lord Vishnu is said to have awakened from his cosmic slumber in the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk) on the day of Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi. Hence, this day is also known as Hari Bodhini Ekadashi.

It is believed that observing a fast and engaging in prayers on this day brings immense spiritual merit and blessings.
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The protestants mobilized by Durga Prasai and Mahe The protestants mobilized by Durga Prasai and Mahesh Basnet parade to participate in the massive demonstration scheduled today 7 Mangshir 2080 (November 23 2023)

Video @iamsoosaanshrestha
The Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), also known as The Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), also known as the dhole or Indian wild dog are pursuit pack hunters that run down their prey, including domestic livestock, over long distances. 
Photo by Siddarth Machado via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0).

The dhole, the only surviving member of its genus, once roamed large swaths of Asia, from Afghanistan in the west to Laos in the east, and Russia in the north to India in the south. Today, it’s limited to fragmented habitats in Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. Its presence remains uncertain in Pakistan and the Korean Peninsula.

There are many unknowns about the animal, according to an assessment by the IUCN, the global wildlife conservation authority. The global population is estimated at no more than about 2,200 mature animals, and maybe as low as about 950, with a declining trend. In Nepal, there are an estimated 250-750 dholes, mature and otherwise.

Dholes unlike tigers and leopards, Nepal’s better-known predators, are pursuit pack hunters that run down their prey, including domestic livestock, over long distances.

Read the new post by Abhaya Raj Joshi:
https://askmeaboutnepal.com/on-nepals-day-to-honor-dogs-wild-canines-face-mounting-threats/
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Om Gam Ganapataye Namah: Sorah Hattey Ganesh, Lor Om Gam Ganapataye Namah:

Sorah Hattey Ganesh, Lord Ganesh with sixteen hands is housed in a one-storey Gambuj (dome-style) temple at Bhotahity, the main market area in the heart of ​​Kathmandu. This elephant-headed god’s temple was established by the Malla king Pratap Malla, carved as one of it’s finest during his regime. After the King built Bishnu Tirtha, which is now called Rani Pokhari (The Queen’s Pond), he divined the Bishnu Tirtha by Tantric powers to install four deities on the four corners of the pond. The western corner is Ganesh Pond.

This idol of Ganesh with sixteen hands is rare in Nepal depicts him in a Tantric form. He is seen with his wife Riddhi on his left hence he is also called Riddhi Ganesh. According to some religious text, Ganesh is Bhramachari or unmarried and according to others He is married to Riddhi (Prosperity) and Siddi (Spiritual Power), His two powers.

They are alternatively also known as Karnakeshari and Suvarna Keshari, and have been worshiped separately by Newars, Kathamandu natives. These names are almost lost from the vernacular, but still used in Harisiddhi dance, the first mask dance of the country to venerate the Goddess Durga. She is Tri-Shakti, the embodiment of the feminine force, the divine mother, the energy that gives us all life.  It is said that Pratap Malla lost his life while witnessing the Harisiddhi dance in 1731 B.S.
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"Wasya Dya", The God of Tooth Pain at Bangemuda, K "Wasya Dya", The God of Tooth Pain at Bangemuda, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Photo1 by Gerd Eichmann

In Bangemuda, Kathmandu stands an unusual wooden deity known as the "Teeth God". It is a local belief that affixing a coin to this divine idol can bring relief from toothaches. This practice has given the area its name, Kilagal. Over time, the wooden idol has become obscured by a substantial layer of coins, making it challenging to discern its original surface. 

Despite the pervasive influence of technology in our lives today, the age-old tradition of nailing coins to seek solace from toothaches persists, drawing hundreds of devotees who ardently worship the Teeth God as a testament to the rich amalgamation of Nepali art and culture.
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"Chhat Puja" is a significant Hindu festival that "Chhat Puja" is a significant Hindu festival that used to be celebrated in Southern Nepal but now almost all over the country except the high Himalayas.

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhati Mai. The festival usually falls six days after Tihar, during the month of Kartika (Oct/Nov), but this year in Mangshir (Nov/Dec), and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.

During Chhath Puja, devotees, especially women, observe a rigorous fast and perform various rituals near a water body, such as a river or a pond. The rituals include taking a holy dip, offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, and preparing special offerings like Thekua and Rasiao (a type of sweet). 

Photos from Social Media.

Read more at https://askmeaboutnepal.com/chhath/
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#askmeaboutnepal #chhatparba #chatparba #chattimai #chhatimaiya #mithila #terai #festivalofterai #chhat #southernnepal #festivalofnepal #traditionofnepal #sungod #universe #sun
The Last Natural Haven: Taudaha hosts diverse lotu The Last Natural Haven: Taudaha hosts diverse lotus flowers and water chestnut varieties, nurturing a complex ecosystem teeming with amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish.

Taudaha, once an emerald oasis nestled amid lush fields in the southwest corner of the Kathmandu Valley, holds immense religious, cultural, and ecological importance. Spanning 463 hectares, it was the largest pond in the Bagmati watershed, home to diverse lotus flowers, water chestnuts, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish, including migratory species.

Over the years (examining data from 2014-2020), Taudaha has welcomed an average of 307 to 423 migratory birds annually. While the overall number has remained relatively stable, a worrying trend has emerged in the decreasing variety of species. Species like the Common Teal, the Great Cormorant, and the Mallard have seen a decline in their numbers over time.
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#savethewetlands #anyhowindrabachau 
#askmeaboutnepal #Taudaha #winterbird #studybirds #bridsstudy #cormorant #migratorybirds #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal  #AsianPhotographyMagazine #AsianPhotography #photoscapeofthemonth #lightroom #canon90d #canonphotography #thingstoseeinnepal
White Water Rafting in Bhote Koshi River. Known a White Water Rafting in Bhote Koshi River.

Known as one of the best white-water rafting destinations in the world, the Bhote Koshi River originates from the Tibetan plateau, cascading down through narrow gorges and rocky terrains, providing an ideal playground for rafting enthusiasts.

Rafting in the Bhote Koshi River offers an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of Nepal and is not for the faint-hearted. The river offers challenging rapids ranging from Grade III to V, making it a thrilling experience for both beginners and seasoned rafters taking you through powerful waves, steep drops, and intense rapids, offering an adrenaline rush at every turn. The river's fast-paced flow demands teamwork, precise paddling, and quick decision-making, creating an unforgettable and exciting rafting experience. 

There are numerous rafting operators in the region that offer guided trips along the Bhote Koshi River, ensuring safety measures and expert guidance for an enjoyable experience. 
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#askmeaboutnepal #rafting #whitewaterrafting #raftinginnepal #bhotekoshi #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal  #AsianPhotographyMagazine #AsianPhotography #photoscapeofthemonth #lightroom #canon90d #canonphotography #thingstoseeinnepal
Every 🐕 its day and today is definitely that d Every 🐕  its day and today is definitely that day for all canines of Nepal. #kukurtihar

#askmeaboutnepal #tihar #tiharspecial❤️
देश परदेश मा बस्नुहुने शम्पुर्ण जनमा तिहारकाे पावन अवसरमा मङ्गलमय शुभकामना !! जय नेपाल 🇳🇵
Two sisters selling Amriso Brooms, a must-have ite Two sisters selling Amriso Brooms, a must-have item at any Nepali house. Khandbari Haatbazaar, Sankhuwasabha

In addition to jewelry and utensils, people also purchase brooms on Dhanteras, a day believed to bring luck. Dhanteras falls on the first day of Tihar, the festival of lights that occurs within a fortnight of Dashain, however it falls one day prior to it this year.

Acquiring a broom is thought to retain Goddess Lakshmi (the main goddess of Tihar)  in one's home, ensuring prosperity and happiness while eliminating debts. Brooms are essential for maintaining cleanliness in households, and their use is believed to attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Thus, buying brooms on Dhanteras is considered auspicious, enhancing the significance of this important Hindu festival that marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations.
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#askmeaboutnepal #Dhanteras #tihar #deepawali #diwali #FestivalOfLights #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnonfacebook #learnaboutnepal
A Pair of Griffins Guard the two of the four Templ A Pair of Griffins Guard the two of the four Temple doors of Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur

The first two photos have Griffins, (legendary creature) with the body of Garuda, a mythical bird that is a stride of Lord Vishnu, and the last two with the body of a lion and the head of wings of an eagle.

Changu Narayan Temple is a pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. It was originally built around the 4C, but the present temple was rebuilt in 1702 after it was destroyed by fire. It is situated on a ridge at 1541m overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, about 22 km to the east of Kathmandu and 6 km north of Bhaktapur. Though the temple is quite beautiful, especially the doors and front facade, Changu Narayan is not known for its temple but for the stone statues, bas-relief carvings, and inscriptions that are scattered around the temple courtyard, created between the 5th and 13th centuries.
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#askmeaboutnepal #Changunarayan #stoneinscription #stonewriting #stoneage #lichhavi #hindudeity #stoneart #stonearchitecture #stoneartlover #sculpture #historyofnepal #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal #photoscapeofthemonth #nikon #nikonphotography
Paani Ghatta, the only water mill in Gati Village Paani Ghatta, the only water mill in Gati Village nestles inside this bamboo hut with a tin-sheet roof. It is run by a father-son duo belonging to the Newar community. Sindhupalchok.

In Gati like many other villages of Nepal, the Paani Ghatta serves as a vital water mill particularly to grind corn. This ingenious mechanism operates by channeling water from a river nearby through a robust pipe, which in turn impels the blades of a rotating wheel (turbine). Positioned directly above the turbine is a grinding stone that crushes the corn kernels steadily funneled from a sizable drum suspended from the ceiling of a windmill hut.

A wooden bird, affixed to the lower opening of the drum, tactfully guides the grains into the grinder, ensuring a steady and efficient milling process. This age-old technology attests to the village's resourcefulness and uses traditional methods to harness the power of water to meet the essential needs of the community, especially during the monsoon harvest.
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#askmeaboutnepal #corn #cornfield #newar #watermill #panighatta #paanighatta #villagelife #agriculturelife #ilovevillage #scienceisfun #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal #AsianPhotographyMagazine #AsianPhotography #photoscapeofthemonth #lightroom #canon90d #canonphotography #thingstoseeinnepal
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