page_title: Tourism in Nepal
section_title: Religious sites
hierarchical_section_title: Tourism in Nepal / Religious sites
caption_attribution_description: English: Janki Mandir (temple) of Janakpur, Nepal (full frontal view). This photograph was captured by Abhishek Dutta (http://abhishekdutta.org). I was born in Janakpur and love to photograph this historical temple whenever I visit Janakpur.
context_page_description: Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal and its largest source of foreign exchange and revenue. Possessing eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hot spot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventure. The Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Nepal and its cool weather are also strong attractions.
context_section_description: The major religion in Nepal is Hinduism, and the Pashupatinath Temple, the world's largest temple of Shiva, located in Kathmandu, attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Other Hindu pilgrimage sites include the temple complex in Swargadwari in the Pyuthan district; Janaki Mandir in Janakpurdham in Mithila region; Lake Gosainkunda near Dhunche; the temples at Devghat; Manakamana temple in the Gorkha District; Pathibhara near Phungling; and Mahamrityunjaya Shivasan Nepal in Palpa District where the biggest metallic idol of Lord Shiva is located.
  Buddhism is the largest minority religion. The World Heritage site at Lumbini, which is traditionally considered to be the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, is an important pilgrimage site. Another prominent Buddhist site is Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, in Kathmandu.
  Dang valley is a sacred place for Hindus as well as other religions. Kalika and Malika Devi in Chhillikot hill, Ambekeshawori temple, Krishna temple, Dharapani temple are among the sacred places in Dang district. Chillikot hill is also a good place for sightseeing and also an ancient palace of a king.
  Muktinath is a sacred place for Hindus as well as Buddhists. The site is located in Muktinath Valley, Mustang district.
  Badimalika temple in Bajura District, Gadhimai Temple in Bara district, Halesi Mahadeva temple in Khotang. Bhageshwori Mandir in Nepalgunj. Bhagbhati mandir in Rajbiraj are also some popular temples in Nepal.
caption: Janaki Mandir in janakpur, the temple where Nepalese goddess Sita married Lord Rama in Nepal.
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