MANJUSHREE CAVE IN NEPAL

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is rich in arts, architecture, culture and religious spots which make it a great tourist destination for national and international visitors. Manjushree Cave is a new destination in Kathmandu which opened for visitors from Jan. 30. 2007.

Who Is Manjushree ?
MANJUSHREE, personification of Transcendent Wisdom, and embodiment of the discriminative awareness (prajna). He is also the first among other Boddhisattvas according to Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. In the Namasangiti [Mahayana scripture] he is called 'Adi-Buddha', or pre-moral Buddha, while in some of the text of sutras, he is referred as an historical character.

Manjushree Cave ( Nepali word is "Gufa") is located in Chobhar gorge of Kritipur municipality, which lies in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley. Chobhar gorge, where the Manjushree Cave is located, is related with the interesting legends of the origin of Kathmandu Valley.

In the Svayambhu-purana, it is related that Manjushree left Mount Pancasirsha to visit the shrine of Svayambhu [presently in Kathmandu], which was on a mountain in the center of Lake Kalihrada. He found the lake filled with aquatic monsters and the temple inaccessible. He therefore 'opened with his sword a valley on the southern side of the lake [presently CHOVAR], the waters of the lake drained through the opening, leaving dry land at the bottom, and this was the Katmandu, the capital city of Nepal. So, he is believed as founder of civilization in Nepal and a 'Wanderer' [mendicant Buddhist priest] who propagated Buddhism into Nepal. That's why the cave is named after the name of Manjushree.

Manjushree Cave was formally opened by the Jal Binayak Community Forest Users' Group. The total length of the cave is said to be 1250m long, although only 350m of the cave is open to visitors. One has to pay an entrance fee to explore the cave. The photographer and Blogger N.Baral have visit Gufa and share his experince in his Blog Nepal Through the lens (Pictures in this post and information about Gufa also taken from same blog).

The fees are a minimum US$5 to a maximum $10 per person. The price depends upon the length of the route that a visitor wants to visit. The cost of the headlamp and a cave guide is included in the price.

There are five routes which have been opened at present. These routes converge at different points, so it is possible for visitors to enter from one point and to exit from another point. There are three entrance points; one is the main entrance and the others are Bagh Gufa and Naya Gufa.

There are two small ponds inside the cave. The first pond is Mahadev Pond which is 40.3m from the main entrance and the other is Naya Pond which is about 60m from main entrance.

Read Full Post and more pictures at N.Baral's Blog Nepal Through the lens
Also visit Jal Vinayak Website to see Ganesh Worship as Jal Vinayak.

Kalachakra seed syllable

The Kalachakra seed syllable or Tenfold Powerful One is the best known symbols of the Kalachakra system. The symbol consists of an ornamental ring of fire, then the main symbol which combines seven individual syllables, on top are a crescent, a disc and a curved shape, making ten.

Kalachakra Symbol or tenfold powerful one is very popular Among Tibetan and Nepalese community. This is one of the most treasured of protection symbol, emerge from Tibet. Mostly Buddhist family decorated their house with the many auspicious Symbols including Kalachakra symbol for complete and Ten fold powerful protection against spirit harm, untimely death and non-virtuous behavior.

This (below) is an interactive Flash image to explain the Kalachakra seed syllable or 10-Fold Powerful One (courtesy of: kalachakranet.org).(click Flash Image to see explanation of particular element.)


On the left (E) and right (VAM) of the actual Tenfold Powerful symbol are the Ranjana characters for E (left) and VAM (right), representing the union of respectively emptiness (E) and bliss (VAM).

As Kalachakra Symbol protect from all dangers people used it as pendent, rings, bracelets etc. for the protection.

I will Show you some Silver Handmade Kalachakra pendants. These Silver protective pendants are available at our Gallery in reasonable price. So these Kalachakra symbol rings or pendants are should be worn and kept in your possession throughout your life for complete and Ten fold powerful protection against spirit harm, untimely death and non-virtuous behavior.


Surrounding the main symbol is a kind of frame made of flames, which corresponds to the outermost "Circle of Wisdom" of the mandala.

These are Some Kalachakra Symbol silver "Ghau" or Prayer box Pendents. Which can be Open and store blessings inside the pendents.

KATHMANDU VALLEY STYLE

The long awaited book KATHMANDU VALLEY STYLE, now available at our Gallery !
Authors: Lisa Choegyal, Craig Potton and Gautam SJB Rana
Size: 270 x 290 mm (10.75 x 11.5 inches)
Pages: 188
Color Image: 200+
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Serindia Publications (7 November 2008)
Price: 2,195 baht (get 20% special discounts only at Tibet arts Gallery)
ISBN: 978-1932476-34-7
This book is collection of unique art and architectural styles of Kathmandu Valley. The ancient palaces, temples, courtyards and streets capes of Kathmandu Valley are protected as no less than seven World Heritage Sites. Shrines are worshipped daily as part of Nepal’s vibrant living heritage. Recent efforts to preserve the architectural heritage of Kathmandu have carefully and authentically restored many of the Valley’s important public monuments.

Lesser known are the recent imaginative and adaptive use of Nepali architecture and decorative styles into new buildings and private homes. Kathmandu Valley Style captures the wealth of the past and illustrates how influences from the Malla Newar, Tibetan and Rana architecture have been incorporated into present-day buildings and lifestyles. Using traditional themes and building techniques in the restored historic and new structures has breathed fresh life into Kathmandu’s rich living cultural heritage, and provided additional attractions for visitors.

Kathmandu Valley Style features over 40 historic and new buildings, many of them never before photographed or published. Reinforcing national pride in Nepal’s vernacular architecture, this unique collection demonstrates how traditional art and architecture can be successfully incorporated into homes for today’s changing world. The book will appeal to residents, visitors, tourists, and all who love Nepal, as well as devotees of fine books on art, architecture, and interior design.

Kathmandu Valley Style available at Our gallery and all major book stores in Thailand. This Book was launched on Friday 7 November 2008 in Siam Paragon, Bkk , Thailand.
Visit Special Exhibition of Home and Styles of the Kathmandu Valley at Siam Paragon. Exhibition is managed by Serindia Publications and The Thousand Stars Foundation. Exhibition continues through 13 November 2008.

Buddha Image for 7 days

We have read many posts about Buddhist meaning in Nepal and Tibet. I always wonder to know the meaning about Buddha images for each day. If you visit in Thai temple you may notice the 8 Buddha statues with different gesture, they are the Buddha images for the Seven Days of the Week (wednesday have two Buddha image). You may want to know the meaning of 7 days Buddha. Buddha gestures represent certain events in the Buddha’s life. These events are thought to have occurred on certain days. The Buddha Image gestures representing these events also associated with the days on which they occurred. People, who born on a certain day of the week, may be most interested in a Buddha Image related to that day, like when commissioning a Buddha image. If you want to know which day you were born, simply click here Calendar Conversion.
Buddha Image for Sunday:
In Pensive thought, the enlightened Buddha stands with hands crossed over his abdomen (right hand over the left). The Buddha contemplates his achievement of complete knowledge under the Bodhi tree.
After enlightenment, the Buddha stood still for seven days under the Bodhi Tree to contemplate the suffering of all living things. He was tempted to enter Nirvana at once (By Mara), but he wants others to know the true doctrine, and resolves to communicate his doctrine to others.
Red is color for Sunday. People who born Sunday’s character: respectable, carefree, wise, and beloved by both friends and relatives

Buddha Image for Monday:
Preventing Calamities (This gesture is Similar as the Image for 'Stopping the relatives from fighting').
The city of Vesali was under attack by three evils: poverty, cholera and devils. Devils were roaming the city feasting on dead bodies and even people. The King of Vesali was advised to ask for the help of the Buddha.
Accepting the invitation, the Buddha with company, arrived at Vesali. With his transcendental powers, he caused heavy rain to pour down, so heavy that it cleaned the city of all dead bodies and pollution.
Later on, Ananda, his disciple went around the city, reciting portions of the Tripitika, and sprinkling holy water around the city. Suffering humans were healed, while all devils were frightened and ran away from the city.
Yellow is color for Monday. People who born Monday’s character: Good memory, serious, love to travel

(The Buddha stops the relatives from fighting or pacifying his relatives. When the Buddha came back from Heaven, he found that his relatives were quarreling about the right to use water from a river for their rice fields. The Buddha encouraged them to compromise and said that human life is much more valuable than water and it was not worth killing men for water. Then, his relatives stopped fighting.)

Buddha Image for Tuesday :
Reclining Buddha
Left arm along the body, right arm serves as a pillow with the hand supporting the head.
The reclining Buddha represents the passage to Nirvana or a resting Buddha. The gesture represents complete peace and detachment from the world. It was believed that the Buddha entered Nirvana on this day of the week.
Pink is color for Tuesday. People who born Tuesday’s character: brave, active, broad and serious mind
Buddha Image for Wednesday Morning :
Holding an alms bowl
The Buddha is standing with both hands around an alms bowl.
This symbolizes Buddha visited his family after four years in the monastery.
In the morning the Buddha went out to receive alms in the city. His father was not content when he saw the Buddha “begged” for food holding an alms bowl. Buddha explained to his father that performing pindabat, or holding an alms bowl are the lineage of Buddha. Thus, the disciples can offer their food. The virtue of giving among Buddhists is strong until today.
Green is color for Wednesday morning. People who born Wednesday’s Character: ambitious, gregarious, fun loving
Buddha Image for Wednesday Evening:
Retreat in the Forest
Buddha spent the rain retreat on his own in the Palilayaka forest because he was tired of the monks of Kosambi who had split into two groups and were not in harmony. While in the forest, the elephant Palilayaka attended to him and monkey offered him a bee hive.
Light Green is color for Wednesday evening. People who born Wednesday evening’s Character: diligent, honest, hardworking

Buddha Image for Thursday:
The Buddha is sitting in the meditation gesture. This is the perfect mental discipline. The gesture is the ultimate balance of tranquility and thoughts. It is believed that the body in the position is receptive to power or energy to enter the body from the top of the head and the opening palms.
Orange is color for Thursday. People who born Thursday’s character: honest, good heart, graceful, tranquil

Buddha Image for Friday:
In contemplation (Deeply Thinking)
Hands are crossed across the chest, right hand in front of the left.
The Buddha wonders how he can explain the cause of all suffering to others. The gesture represents a complete spiritual transformation.
Blue is color for Friday. People who born on Friday’s Character: ambitious, gregarious, fun loving

Buddha Image for Saturday:
Sitting in meditation, protected by Mucalinda's cobra hood. (Mucalinda is King of the Naga)
The Buddha is in meditation and protected from a storm by Maculinda (The King of the Naga). The image is related to the moment when a naga spreaded its hood to protect the Buddha from a rainstorm while he was in profound meditation.
Purple is color for Saturday. People who born Saturday’s Character: logical, tranquil, reclusive

Finally, there is an image often which is not specific to any day of the week, "Victory over Mara". The Buddha image is seated in meditation with the fingers of the right hand touching the earth. Buddha is confirming to all creation his imperturbability when besieged by temptation, fear, delusion and desire.
Source: Thai Buddha Image
5 Meditaion Buddha Hand Gestures(mudra) Meanings