Nepal is known as the "abode of God" simply because of the temples and shrines for all the Gods and Goddesses all over the country. Each temple is attached to a legend that glorifies the miraculous powers of its deity. There are many pilgrimage sites in Nepal, such as- Barah Chhetra, Gosainkunda; Manakamana, Muktinath, Janakpur etc. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India throng the temples during special festivals. Nepal is also the Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva.
Barah Chhetra
This pilgrimage is accessed through Dharan. Since the site is related to Lord Vishnu, it is assumed as sacred as Gaya for Shraddha (Offering to ancestors), and many pilgrims around Nepal and India come here for a dip at the day of Makar Shankrati.
Janakpur
Janakpur is a birthplace of Janaki Sita and the city is 375km south-east of Kathmandu. Many pilgrims from Nepal and India attend mock wedding processions for the wedding of the Goddess Sita and the God Ram
Gosainkunda
Gosaikunda Lake is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishula (trident) into a mountain to extract water to cool his stinging throat after he swallowed a poison
Manakamana
People believe Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish fulfilling Deity. Manakamana temple is located 12 Km south of historic town Gorkha and situated on a prominent ridge.
Muktinath
This is one of the 106th sacred Muktichhetra (assured of salvation) of 108 sacred places of Vaishnavs, where Lord Vishnu got free from the curse of Sati.
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