Kathmandu – Janaki Temple - Balmiki Ashram Nepal - Lumbini – Muktinath Tour 2023

Kathmandu:
Kathmandu has often been by some as a flawless jewel in a unique setting. No other place in the world has the concentration of culture, art and tradition that exists in the Kathmandu valley (1300m.). Kathmandu is the crossroads for the many ethnic groups of Nepal and for visitors from all over the world every year. Nestled in the central hills of Nepal, Kathmandu is at once medieval and modern. The Kathmandu valley sprawls at the junction of two sacred rivers, Bagmati and Vishnumati. Just cross the Bagmati River to the south is Patan, on ancient city of temples, while Bhadgaun with its thousands of homes and temples shrines lies six miles to the east. More then two hundred years ago these three cities housed the Royal places of three different kingdoms that divided the valley palaces surviving today.

Janakpur Dham (Janaki Temple)
One of the most famous religious and pious places is Janakpur Dham which is located in middle of Asia continent; eastern part of Nepal and out of 14 zones in Nepal one is Janakpur and it consist Dhanusha District where it is located. Pilgrims, who take flight from Kathmandu to Janakpur, would reach Janakpur airport in about 35 minutes’ flight. There are other means of transportation to reach Janakpur beside flight, pilgrims can reach Janakpur easily by road from any place of Nepal, and they can take tourist or local night buses as well. Janakpur is almost 375 KM far from Kathmandu and there are plenty of good hotel and lodge for room and board.

As per present political division, Janakpur is a part of Dhanusha district; ancient Janakpur city was capital of grater Mithila Kingdom. Then capital Janakpur, now one important pilgrimage site is significant from historical, religious, and cultural aspect. The legend and religious significant of Janakpur is the result of beloved King Janak’s who turned this state into a welfare state. King Janak’s daughter Janaki or Sita’s ideal character, dutifulness, chastity, struggling, faith, and belongingness has highlighted this pious land. Also, Kind Janak was Righteousness, dutifulness, and his celestial knowledge and self knowledge. He was not only king, but also a great sage, so he is called sage–king as well. Hence this historic and culturally rich city has named after him.

Balmiki Ashram, Gajendra Mokchha Dibya Dham Tribeni
The journey to this Ashram begins from Kathmandu passing Thankot, Muglin, Narayanghat via west highway passing Bardhaghat, Gopigunj, Beltari, Raninagar covering 26 km distance and extends to Tribeni bazaar. This is a very famous holy place, Nawal Parasi Tribeni Dham. The adjoining point of three rivers namely, Sunbhadra, Tamsa and Narayani, Tribeni has a unique religious significance. There is a huge fair during Maghe Sankranti and Shivaratri. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from different places of Nepal as well as India come to visit this fair. There is Gajendra Mokshya Dibya Dham nearby Tribeni just at a distance of 5 minutes. This pilgrimage symbolizing Lord Vishnu on heron imparts big religious importance among Hindus.

According to the ancient legend, once Gajendra, an elephant was into the Narayani River. A crocodile attacked Gajendra and there began war between these two for a long time. Gajendra got defeated and prayed Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu appeared in a heron and decapitated the crocodile by his Sudarshan Chakra (Wheel) and blessed Gajendra with Salvation. Hence, the name of this place is said as Gajendra Mokshya Dibya Dham. It is believed that one can get rid of all miseries, pain after having divine view (Darshan) of this place. Also, performing death rituals (Shraddha) is believed to provide the departed soul with ultimate Salvation: Mokshya.

From the natural perspective, there is huge forest of Chitwan National Park just opposite to Narayani River in Gajendra Mokshya Dibya Dham with a beautiful view of Mount Annapurna just north to it. There is a unique glass made temple of Radha Krishna in the pilgrimage premises which is also called as ‘Shismahal’.

There is a huge forest of Chitwan National Park just the side beyond Tribeni Burial (Ghat). Balmiki Ashram is inside the Chitwam National Park at Gardi V.D.C., Ward No.9, Chitwan district of Nepal.

LUMBINI
The true meaning of Buddha is ‘Enlightened Person’. Leaving the luxurious life of royal palace, Siddhartha Gautama tried to awake his mind. Gradually, he left behind material luxury, selfishness, jealousy, ego, love, family and angriness. He became renowned by spreading the mantra of peace all over the world. This very person Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini, Nepal.

He was born as the first son of King Sudhdodhan and Queen Mayadevi in Kapilvastu in 623 B.C. While the queen was going to her maternal home from the palace, she gave birth to a baby boy near Puskarini pond where Mayadevi Temple has built. The excavations reveal the historical records of third century till the seventh century. The sculptures from fourth century also reflect the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. Statues where Queen Mayadevi has clung into a tree’s branch for support can also be seen. On the left hand side, we can see Queen’s sister Prajapatiwhere on the right hand side Gods is welcoming them. On the middle section there’s a sculpture of Lord Siddhartha Gautama.

Pokhara city
Pokhara valley at an elevation of 900 meter from sea level & 200 Kilometers west of Kathmandu valley, is the second largest valley in Nepal. A scenic mountain side drives approximate 5 hours by Private Land transfer and about 7 hours from local pubic buses or a 35 minutes gratifying flight will get you to Pokhara city. Very famous for lakes Fewa, Rupa and views of the magnificent high Himalayan Peaks, Pokhara valley or city visit for those who would really like to break away as they go boating in the calm and serene waters of the Phewa Lake, or Paragliding, mountain flight or take day trekking/hiking nearby hill Sarankot or other beautiful hills and if time permits short treks into the village of Himalaya in Nepal.

Muktinath Darshan
The very famous Muktinath temple is lies in the district of Mustang, Gandaki zone of Nepal and is situated 30 km north east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3800m.of above sea level. The temple is situated on a high mountain snow line range and is visited during good weather. During the festival of Janai Purnima, Bijaya Dashami Hindu devotees gather here to pay homage to lord Muktinath. The visitors get lodging facilities at Dharmasala and Lodges, hotels in Rani Pauwa. Another famous temple of Jwala Devi, the goddess of flame, is situated about hundred meters south of Muktinath temple.