Buddhist scriptures

Dharmapada:-

The Dhammapada is a versified Buddhist scripture traditionally ascribed to the Buddha himself. The title, Dhammapada, is a compound term composed of dhamma and pada, each word having a number of denotations and connotations. Generally, dhamma can refer to the Buddha's "doctrine" or an "eternal truth" or "righteousness" or all "phenomena" and, at its root, pada means "foot" and thus by extension, especially in this context, means either "path" or "verse" or both. In simple words Dharma is spiritual living and pada means foot or way, so Dharma Pad is way of living a spiritual life.

 Tripitaka:-

Tripitaka is a traditional term used to describe their various types of standard scriptures. Tripitak traditionally contains three baskets of teachings: a Sutra Pitika , a Vinaya Pitika and an Abhidharma Pitika. As it has three Pitika it is called Tripitaka.

Quest of remedy to suffering

However, it did not take a while to change his life drastically. While passing through his city he started observing different types of sufferings mankind were going through. He felt those sufferings in him. Buddha saw sickness, old age and death. He also saw a monk who donated all he had and searching for welfare of mankind all his life. Buddha chose to become like the monk.

He wanted to find the end to those sufferings. One day he quietly walked out of the palace in search of remedies of those illnesses. He started to meditate under a tree. It took him a very long time to understand the facts of life. He attained nirvana at the age of 80.  

He found sorrow and desire are the main cause of all the evil and suffering of every living being. 

In 1950 at the first conference of the world Fellowship of Buddhists was held in Sri Lanka. In the conference a resolution was passed to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday on the full moon day of Baishakh i.e. May. It was requested to all the heads of the states to celebrate the full moon day of Baishakh i.e. May and declare a public holiday in honor of Buddha.

Life of Buddha

It is believed that immediately after his birth, Siddartha took seven steps towards the north and raising a finger in the air, indicating ‘he was the supreme of the world and that was his final birth’. 

Siddhartha then was born near a pond in Lumbini Garden way to his grandfather’s house. He was given a bath at the pond in the Lumbini garden. The pond is known as Siddhartha Kunda. Kunda means a small pond in Sanskrit.  Mayadevi’s idol was built at the very spot where Siddhartha was born. Maya Devi died seven days after giving birth to Siddartha Gautam.

Siddartha grew up to be a very good prince. He loved all living beings. He was married to Yasodhara at 16 and had a son Rahul. Until age of 29 Siddartha lived luxurious life of a Prince. He had all pleasures and comforts, a prince could have.

Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti is the birth day of Lord Gautam Budhha.  Budhha’s original name was Sidhartha Gautam. Siddhartha Gautam was born about 543 BC in Kapilvastu of Nepal

This year Buddha Purnima is on Baishak 24, 2069, which is May 6, 2012 in English calendar.  This year Lord Buddha becomes 2556 years old. Buddha left his physical body at the age of 80. There he attained “Pari Nirvana”. Nirvana is beyond life and death.

Pushkarni – The Sacred Pool

According to belief it is the same pool in which Maya devi had a bath before giving birth to Buddha and it was here that infant lord Buddha had his first purification bath. Thus it is believed to be sacred.
The Buddhist Temple has been built inside the surrounding complex of Lumbini with a prayer ha;; containing large image of Buddha and with murals decorated on wall.
Enchanting the place is long lines of colorful prayer flags which are strung on tree. Written on them are prayers and mantras which flap in the breeze.

Other places to visit when visiting Lumbini is Kapilvastu Aaarkot, Gotihawa, Kudan and Niglihawa.

The Ashokan Pillar

It was this epigraphic pillar which was the evidence of the history relating to the birth of lord Buddha. It was Emperor Ashoka who built this pillar in paying homage to the birthplace. It is now protected by small fence and devotees and followers decorate it with prayer flags and banners. Here you can sit in front of pillar for contemplation.

The Maya Devi Temple

The temple enshrines site of Buddha’s birth. The modern temple is white building that protects ancient ruins and it is surrounded by brick foundations of ancient temple and monasteries. Atop the temple is a squqre tower with Buddha eyes on each side with a golden pinnacle on its top. Some of the delicate sandstone sculptures are now in National Museum in Katmandu for preserving them. A shrine of importance is Bas-relief Image of Maya Devi, which is kept in small pagoda. It has image of Maya Devi supporting herself by Sal tree and infant lord Buddha standing on a lotus pedestal. Also there is two other celestial figures depicted in act of pouring water over the lotuses gifted from heaven.

Pilgrimage Attractions of Lumbini Sanctum-Sanctorum of the Birthplace

The birthplace is the most important place with such magnetic pull for every Buddhist all over the world. The site revealed after centuries with such meticulous excavations under the layers of ruins is the stoneslab located deep in Sanctum Sanctorum. This stone slab foundation pin points to exact location of birth.

Chronology of Lumbini

Lumbini is birthplace to Lord Buddha, in the year 642 BC. When Maya Devi mother of Lord Buddha was coming back from her parent’s home to her palace from Devdaha she suddenly felt the Labor pains, grabbing hold of branches of shade tree she gave birth to her son, namely Siddhartha Gautama , our Lord Buddha. As per the mythology Lord Buddha announced as he was born that “This is my final Rebirth”. He also walked immediately after birth taking seven steps, where lotus bloomed with the each step. Thus Lotus is used in decorations of arts and artifacts and sculptures of Buddhism origin.
In 249 BC Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and he marked the birth place of Lord Buddha by constructing a Stone Pillar surrounded by four Stupas. The Pillar has an inscriptions in Bhrami which translates as “King Piyadasi (Ashoka), beloved of devas, in the 20 year of the coronation, himself made a royal visit, Buddha Sakyamuni having been born here, a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected to the Bhagavan ["blessed one"] having been born here. Lumbini village was taxed reduced and entitled to the eight part (only)”.
Monasteries and temples were built in Lumbini for the monks and followers of Buddhism until 9th century.
As Buddhism declined the garden was lost for thousand years with the arrival of Islam and Hinduism. It was only known that the site was somewhere.
There were descriptions from famous Chinese  pilgrims  Huian tsang and Fa Xian indicating towards the site and saying ‘’Lumbini-where the lord was born is a piece of heaven on earth and one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden-embedded with stupas and monasteries!” inscription was used to recognize the religious site. It was German  Dr Alois A Fuher who discovered the original site when he came across the stone pillar of Ashoka with its inscriptions. Thus it was acclaimed as birthplace of Buddha beyond doubt.
Lumbini is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Though Lumbini is not a tourist spot but it attracts large number of pilgrimage visitations. Traveling is not so easy yet people from Southeast Asia, Tibet and Japan come to pay homage at this site. Lumbini has a small airport with flights from Buddha Air.
Lumbini lies in the dense and picturesque of Sal- Grove or Shereo the tree under which Lord Buddha was born.

Beacon Of Light Of Asia: Lumbini

The light of Asia’ and The apostle of peace the Lord Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini in 623 BC. A pilgrimage for Buddhist monks Lumbini attracts the sentiments of millions of Buddhist all over the world. Like Mecca is to Islam Lumbini is the beacon of Buddhism and legendry in four holy pilgrimage sites of Buddhism.
Lumbini in Sanskrit means ‘lovely’ is site with beautiful gardens, and exquisite treasure trove of ancient antiquities and ruins with legendry charm of having historical significance of being the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lumbini is located in Nepal but it nears to Indian border in the majestic foothills of Himalayas in the district Kapilavastu. It is in the Kapilavastu that lord Buddha stayed for 29 years.
    Lumbini is birthplace to Lord Buddha, in the year 642 BC. When Maya Devi mother of Lord Buddha was coming back from her parent’s home to her palace from Devdaha she suddenly felt the Labor pains, grabbing hold of branches of shade tree she gave birth to her son, namely Siddhartha Gautama , our Lord Buddha. As per the mythology Lord Buddha announced as he was born that “This is my final Rebirth”. He also walked immediately after birth taking seven steps, where lotus bloomed with the each step. Thus Lotus is used in decorations of arts and artifacts and sculptures of Buddhism origin.

LAUGHING BUDDHA

You must be wondering who Laughing Buddha is? Hotei or Pu-Tai, a celestial Buddha is termed as Laughing Buddha and in the country of China he is referred to as the Loving or Friendly One. Laughing Buddha has been derived from an eccentric Chinese Zen monk who lived more than thousand years back and since then has gained significance in the Buddhist and Shinto culture.
Laughing Buddha has been regarded as an incarnation of bodhisattva and due to his protruding belly and jolly nature was given the name laughing Buddha. Images of Laughing Buddha can be seen gracing various amulets, temples and restaurants. The benevolent Buddha is also regarded as deity of abundance and contentment.
Whenever you see an image of Laughing Buddha you can see it as an image carrying a cloth sack filled with various precious items and is regarded as the messiah of downtrodden, weak and children.
As per legendary sayings rubbing of Laughing Buddha fat belly is said to bring luck, wealth and prosperity. In most of the statues of Laughing Buddha you will see a smiling Buddha with pot belly exposed and it is known to bring good luck and happiness.
Besides statues Laughing Buddha tattoos are pretty popular and you might across certain people adoring the tattoo of this smiling Buddha on their body. Laughing Buddha Yoga has also gained popularity and is aimed at beginners and seasoned yogis. This too has added to the popularity of Yoga and that of Laughing Buddha too

CHINESE BUDDHA

Buddhism in China refers to various Buddhism schools that have flourished since ancient times in China. These Buddhism schools have combined the ideas of Taoism, Confucianism and other philosophies which became part of the Chinese civilization. Chinese Buddhism has played an important part in shaping the life of an average Chinese.
Chinese Buddha has an important role to play in the country of China where he is revered as god. Originally born in Lumbini forest in Nepal Gautama Buddha gained followers in not just India and Nepal but even China, SriLanka, Thailand and a host of other countries.
Modern Chinese Buddha is a mix of Pure Land and Chan schools and the most important sutra is the Platform Sutra which is the only Sutra written in ethnic Chinese. China got its first taste of Buddhism when Emperor Ming dreamt about a tall golden man with glow over his head and after this the emperor send envoy to India to enquire about the doctrine of Gautama Buddha which saw his statues and paintings make an appearance in China.
Chinese Buddha statues are not only popular in China but other countries too where Gautam Buddha is worshipped. Buddhism has emerged as a religion in the mainland of China which followed different gods and religions. Chinese Buddha as fondly called gave a direction to the lives of millions of Chinese.
All this seems to have changed the course of China which have become one of the biggest followers of Buddhism.

GAUTAM BUDDHA BIRTHPLACE

It stated that Gautam Buddha was born two hundred years before King Ashoka reign. Birthplace of Gautam Buddha is regarded as Lumbini in Nepal. It is said that when his pregnant mother Maya was leaving Kapilvastu to deliver Gautama at her father’s place she gave birth to a beautiful child in the gardens of Lumbini below the sal tree. The child was named Siddhartha who later on came to be known as Gautama Buddha. It was hermit Asita who declared that the child would either become a great king or a holy man.
The birthplace of Gautam Buddha is situated on the foothills of Himalaya in the kingdom of Nepal and the day on which Siddhartha Gautam was born is celebrated as Vesak. King Ashoka visited the Lumbii forest and constructed four stupas and stone pillars with horse figure on top of it.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha remained neglected for centuries before a German archaeologist discovered the famous pillars in 1895 in the foothills of Churia range and on further excavation a brick temple and sandstone sculpture was discovered within the temple which depiction of Buddha’s birth.
On the south of the Maya Devi Temple is Puskarni which is the famous sacred bathing pool and it stated that Maya Devi took a bath in this pool before delivering the baby. I 1996 a flawless stone placed by Emperor Ashoka was discovered which was placed in 249 BC to mark the birth of Buddha 2,600 years ago.
A visit to the birthplace of Gautama Buddha not only leads to spiritual enlightenment but also brings peace in life.

The introduction of Gtautama Buddha

Gautama Buddha or Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha  Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent on whose teachings  Buddhismas founded. The word Buddha is a title for the first awakened being in an era. In most Buddhist traditions, Siddhartha Gautama is regarded as the Supreme Buddha  of our age, "Buddha" meaning "awakened one" or "the enlightened." Gautama Buddha may also be referred to as Śākyamuni. Gautama taught a Middle Way  compared to the severe asceticism found in the Saramama  movement common in his region. He later taught throughout regions of eastern India such as  Magadha and Kosala. The time of Gautama's birth and death are uncertain: most early-20th-century historians dated his lifetime as circa 563 BCE to 483 BCE, but more recent opinion dates his death to between 486 and 483 BCE or, according to some, between 411 and 400 BCE. Gautama is the primary figure in Buddhism, and accounts of his life, discourses, and monastic rules are believed by Buddhists to have been summarized after his death and memorized by his followers. Various collections of teachings attributed to him were passed down by oral tradition  and first committed to writing about 400 years later.

The National Woodworking Museum

The National Woodworking Museum is located in Tachapal Tole (Dattatreya Square) in the beautiful city Bhaktapur. Upon entering the museum, guests ask for the exhibits. However, the building itself is the museum and contain very finely carved pillars, windows, doors, and struts. The Pujari Math is a museum in itself, with the very finest of Newar woodcarving including the famous Peacock Window. It is here that you will find within these walls the beautiful Newar woodcarvings which include the famous Peacock window.   Also, there are wood carving samples that go back to the l5th century. Wood was a major constructing item long before that time but not much survives due to the adverse effects of time and weather. The building was constructed in the l5th century by King Yaksha Malla. It is called the Pujari Math and outside the Math, you have to get out of the museum and walk along an alley where the ceiebrated Peacock Window is situated.

The Most interest things about the National Woodworking Museum is an astounding amount of mural paintings that adorn the walls - each of a different deity, such as Dattatreya, Shiva-Parbati and Bishnu. What makes the National Woodworking Museum of Nepal of such great interest to those visiting from afar or locally is its amazing collection of valuable wood carvings.  The cost to enter is priced at Rs. 5 though there is an extra cost of Rs. 10 should you wish to bring in your camera.

Patan Museum

Patan Museum is located inside Patan Durbar Square at Keshav Narayan Chowk's residential palace specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. Some of the art goes back to as early as the 11th century. Some of the art goes back to as early as the llth century, and there is evidence that certain objects date from the period of the Lichhavi kings. Most of the statues are of Buddha, Bishnu, Lokeswar, and Devi, covering both the Hindu and the Buddhisf iconology. The museum has recently been completely renovated which has enhanced its appeal. In order to get to the museum you first have to enter the Royal Palace grounds, which is where you will find the richly decorated palace complex of Keshav Narayan Chowk. These palaces, situated in the Kathmandu Valley, have for centuries been home to the Malla kings who have always inhabited this region for centuries. The museum's exhibits interestingly cover a long span of Nepalese cultural history, religious aspects and some rare objects are among its treasures. These rare art facts belong both to Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Most of the exhibits have been cast in bronzes and have Gilt Copper repose work, for which Patan is famous. . The Museum has over 1,500 objects in its national sacred art collection - a prized possession - but visitors will only have the chance to view two hundred out of all of them. The two hundred that are on permanent display have been carefully chosen so that visitors are given the best examples of artwork that represents the sacred art collection. The Patan Museum went through a needed restoration process supported by Government of Nepal. The building had experienced many bad alterations and due to the lack of care and maintenance over the years it was deemed necessary. Some parts of the building were redone and reconstructed to their original form, while other sections of the museum were completely redone. The facilities inside the building were also upgraded and it was finally opened again in 1997. The Patan Museum is definitely worth a visit. After all its inside the World Heritage sites of Nepal.

Museum of Natural History Nepal

Location:	Outside Kathmandu near Sambhunath Hills, across the National Museum
Attractions:	Various species of Fauna and Flora
Timing:	10:30 AM to 5 PM, except Saturday

The Natural History Museum of Nepal is located near the Swayambhunath Hill and has a stable partnership with the Institute of Science and Technology. Together, they coordinate projects and programs to aid in the research and preservation of rare and threatened fauna and flora species. Though it is among the least frequented museums in the Valley, a visit to the museum will show you many rare birds and insect species Since the opening of the Natural History Museum, the institute’s popularity has increased over the years solidifying its importance amongst the museums of Nepal.

Many scientists around the world have a great fascination with the fauna and flora of Nepal. Because Nepal has an extremely varied landscape with high altitudes and diverse vegetation, it can be hard to believe that Nepal would have many flowering plants. If that is what you think, you would be wrong. The small country of Nepal has approximately half the amount of flowering plants that would be found in other countries - such as the United States of America. This alone makes Nepal extremely interesting to botanists. This amazing diversity can be seen in the exhibition hall of the Natural History Museum which boasts with more than 9 000 plant specimens, both non-flowering and flowering.

Nature does not only consist of plants, trees and flowers, but animals, insects and other earthly creatures. The Natural History Museum of Nepal therefore offers visitors a spectacular collection of approximately 40 000 invertebrates and vertebrates. Interesting fossils, prehistoric shells, butterfly collections, snakes and a 100 skeletal remains are also on display. For those who are interested in seeing skeletons that have not lost their outer layers, the Nepal Natural History Museum has many stuffed crocodiles, birds and various animals in their exhibits.

There is a separate section for insects too that contains various insects collected from the nook and corners of Himalayas. Many of these species are now extinct. The same is true for various species of mammals and other amphibians. All of these displays are organized as per their evolution. It has a separate section for plants too. This section contains various herbs and grasses that grow in Himalayas and Tarai region. This section is not as comprehensive as the section on fauna but is equally interesting. The museum is slowly picking up on the tourist map but is in dire straits because of the lack of fund. If you are a biologist then this place is a boon for you. If you are not, then also this place is worth visiting.

For students, researchers, scholars and botanists, the Nepal Natural History Museum is the answer to all their questions. The museum is able to educate the public, and others who are interested, in the life cycles of birds, animals and plants that are able to survive at high altitudes. The Institute of Science and Technology and the Natural History Museum work together to record the plants and creatures found naturally in Nepal. They also research better ways to conserve and protect this unique natural landscape. Nepal is a land of wonder because of its fauna and flora, and the Natural History Museum hopes to educate people to respect and protect their beautiful natural surroundings.

National Museum of Nepal

The National Museum of Nepal located on the way to Swayambhunath Hill  was established in 1928AD as an arsenal museum in the historical building which was constructed in early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. The initial name of this museum was Chhauni Silkhana which literally means "the stone house of arms and ammunitions". It is most popular museum among the Kathmandu People. It has become a popular attraction to locals wanting to relive their history, and to visitors who are interested in Nepals’ past. Nepal’s National Museum is divided into three main historical collections, each of which is housed in a separate building.

It was opened as a public museum in the year 1938 by the then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher JBR. He not only allowed Nepalese to visit the museum charging very little but also raised a building for an art museum and named it after him Juddha Jatiya Kalashala. Until then only foreign scholars/dignitaries and invitees or guests of the Rana Prime Minister occasionally could have a glimpse of this wonderful collections. It was only in the year 1967AD this was named as Rashtriya Sangrahalaya, the National Museum of Nepal.

In the year 1995 the Japanese Government donated funds to the National Museum of Nepal to host an exhibit that consists of Buddhist Religious Art. This exhibit educates the public about the Buddhist religion through amazing pieces of art, and assists in the research of Buddhism and the preservation of its associated artifacts.

People who have interest on historical, cultural  and religious aspects can look forward to the doll collection, second century BC coins, stuffed animals and relics from the devastating 1934 earthquake. Here visitors are able to get a unique insight into the weaponry of Nepal through the ages. The greatest attraction in this division is the leather cannon. It originates from the historical Tibetan war period which took place in 1792.

Opens daily, except for Sunday, Monday and holidays, from 9 am to 5 pm.

National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery is located in the beautiful historical city Bhaktapur and is housed in the old Malla Palace of 55 Windows in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The main attraction of the museum  is Collection of Manuscripts and chronicles The museum has a rich collection of paubha scroll paintings, bronze, brass, stone and wooden images.

Inside the gallery you have an impressive collection of paintings and murals from the days of dominance of Buddhism. There are some very old paintings that are known as Thangakas. Buddhist monks used these paintings for concentration at the time of prayers. These oil-on-canvas paintings are very old and dates back to Mallas era. Then there are stone-carved figures that dates back to Licchhavis and Mallas era. Most of these figures are of Hindu and Buddhist deities and, as typical of that era, have sexual overtones.

The another interesting things about the The National Art Gallery is the fact that stonework is especially fine and a room outlines the life and times of the Shah kings of Nepal. There are also samples of everyday items used in the past by famous people. Among the displays are scriptures that are among the most valuable in the kingdom.

The second floor is entirely dedicated to historical chronicles and manuscripts. These documents belong to various monarchs from Rana and Shah dynasties and provide a deep insight in to the political, cultural, social and economical conditions of that era. Some of the documents are classified and are not on public display. If you are a student of history or a researcher, then this place will be of great interest. Nevertheless, researchers are required to take a prior permission from the Ministry of Culture for getting access to the classified documents

Open daily, except Sundays, Mondays and holidays, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance costs Rs.10 for SAARC nationals and Rs.20 for other foreign visitors.

The mountains have attracted the Tourism in Nepal

Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal and the largest source of foreign exchange and revenue. Possessing 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventures. The Hindu  and Buddhist heritage of Nepal, and its cold weather are also strong attractions.
Nepal is the country wherem Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, is located. Mountaineering and other types of adventure tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for visitors. The world heritage Lumbini, birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is located in southern Nepal, and there are other important religious pilgrimage sites throughout the country.

Namche Bazaar, Gateway to Mount Everest under snow

The government of Nepal declared 2011 to be Nepal Tourism Year, and hoped to attract one million foreign tourists to the country during that year.^[1] The tourist industry is seen as a way to alleviate poverty and achieve greater social equity in the country. The government of Nepal has also declared Lumbini Tourism Year 2012 to promote Lumbini - a birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Bronze and Brass Museum in Nepal

The beautiful Bronze and Brass Museum Standing opposite the National Woodworking Museum of Nepal, lies within the Pujari Math in Tachapal Tole in Bhaktapur, lies. This attractive Nepali museum with full of bronze and brass statues is housed within an ancient building, dating back to the 15th century. It is housed in a newly renovated building near the Pujari Math, Much of the dis- plays have been restored and are in excellent condition.  

In this fine Nepali museums you can find a rich collection of domestic and ceremonial metal ware is exhibited in the museum: kalash (ritual jars), ink-pots, spittoons, ordinary and ritual lamps and those used specifically for rituals, water pots, medieval utensils, giant containers and hookahs, or as its commonly known in the western world ‘a hubbly bubbly’. There are separate galleries for the commodities used by common mass and royalty. Most of these objects date back to Mallas Period. Platters for worship, lamps, water pots, horns, and other items are on display to tell about the humble living of the common masses. The royal family has gifted an ornate inkpot and bookshelf that can be promptly seen in the royal gallery. The museum provides an insight of the Newars who have contributed so much in the evolution of the Nepalese society.

The Bronze and Brass Museum of Bhaktapur is open on most days from about 10:15 am to around about 4:45 pm, however, it is closed on a Tuesday and on public holidays, where the time is used for cleaning, maintenance and any repair work that may be required. Entrance fee is Rs.20 and an extra Rs.20 for cameras

Muesums in Nepal

Nepal has glorious past and priceless heritage to boast about. The country has a special tryst with history. From the birth of Buddha to the reign of Ranas, Nepal has seen it all. Nepal's tryst with the history has left many witnesses. These witnesses have been protected in the museums and galleries across Nepal. They are being protected with great efforts and that protection comes with a fancy price tag. Indeed you will appreciate the works done, in the extreme financial constraint, by the Archeological Survey of Nepal and Ministry of Culture. Things that have been excavated and collected from the length and breadth of Nepal have been kept on display at various museums and art galleries in Nepal.

The torchbearer among the lot is The National Museum of Nepal. Situated at Katmandu, this museum has a vivid collection of artworks and coins. There are separate galleries for paintings, murals and coins. The museum has many Buddhist artworks as well. The most interesting section in the museum is the one dedicated to weapons and weaponry. Apart from the National Museum, the museum at Patan is a must visit too. The museum has collection of art works and statue that numbers more than 900. Among others, this museum stores artworks from its Licchhavis era. It contains both Hindu and Buddhist artworks. The National Bronze Art Museum is unique in itself. This museum only contains bronze statues. They range from Licchhavis era till the rule of Ranas. The display gallery has been artistically decorated to comply the mood.

The National Art Gallery in Kathmandu is a must visit site too. This gallery is housed in one of the oldest palaces in Kathmandu valley. The gallery contains various day-to-day items that were used by the various dynasties that ruled Nepal. Apart from that it has an archive gallery too that contains various documents and official papers used by the previous monarchs. Apart from these there are other smaller museums too such as Tribhuwan museum that is solely dedicated to the monarchs. Then there is Woodwork Museum that has no exhibit as such as the building itself is an exhibit because of its unique design and motifs. So, if you are an art freak then there is more than enough to see and do in Nepal