Nepal Cultural Tour

Tremendous religious tolerance, and practices of the many faiths within the borders are also the pride of  Nepal.  Hindus predominate in Nepal with 86.5% of the population. The next largest religious groups consist of Buddhists, 7.8%, and Muslims, 3.5% of the population.Common to all of these religions is the integration of religious expression within everyday life. In contrast to Western religions, these religions involve codes for- individual behavior and daily rites of worship. In the morning, people are gathered at temples, sanctuaries or at the river banks to offer prayers.

Hinduism

The word Hinduism was introduced in the 19th century to define the aggregate beliefs of the Arya, immigrants who left Central Asia in 1500 BC, and natural religions of native populations in India. The basic concepts, the cosmic law rule of the good order of the evil in the world, being aware and respect cosmic law, are the features of Hindu. They lead the life of a good Hindu, observe rules, perform all rites, and accept the caste of birth. Caste system supplies code of conduct and rites done. It includes all walks of life; rites but also allows to take drink from, associate with, marry, etc.

Principles of Hinduism: Dharma (religious law and moral code) by which people can earn enlightenment. Karma is the life balance of action and reaction; individuals responsible for decisions and consequences. Leading good Hindu life will bring rebirth into a better life. Samsara (earthly phenomenon) is cycle of reincarnations determined by Karma. Mokshya is liberation from Samsara; individual unites with universal timelessness, ultimate serenity, Nirvana. Path to Mokshya (salvation) is good in Hindu life.

Each deity has several names, as well as different symbols, attributes, tasks and powers according to what God it represents. Each deity has a vehicle, an animal usually which serves master. Primary Hindu gods are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Brahma is the creator of the universe. Attributes are the rosary, the receptacle of holy water, the ladle and the book. He mounts on a goose or swan. Brahma usually is potraited with four heads, which allows him to watch over world. Very few statues of Brahma have been made since the creation.

Saraswati is Brahma's consort and is goddess of knowledge, learning and music. She is often portrayed with four arms, plying the Veena (seven stringed musical instruments) with two hands as well as holding a rosary and a book. She sits on a lotus riding a peacock or a swan. Often a crescent moon is seen on her forehead. She is worshipped by Buddhists in the form of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom.

Vishnu is the preserver of life and the world. Attributes are the conchshell, the disc, the lotus and the mace. He is potraited mounting on a Garuda, a mythical half-man and half-bird (Eagle).