Newar Buddhism: Embracing Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi Newar Buddhism, a unique form of Vajrayana Buddhism practiced primarily in Nepal, is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious tapestry of the Newar people. This tradition prominently features the worship of deities such as Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi, who are revered in the esoteric practices of Tibetan Buddhism as … Read more
The Spiritual Heart: Bajracharya Bahals and the Essence of Mahavihars In the world of Vajrayana Buddhism, the Bajracharya Bahal, or Mahavihar, stands as a beacon of spiritual practice and tradition. These great monasteries, known as Mahavihars, are not just religious sites but also architectural marvels. Central to Newar communities in Nepal, these complexes feature a … Read more
Thimi: A Historical Overview Thimi, also known as Madhyapur Thimi, an ancient city steeped in history, holds the distinction of being the fourth-largest city in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, preceded only by Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Founded in 1540 AD (633 Nepal Sambat), as evidenced by historical land grants and deeds, Thimi is strategically positioned at … Read more
Bhaktapur: An Ancient City Bhaktapur, an ancient city in Nepal, flourished during the Malla Dynasty, predominantly following Hinduism. This historical backdrop sets it apart from its neighbors, Kathmandu and Patan, which have a stronger Buddhist presence. In Bhaktapur, Buddhist Mahavihars (monasteries) and institutes are less common, and those that do exist are often in poor … Read more
A Royal Family’s Joyful Life Once, in the majestic land of Gandhabatipur, ruled King Maharath, a revered leader. He led a life of contentment with his beloved wife, Queen Satyabati, and their three sons, Mahapranad, Mahadev, and the youngest, Mahasattva. This story passed down through the ages, tells of Mahasattva’s extraordinary sacrifice, a tale that … Read more
Discovering Kathmandu’s Ancient Guardians: The Four Bajracharyas In the heart of Kathmandu Valley, the Bajracharyas stand as pillars of the Newar community, embodying the profound teachings of Newar Buddhist Vajrayana traditions. Known as guru-ju or gu-bhaju, these married priests hold a revered status, echoing the Sanskrit term ‘guru’ for teacher or priest. The Bajracharyas, ranking … Read more
The Mahavihar: A Sanctuary of Spiritual Significance At the core of Bajracharya religious practices lies the Mahavihar, a prominent monastery distinguished by its Bahal, a traditional Newar courtyard, known as “बा:” or “बहा:” in Newari. This architectural element is a hallmark of Newari designs, where ‘Bahal’ translates directly to ‘courtyard’. The Mahavihar’s crown jewel is … Read more
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 ( See in Map), 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 (Svayambhu Purana). This legacy book, dating back to the 14th century, is a … Read more