Latest news with #PashupatinathTemple
Mint
17-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Nepa Rudraksha Collaborates with Ajay Devgn: Exploring Authentic Spirituality
Sukritya Khatiwada, a third-generation Vedic scholar and entrepreneur is leading Nepa's expansion. He has focused on making Rudraksha accessible to a wider audience while retaining its sacred context. His book Transform Your Life with Rudraksha and international speaking engagements have helped establish Nepa as a notable entity in spiritual wellness. Speaking about the collaboration with Ajay Devgn, Sukritya says, 'This is not a celebrity endorsement—it's a spiritual alignment. Ajay Devgn brings authenticity to the message we're trying to deliver. He's a devotee of Shiva, and that devotion reflects in how he connects with Rudraksha.' Nepa Rudraksha which has roots in Vedic tradition since 1973, is embarking on a new phase with actor Ajay Devgn's involvement. This collaboration is presented as a meaningful partnership built on shared values, trust, and a personal connection upholding the commitment to authenticity and service established by the company's founder, Mr. Balaram Khatiwada, a priest at the revered Pashupatinath Temple, and the current Chairman, Mr. Mukunda Khatiwada.. Ajay Devgn, known for his compelling screen presence, is also a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. His spiritual inclination is described as private and grounded. With a Shiva tattoo and a personal reverence for Rudraksha, Devgn resonates with Nepa's focus on authenticity, inner strength, and conviction. A brand spokesperson indicated that Devgn's association reflects the brand's identity, with his devotion aligning with the values Nepa has maintained for over five decades. Nepa Rudraksha has always aimed to prioritise sincerity. The brand's initial goal was to provide authentic Rudraksha beads globally. They currently serve customers in over 100 countries, aiming to make spiritual tools accessible, traceable, and meaningful. Each Rudraksha bead from Nepa is sourced from the Arun Valley in Nepal and is certified through X-ray testing and quality standards like IRL and ISO 9001:2005. The brand's AAA Standard is presented as a guarantee of purity,giving spiritual seekers confidence in what they're receiving. The partnership with Ajay Devgn is supported by a short film that depicts a seeker's inner journey. The Siddha Mala, Rudra bracelet, and the Dhanveer Bracelet featured in the film are presented as elements of spiritual practice. How This Campaign Stands Apart This campaign is described as taking a different approach from typical marketing efforts. It is rooted in what is called Sanatana, an inner conviction. While Rudraksha remains Nepa's primary offering, the brand has expanded its range to include malas customised to individual needs, bracelets designed for daily wear, and spiritual tools like yantras and puja kits. These offerings are supported by educational resources, including books authored by Sukritya Khatiwada, Nepa's CEO and a third-generation Vedic Expert. Nepa has also introduced a members-only Sadhana app, a digital digital platform for practitioners to deepen their spiritual practice. This is intended to provide long-term spiritual support beyond products. This collaboration is viewed as reaffirming Nepa's belief that spirituality can be both timeless and personal when approached thoughtfully. With Ajay Devgn's involvement, Nepa Rudraksha aims to invite individuals to explore the meaning of a sacred bead as a companion on a spiritual path. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Mint' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Mint assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Times of Oman
17-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Nepali Hindu devotees throng Pashupatinath temple as sacred month of Shrawan begins
Kathmandu: Thousands of Hindu devotees on Thursday flocked to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, observing "Shrawan Sakranti," or the first day of the religious month of Shrawan dedicated to Lord Shiva. A serpentine line stretched to all corners of the temple, where devotees holding baskets of offerings waited for their turn to enter the temple for worship. The fourth month -- Shrawan -- as per the Nepali calendar, is considered sacred by Hindu devotees and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, when women fast and adorn green, yellow, and red bangles and beads. "At home, Mother and Grandmother have taught us to worship Lord Shiva, pray for the well-being, wealth, and wellness of the family members, refrain from having non-vegetarian items, as well as fast on Mondays worshipping Lord Shiva," Manisha Ranabhat, a devotee who thronged the temple on Thursday morning, told ANI. During this month, especially on Mondays, devotees, despite their ages and sexes, go to the Shiva temple to worship the Lord. It is believed that an unmarried girl keeping fast on every Monday of the month shall get the husband of her choice. Married women, however, keep the fast for the good health and prosperity of their husbands and family members. In the month of Shrawan, unmarried females keep fasting and take part in the procession, praying for a good husband, while married females fast for the longevity of their husbands and the wellness of family members. As per religious belief, one's wishes are fulfilled and Lord Shiva will shower fortune on the devotees who visit the shrines dedicated to him and pay homage after taking an early morning shower on the first Monday of the month of Shrawan. "The month of Shrawan is a special month for Hindu devotees. In this month, we keep fasts for Bhole Baba and only eat fruits for the entire month, wearing green bangles and yellow-colored saris," Meena Thapaliya, another devotee, told ANI. Enlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Pashupati Temple has high importance for the followers of the Hindu religion, as Lord Shiva is regarded as the creator, destroyer, and preserver of the world. Apart from its religious importance, the Pashupatinath Temple is also regarded as the saviour of Nepal in times of difficulty. A large swath of pilgrims from India and other countries come to Pashupatinath once in their life. Apart from Pashupati, other Shiva temples or Shivalayas in the capital Kathmandu also witnessed a surge of devotees on the day devoted to Lord Shiva.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Time of India
This close-to-home destination tops the list for your next international vacation
Nepal is the most affordable international destination for Indian travellers in August. Flights from Delhi and Kolkata are competitively priced. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan offer Newari architecture and street food. Culinary experiences include thukpa and momos. Cooking classes are available in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple are key cultural sites. Nepal is an appealing option for the monsoon season. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads With the monsoon season setting in, Nepal has been identified as the most affordable international destination for Indian travellers planning a trip in August. Flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi and Kolkata remain competitively priced, making it a cost-effective getaway for those seeking culture, comfort, and cuisine without stretching their budgets, Conde Nast Traveller being a rainy month, August brings a distinct atmosphere to Nepal's historic cities. The rain-washed streets of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, home to the iconic Durbar Squares, come alive with Newari architecture, vibrant local markets, and warm street food. The monsoon backdrop enhances the experience for travellers who don't mind the trekking routes are generally avoided this time of year due to muddy trails and leeches—especially in regions like Pokhara, there's still plenty to explore. Culinary experiences are a highlight, with many choosing to unwind indoors over bowls of steaming thukpa and freshly steamed momos. For a more immersive experience, cooking classes in Kathmandu offer travellers a chance to learn how to prepare traditional dishes, including folding momos by exploration remains central to the visit. Sacred landmarks such as Swayambhunath Stupa provide panoramic views of the valley and a close encounter with the country's spiritual traditions. Meanwhile, the Pashupatinath Temple along the Bagmati River continues to be a focal point for rituals that reflect Nepal's deep religious its proximity, affordability, and rich cultural offerings, Nepal stands out as an appealing option for Indian travellers looking to make the most of the monsoon season next month.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
10 countries with the highest Hindu population
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with deep roots in Indian culture and history. While India remains the spiritual and cultural heart of Hinduism, the religion has also spread to many other countries across the globe. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In these places, Hindu communities maintain rich traditions, festivals, and places of worship that reflect the diversity and strength of Hindu beliefs. Below is an overview of the top 10 countries where Hinduism has a significant presence today. Note: This list of countries is based on the latest data from the World Population Review. India Hindu population: Approximately 1.1 billion Percentage of total population: 78.9% Hinduism originated in India and remains its spiritual and cultural center. Around 79% of India's population practices Hinduism, making the country home to the vast majority of the world's Hindus. The religion is expressed through many traditions and practices. India is also known for major Hindu festivals and sacred sites, such as the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Nepal Hindu population: Approximately 28.6 million Percentage of total population: 80.6% Nepal has the highest percentage of Hindus in its population. Hinduism is closely connected to the country's history and culture. One of the most important Hindu temples, the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered very sacred by Hindus around the world. Bangladesh Hindu population: Approximately 13.8 million Percentage of total population: 8.2% Hinduism is the second-largest religion in Bangladesh, after Islam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Most Hindus in Bangladesh live in rural areas, especially in places like Khulna and Barisal. Even though they face difficulties, the Hindu community still celebrates important festivals like Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja with great enthusiasm. Indonesia Hindu population: Approximately 4.2 million Percentage of total population: 1.6% Although Indonesia is mostly Muslim, it has a notable Hindu community, especially on the island of Bali. Balinese Hinduism is unique because it combines traditional Hindu beliefs with local customs and ancient nature-based practices. The island's culture, through its dance, music, and temples– shows this special blend of Hinduism. Pakistan Hindu population: Approximately 4 million Percentage of total population: 1.9% Most Hindus in Pakistan live in the Sindh province. Even though they are a minority, Pakistani Hindus keep their culture and religion alive through temples, festivals, and traditions that have been passed down for many generations. Sri Lanka Hindu population: Approximately 3.1 million Percentage of total population: 13.7% In Sri Lanka, most Hindus belong to the Tamil ethnic group, mainly living in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil temple in Jaffna is an important place of worship. Over time, the Hindu community has faced challenges like migration and changes in population. United States Hindu population: Approximately 2.5 million Percentage of total population: 0.5% The Hindu population in the United States has grown mainly because of immigration from India and Nepal. Hindus in America are involved in many areas like education, business, and politics. Temples and cultural centers across the country provide places for worship and community gatherings. Malaysia Hindu population: Approximately 1.9 million Percentage of total population: 5.8% In Malaysia, Hinduism is mostly practiced by the Indian community, especially Tamils. The Batu Caves in Selangor is a well-known Hindu temple that draws thousands of visitors during the Thaipusam festival. Despite living in a mainly Muslim country, Malaysian Hindus keep their religious traditions strong. United Kingdom Hindu population: Approximately 1 million Percentage of total population: 1.6% Hinduism has been part of the UK for a long time, starting during the colonial period. Today, Hindus are an important part of Britain's diverse society, contributing to many areas of life. Festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated with great excitement across the country. Myanmar Hindu population: Approximately 890,000 Percentage of total population: 1.7% Hinduism has a long history in Myanmar, with communities tracing their origins to Indian migration. The majority of Hindus in Myanmar are of Indian descent, particularly from Tamil and Bengali communities. These communities have been present in Myanmar for generations, contributing to the cultural and religious landscape of the country.
United News of India
30-05-2025
- United News of India
AI Express to begin Bengaluru–Kathmandu flights June 1
Bengaluru, May 30 (UNI) Extending its regional footprint, Air India Express on Friday announced the launch of direct daily flights between Bengaluru and Kathmandu, starting June 1. This new route marks the airline's debut in Nepal, further enhancing its growing short-haul international network. Bookings for the new route are now open on the airline's website and across major travel portals, with inaugural fares starting at Rs 8,000 for Xpress Lite and Rs 8,500 for Xpress Value. Flight IX 197 will depart Bengaluru at 0505 hrs and arrive in Kathmandu at 0805 hrs local time. The return flight IX 198 will leave Kathmandu at 0905 hrs and reach Bengaluru at 1225 hrs. Both flights will operate daily. Commenting on the launch, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, "We are delighted to expand our footprint to Nepal, our neighbouring country in the subcontinent, further strengthening the deep-rooted cultural and economic ties we share. This new route brings people, tales, and traditions closer, while reinforcing our vision of making travel more accessible and meaningful." Kathmandu, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It serves as a gateway to Everest treks and spiritual journeys, with landmarks like the Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike. Nearby destinations such as Pokhara, Bhaktapur, and Lumbini—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—are also easily accessible. The new service also provides convenient one-stop connectivity to Kathmandu via Bengaluru from 20 Indian cities including Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Pune, and Srinagar, as well as from Abu Dhabi and Dammam internationally. Currently, Air India Express operates over 450 weekly flights from Bengaluru to 31 destinations across India and abroad, including Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and now Kathmandu. The airline also offers one-stop connections to additional domestic and 14 international destinations, such as Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, and Salalah. UNI BDN RN
