Travelling to the Himalayan nations of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India, you will often come across the 'Asthamangalas' or the eight auspicious symbols. Asthamangalas are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Adorning temples, monasteries and Buddhist and Hindu homes, these auspicious symbols are believed to bring in good fortune and harmony and offer protection from evil forces. The 'Asthamangalas' or the eight auspicious symbols are:
(a) Srivatsa, or the endless knot symbolises reality where everything is interrelated and is bounded together in the web of karma. With no beginning or end, it also represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, and the union of compassion and wisdom.
Srivatsa or the endless knot
(b) Dhwaja, or the victory banner. These decorate the roofs of temples and maonasteris. It generally symbolises victory of good over eveil. Buddhists believe it symbolises the victory of Buddha's teachings over death, ignorance, disharmony and negativity.
Dhwaja
(c) Kalash or Bumpa. It is the urn of inexhaustible good fortune. Bumpa is a sign of the inexhaustible riches available in the Buddhist teachings as well as a symbol of longevity, prosperity and good fortune.
Kalash or bumpa
(d) Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Truth for the Buddhists and 'Chamaru' or fan made of yak hair for Hindus (to drive away evil and negative energies). Mani wheels also symbolises dharma chakra.
Dharmachakra & Chamaru
(e) Matsya, or a pair of golden fish represents good fortune for Hindus, Jain and Buddhists. Buddhistsbelieve that living beings who practice the dharma need have no fear to drown in the ocean of suffering like fish in the water.
Matsya
(f) Chhatra or parasol symbolising royalty and protection from evil influences,
Chhatra
(g) Sankha, or conch symbolises awareness. It is believed that the vibrant sounds of the 'Sankha' drives away evil spirits and destroy disease causing germs. In Buddhism the blowing of the conch symbolises the deep, far reaching and melodious sound of Buddha's teachings. it rises one from the deep slumber of ignorance.
Sankha
(h) Padma, or the lotus symbolises purity of the body and mind. According to Hindu and Buddhist teachings the lotus signifies the growth of an enlightened soul. It springs up in a muddy surrounding (samsara/world) and rises up of the unclean surface (purification) to finally produce a beautiful flower (enlightenment). For Buddhist lostus blossoms represents purity, the stem stands for the practice of Buddhist teachings which raise the mind above the impurity of worldly existence, and enlightens the mind.
Padma
(Images: wikipedia)
Apr 2023 I had an incredible experience trekking to Everest Base Camp with Explore Himalaya. Our guides were absolutely amazing. They provided us with exceptional support and guidance throughout the journey. The porters deserve special recognition too for their hard work and dedication. The entire journey was filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. From the start until the conclusion , every moment was filled with awe and wonder. I highly recommend Explore Himalaya for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas. Thank you to all the the staff, for making our journey truly exceptional!
13 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Nov 2018 We have just returned to Kathmandu after a wonderful trek around the Manaslu circuit, starting in Soti Khola and finishing in Jaget. The trek and transport out and back to Kathmandu were very well organized. Our guide, Bharet Rana was excellent, arranging our tea-house accomodation and meals each day, without hitch. He was always good humoured and provided an interesting commentary on sights along the way.
Our Everest Base Camp trek was a wonderful and memorable one. Everything was very well organised. Thank you Explore Himalaya and the staffs for such an excellent service. We were taken care of from the moment we landed in Ktm till the day we left. The Guides and the Porters team of Explore Himalaya are very friendly and helpful. They took care of every little things during our trek. Some walked faster, some slowly and few could not but No one was left behind. They walk with your pace and motivates you until you get up. Anuj Pandey, MD of Explore Himalaya was available 24 hours a day when anybody was in need, he even flew to Namche to check if everything was going well and if everybody was doing good. The Guides Bibek Pandey, Bhuwan Tamang and Ram Rajbhandari along with their 5 Porters were the main pillars who made our mission accomplished. I'd highly recommend anybody who wants to travel to Nepal to contact Explore Himalaya and get themselves spoilt and entertained with their excellent service.
Helicopter flight to Everest basecamp Mar 2023 Organized for us a life time experience by helicopter to the base camp. Very well organized and all what has been promised was delivered. Would highly recommend this service.
Apr 2023 I had an incredible experience trekking to Everest Base Camp with Explore Himalaya. Our guides were absolutely amazing. They provided us with exceptional support and guidance throughout the journey. The porters deserve special recognition too for their hard work and dedication. The entire journey was filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. From the start until the conclusion , every moment was filled with awe and wonder. I highly recommend Explore Himalaya for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas. Thank you to all the the staff, for making our journey truly exceptional!
13 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Nov 2018 We have just returned to Kathmandu after a wonderful trek around the Manaslu circuit, starting in Soti Khola and finishing in Jaget. The trek and transport out and back to Kathmandu were very well organized. Our guide, Bharet Rana was excellent, arranging our tea-house accomodation and meals each day, without hitch. He was always good humoured and provided an interesting commentary on sights along the way.
Our Everest Base Camp trek was a wonderful and memorable one. Everything was very well organised. Thank you Explore Himalaya and the staffs for such an excellent service. We were taken care of from the moment we landed in Ktm till the day we left. The Guides and the Porters team of Explore Himalaya are very friendly and helpful. They took care of every little things during our trek. Some walked faster, some slowly and few could not but No one was left behind. They walk with your pace and motivates you until you get up. Anuj Pandey, MD of Explore Himalaya was available 24 hours a day when anybody was in need, he even flew to Namche to check if everything was going well and if everybody was doing good. The Guides Bibek Pandey, Bhuwan Tamang and Ram Rajbhandari along with their 5 Porters were the main pillars who made our mission accomplished. I'd highly recommend anybody who wants to travel to Nepal to contact Explore Himalaya and get themselves spoilt and entertained with their excellent service.
Helicopter flight to Everest basecamp Mar 2023 Organized for us a life time experience by helicopter to the base camp. Very well organized and all what has been promised was delivered. Would highly recommend this service.
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