Namo Buddha: the prince and the tigress
Also known as: नमोबुद्ध: राजकुमार र बाघिनी · नमोबुद्ध · Namo Buddha stupa · Namobuddha
On a green ridge in Kavrepalanchok district, south-east of Dhulikhel, stands Namo Buddha, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Along with Swayambhu and Boudha, its stupa is counted among the three great stupas of the Kathmandu Valley region.
The story
According to the legend, long ago a prince named Mahasattva was walking in the forest with his brothers when they came upon a tigress so weak from hunger that she was about to eat her own cubs. Moved by compassion, the prince offered his own body so that the tigress and cubs could live. The prince is believed to have been an earlier incarnation of the Buddha, and the stupa is said to contain his relics. A stone relief on the hill shows the scene.
The monastery
Above the stupa, the large Thrangu Tashi Yangtse monastery of the Karma Kagyu tradition, founded by Thrangu Rinpoche, houses hundreds of monks. Its colourful halls, prayer wheels and terraces look out across terraced hills towards the Himalaya. Visitors are welcome to attend morning and evening prayers quietly.
Walking there
A classic way to reach Namo Buddha is on foot from Dhulikhel, a walk of three to four hours through villages, forest and farmland. You can return by bus or taxi, or continue downhill to the medieval town of Panauti.
Etiquette
Walk clockwise around the stupa and prayer wheels, dress modestly, and ask before photographing monks. Some guesthouses near the monastery offer simple accommodation for those who want to stay the night.
History & key dates
- LegendPrince Mahasattva, an earlier life of the Buddha, offers his body to a starving tigress and her cubs.
- AncientA stupa is raised over relics associated with the prince.
- 1990s–2000sThrangu Tashi Yangtse monastery is built on the ridge above the stupa.