- Address: Namobuddha Rd, Simalchaur Syampati 45200, Nepal
- Phone: + 977 11-683183
- Website: namobuddha.org
- Confession: Hinduism, Buddhism
Nepal is not only the only Hindu kingdom in the world (formerly so until 2008), this country is still the home of the founder of Buddhism - Prince Siddhartha Gautama. Later he became known as the Buddha, which means Awakened, Enlightened.
general information
On the Gandha Malla hill, 30 km east of the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, there is a monastery of Takmo Lyudzhin or Namo Buddha. Local residents named this abode of Tibetan Buddhism Namo Buddha, which means "homage to the Buddha." The monastery is one of the three main steps of the Kathmandu valley . For many centuries, believers from different Buddhist directions and schools flocked here. The snow-white walls of the temple are clearly visible against the background of dark hills and sky. This place is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset, it fills the soul with cleanliness and tranquility. It is at such times that it is better to practice meditation and spiritual practices.
The legend of Namo Buddha
On a small hill near the stupa is the place where the Buddha sacrificed his life. According to legend, in one of his previous reincarnations, Buddha was a prince named Mahasattva. Once he was walking in the woods with his brothers. They came upon a cave in which there was a tigress with five newborn cubs. The animal was hungry and exhausted. The older brothers went on, and the younger one felt sorry for the tigress and her cubs. He tore his arm apart with a branch so that a tigress could drink his blood. When the elder brothers returned, the prince was no more: only his remains were found at this place.
Later, when grief and suffering subsided, the royal family made a casket. It was completely covered in precious stones, and what was left of their son was placed in it. A stupa was erected above the burial place of the casket.
Today, the Namo Buddha temple is an important place for Buddhists. After all, the essence of this legend is to learn to sympathize with all beings and be free from suffering - this is the basic idea of Buddhism. The name "Takmo Lyudzhin" literally means "body given to a tigress".
What to see?
The temple complex of Namo Buddha includes:
- Monastery of Trangu Tashi Yangtse;
- retreat center;
- the temple of Buddha Amitab;
- monastic school and college;
- the school of traditional Tibetan art;
- clinic.
Interesting to know
Going to the ancient Nepalese shrine, it is not out of place to learn the key facts about the temple and the peculiarities of its visit:
- The monastery itself was built not so long ago, the main temple was opened in 2008.
- Monks live here permanently, but they have the right to leave the monastery at any time.
- The temple takes boys from all over the country and trains ancient wisdom.
- Senior monks teach not only younger novices, but also the guests of the monastery.
- Photographing inside the temple is prohibited.
- You can pray in these places anywhere.
- Bright flags fluttering in the wind are prayers written by monks.
- The entrance to the Namo Buddha temple is free, but you can come here at any time of the day.
How to get there?
To visit the temple of Namo Buddha, you must first reach Dhulikela (this city is 30 km from Kathmandu ). The cost of moving there will be 100 Nepalese rupees ($ 1.56). Then you will need to find a shuttle bus, which delivers tourists to the temple. The ticket for him costs about 40 rupees ($ 0.62).
You can get to the temple and on foot, it will take about 4 hours. But the most convenient option is to get there by car (traveling time is 2 hours).