The Bajracharya 
Patan: A City Steeped in Buddhist Tradition Patan, or Lalitpur, is not just a city—it’s a mosaic of culture, tradition, and spirituality. Nestled among the three valleys of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, it stands out for its dense concentration of Buddhist monasteries, known as Bahals. These sacred spaces form the backbone of Patan’s identity, making … Read more
Guardians of Vajrayana: The Esteemed Bajracharya Priests Bajracharyas are the revered married priests within Nepal’s Newar community, known for their profound understanding of the Newar Buddhist Vajrayana traditions. Holding the highest rank among Newar Buddhist castes, they serve as the keepers of ancient spiritual practices. Their role as custodians of Buddhist rituals and teachings is … Read more
Unveiling the Mystical Origins of Swayambhu The enigmatic origins of Swayambhu, also spelled as Swoyambhu, a sacred site in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, are deeply intertwined with mythology and the divine book known as the Swayambhu Purana. This legacy book, dating back to the 14th century, is a treasure trove of Newari culture and … Read more
Introduction to the Bajracharya Bajracharyas form a very unique married, normally non-vegetarian priest, within Nepal’s Newar community, deeply versed in the Newar Buddhist Vajrayana traditions. Known colloquially as guru-ju or gu-bhaju, these terms echo the Sanskrit ‘guru’, signifying a teacher or priest. Occupying the highest rank among Newar Buddhist castes, the Bajracharyas are the custodians … Read more
Kathmandu’s Hidden Tales: The Gurumapa Legend In the heart of Kathmandu’s vibrant history lies a story woven into the fabric of its culture. The city, often referenced in ancient Hindu texts, has nurtured tales passed down through generations, keeping its ancient spirit alive. Among these is the eerie yet fascinating legend of Gurumapa, a creature … Read more
The Esteemed Bajracharyas: A Newar Buddhist Legacy Among the Newar communities of Nepal, a unique class of married priests known as Bajracharyas play a pivotal role. These individuals are deeply versed in the Vajrayana practices and rituals of Newar Buddhism. Often referred to as guru-ju or gu-bhaju, terms derived from the Sanskrit word ‘guru’, they … Read more
Introduction In this article, Newar Buddhism exclusively means the Bajracharya Tradition. The distinctive feature of Newar Buddhism made it popular outside Nepal. People from other parts of the world are getting attracted to Kathmandu Valley and it is being developed as the pilgrimage center of Bajracharya Buddhism. The followers of Newar Buddhism believe in five … Read more