Thangka is a religious painting
on cotton cloth usually depicted on Buddhist deity, mainly practices under
Tibetan Buddhism. Though, the idea and concept of painting Thangka was started
from Tibet, it has got huge popularity in Nepal especially among Bajrayana
(Mahayana) sect of Buddhist. Thangka serve as important teaching tool depicting
the life of Buddha and it is also believe that if one literally can understand
it and follow, can get Liberation (Nirvana). So, in the present days, Thangka
is taken as one the valuable sacred thing and thus making and selling of Thangka
is one of the good businesses.
By now, the painting of Thangka
in Nepal has come a long way from religious painting to modern style oil
painting. Especially Kathmandu valley is the fertile land of Thangka painting
over which almost all people of religious believes keep interest and
enthusiasm. Buddhist scholars of higher intellectuality revere it with entire homage
considering mystic power of Lamastic deities in respect with religious culture
and believe.
Thangka painting got fascinate
after the 15th century when the brighter colors began to appear. As
time pass by, Tantric cult began to make more impact on society and they
started to paint God Shiva and Shakti in various conventional poses. They
imagine the existence of Mahakala, Lokeshwara, Manjushri and many other
deities. By which Thangka become much fascinated and develop as a thing of
religious decoration also.
Thangka is also recognizing as
“Paubha” in Newari society. Mainly Thangka is painted in cloth that could be
easily rolled up and carried along with them. In Nepal, the earliest painting
was found of Thirteenth/ fourteenth century showing Amitabha surrounded by
Bodhisattva.
Thankga painting is one the
conceptual art of all time. The main deity, a large figure occupies the central
position while surrounded by smaller figures of lesser divinities.
Religion: the faith, believe and social boundary of human beings. They believe religions as director of taking to heaven after death and giving prosperity within lifetime too. So, people keep believe over various religion and travel to pilgrimage destinations of respective.
Among those widely accepted religions and respective destination round the world, BBC Travel News has listed following as top 10 travel destinations. It has placed Lumbini of Nepal in #1 site of Religious pilgrimage. As Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the place of pilgrimage for Buddhist worldwide and the center of world's peace.
1. Lumbini
Location: Rupandehi, Nepal
Religion: Buddhism
Significance: birthplace of the Lord Buddha
2. Vatican City
Location: surrounded by Rome, Italy
Religion: Catholicism
Significance: home of the Pope and center of the Roman Catholic Church
3. Wittenberg
Location: Saxony, Germany
Religion: Protestantism
Significance: birthplace of the Protestant Reformation
4. Mecca
Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Religion: Islam
Significance: birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad
5. Badrinath
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Religion: Hinduism
Significance: the most important site of the Char Dham, the four Hindu pilgrimage centres
6. Golden Temple
Location: Amritsar, India
Religion: Sikhism
Significance: holiest place of worship for Sikhs
7. Western Wall
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Religion: Judaism
Significance: the holiest of Jewish sites
8. Shrine of the Bab
Location: Haifa, Israel
Religion: Bahá’à Faith
Significance: mausoleum of the founder of the precursor religion to the Bahá’à Faith
9. Palitana
Location: Gujarat, India
Religion: Jainism
Significance: most sacred city for Jains
10. Sri Pada
Location: Sri Lanka
Religion: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism
Significance: religious destination for four major religious groups.
Source: BBC Travel News
Established
in 1973, Chitwan
National Park is the first National Park of Nepal and was granted
the status of World Heritage Site in 1984. It is located in Chitwan District,
covering an area of 932 sq. km.
Chitwan
National Park is covered mostly with Sal trees (about 70%) and Terai-Duar
Savanna & grasslands (20%). There are variety of species of vegetation
found within Chitwan National Park. Some of the tallest grass in the world like
Elephant Grass is found within this area.
Besides
wide range of vegetation, there is also large amount of wildlife, believed to
be about 700 species. Apart from King Cobra & Rock Python, there are 17
other species of Snakes, tortoise and lizards. The Narayani-Rapti river that
forms a boundary in the West & North is perfect habitat for 113 recorded
species of Fish, Mugger & Gharial crocodiles.
There
are about 43 species of mammals, including The Royal Bengal Tiger. Other
mammals include Leopard, Sloth Bear, Otters, Bengal Foxes, Wild Boars, Hog
Deer, Chital, Four Horned Antelopes, different species of monkeys, porcupines
etc. Another popular wildlife inside Chitwan is One Horned Rhino. It is visible
most of the time during the Jungle
Safari inside Chitwan National Park.
Also,
highest number of birds was recorded in this area that any other place in
Nepal. So, it is the perfect place for Bird Watching.
Because
of diversity in flora and fauna and good location, Chitwan National Park is one
of popular destination for nature enthusiast and family holiday tour
in Nepal. Sauraha is well known spot for tourists which is at the edge
of National Park.
If
you are interested in Jungle Safari in Elephant Back (or Jeep) and watching
wildlife in their natural habitat, then you should travel to Chitwan National Park.
You can contact us at info@trekkingmart.com
You can contact us at info@trekkingmart.com
About Us
- Trekking Mart Blog
- This is Trekking Mart Blog. Trekking Mart is tailormade travel and adventure expert. Visit www.trekkingmart.com for more details.
Popular Posts
Top 10 reasons why people travel
New ways to explore Nepal without climbing mountains
Happy New Year 2072