Namobuddha is one of the important Buddhist religious sites after Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath. It is located on a picturesque hill, 45 km from Kathmandu. Huge festival take place here on the full moon day of Baisakh (May), the birthday of Buddha, attended by both Buddhists and Hindus. Apart from the aitistic monasteries and the idol of 'Sacrifice to the Tigress; the place is also popular for viewing sunrise and sunset.
It is said the town located between Panauti and Sankhu was once ruled by King Maharath. The king had three sons, among them the youngest, Mahahridaya, was of very benevolent nature. One day the three princes were traveling through the forest of Namobuddha area when they came across an emaciated tigress and her five cubs. Prince Mahahridaya asked his brothers why the tigress looked sick and they replied that she was weak, as she had nothing to eat. The legend goes that the kind-hearted Mahahridaya fed his own flesh to the hungry tigress and died in the course. It is believed the stupa at Namobuddha houses the relics of the prince. After attaining enlightenment, it is said, lord Buddha visited Namobuddha and revealed to his disciples that he was Mahahridaya in his early life. Namobuddha is now regarded a holy pilgrimage for Buddhists.
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