Acknowledgement

Health, population and environment education

has been considered as one of the most important subject to
be studied under grade-X in the curriculum prepared by
Curriculum Development Centre (CDC). It has stood out
very helpful in this modern society where the increasing
population has bought many negative impacts on the
different aspects of environment.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all

the people who have directly or indirectly guided me to
prepare this project work. First of all my sincere thanks goes
to Dear Madam Sangita and Madam Moscow, Subject
teachers of Health, Population and Environment education
of grade-X for providing us suitable topic to prepare the
project work.
At last I would also like to thank world wide
network to provide me information regarding our religious
place Muktinath to prepare this project work.
Title of the following report prepared considering various
information’s collected yet.

Select any one religious or cultural heritage each of

Himalayan, Hilly and Terai region and prepare a report
on the basis of various points:
 Location
 Introduction
 Present Status
 Importance’s
 Methods used for preservation
 Conclusion
 CONTENTS
Hilly region
 ►
Location..........................................
........................ 1-1
 ►
Introduction.....................................
...................... 3-3
 ► Present
Status.............................................
........... 6-7
 ►
Importance’s...................................
....................... 8-9
 ►
Conclusion.......................................
....................... 10-10
 Mountain region
 ►
Location..........................................
......................... 1-1
 ►
Introduction.....................................
....................... 2-2
 ► Present
Status.............................................
............ 6-7
  ►
Importance’s...................................
........................ 8-9
 ►
Conclusion.......................................
....................... 10-10
 Terai region
 ►
Location..........................................
........................ 1-2
 ►
Introduction.....................................
.......................4-5
 ► Present
Status.............................................
............ 6-7
 ►
Importance’s...................................
........................ 8-9
 ►
Conclusion.......................................
....................... 10-10

Location of Muktinath as an ‘Encountering Nature and

Cultural’ place Gosainkunda and Lumbini.
 Muktinath, 3,802m(12,475ft.) is one of the most
famous tourist destinations for domestic and international
visitors; a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. This
temple is situated about 18Kms. northeast of Jomsom. A
usual and easiest way to get there is to take a plane to
Jomsom, the largest village of Mustang and district-
headquarter. Then follows an exciting 2 days trek to
Muktinath. Ferociously blowing winds, tough and rocky
trails along the dry riverbeds make the trekking tougher, but
eventually turn out to be a memorable life time achievement.
Crossing all traditional settlements, religious sites, ruins of
ancient fortress, one finds heavenly contentment to reach
Muktinath. Trekking to Muktinath is a rich experience, both
in terms of encountering unique culture and unique nature.

Gosainkunda Lake (4,300 m) in the Syabru VDC

on the southern slopes of Jugal Himal, is a mini trek by itself
and can be done in about five days. Gosainkunda is a sacred
lake for Hindus and Buddhists alike, and is said to have had
its origin when Lord Shiva swallowed poison to save the
world. It is believed he pierced the earth with his trishul
(trident) from where a fountain of water sprang forming a
lake where the burning Shiva jumped to soothe the burning
in his throat. There are 108 lakes in this region some of
which are named Saraswati, Bhairav, Surya and Ganesh.
Gosainkunda is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites
in Nepal.

Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the

founder of Buddhism, which was destined to be the
prevalent religion in Asia. This nativity site, identified by the
Ashokan Pillar,
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erected by Magadhan emperor Ashoka, to
commemorate the birth place of Buddha, the Lumbini
grove. The pillar was erected over 2200 years ago, making
lumbini the quintessential Buddhist heritage site. Among the
prime attractions are the sacred garden with an area of 8 sq.
km, the Mayadevi Temple with a bas relief of Mayadevi, the
Buddha's mother and a sacred stone marked with a "foot
imprint" of Ashoka. The Ashokan Pillar, the oldest
monument so far found in Nepal lies to the west of the
Mayadevi Temple. Today only the lower shaft of the pillar
stands, the upper past having been split into two. There is no
trace of the horse capital. To the south of the pillar is
Puskarni, the sacred pond, wherein, Mayadevi is said to
have had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha
- the Enlightened one.

For those interested in the treasury of cultural

and archaeological riches, Lumbini is the perfect place to be
there with a number of stupa, monasteries, meditation
centers and bahals(courtyard), no other place evokes the
time and aura of the Buddha like Lumbini, the Hallowed
birthplace of the Apostle of Peace.

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Introduction to Heritages as Unique (geologically with
sacredness religiously) Temple.
 Muktinath is a temple describing natural wonders.
Within the complex, there are countless ammonite fossils, natural
flames that burn eternally from beneath the earth's surface, 108
water spouts, and a number of trees that grow in surprising
abundance at the high altitude location. These four attributes are
responsible for Muktinath's uniqueness’ geologically and its
sacredness religiously. While the area has been regarded as sacred for
thousands of years, the first temple was built 900 years ago when a
Hindu King ordered the construction of the Jwala Mai temple and
designated the area to accommodate both Hindu and Buddhist
pilgrims.
One explanation of the ammonite fossils and the trees
detailed a story of several years of fighting, betrayal, and deceit
among gods and mortals in the area. According to this legend, one
demi-god cursed Vishnu by transforming him into saligram stone, a
pipal tree, and a special type of grass. Hence, he is now manifested
and worshipped in these forms.
Other explanations of the trees relate to holy magicians,
ancient Tibetan monks, or ancient Sadhus on pilgrimage from India.
According to these stories, the magicians, monks or sadhus happened
upon Muktinath accidentally and marveled at its beauty. They stuck
their walking sticks in the ground and poured out ladles of water
upon the ground. Their walking sticks miraculously transformed into
the trees that now grow in Muktinath and the holy water created the
springs that now flow in Muktinath.

Finally, stories about the flames generally relate to a god

or holy man passing through the area. Some stories claim that a god's
mouth fell off at the site where the flames now burn. Others claim
that the ancient Buddhist Guru Rinpoche lost a tooth at the site.
More recent mythology has been created to explain the
disappearance of one of the three supposedly eternal flames. Many
believe that sinners to the area caused the flame cease burning.
Others believe that godly power destroted the flame as a warning to
people who no longer believe in or respect the Gods and therefore
mistreat each other.

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The trail to Gosainkunda climbs from either Dhunche or
Syabru through lush rhododendron hillsides to Sing
Gompa. East of the lakes Lauribina (4,600 m) pass leads to
Helambu. The trail descends to Tharepati, where it divides
into two return routes to Kathmandu. The shorter way rides
the ridge south through cool rhododendron forests passing
several Tamang villages, and crests toward the Kathmandu
Valley rim at Burlang Bhanjyang, some 1,100 m above
Sundarijal. This ridge forms the divide between two of
Nepal's major river systems - the Gandaki, which extends
west to Dhaulagiri, and the Saptakosi whose tributaries
extend east to Kanchenjunga on the border with Sikkim.
The other trail from Tharepati plunges 1,000 m to a
tributary of the Melamchi Khola (river) and above it the sherpa
village of Helambu. Stone houses scatter across the terraced fields
above an old gompa (monastery) dressed with tall prayer flags. A
gompa set on the ridge above Tarkeghyang commands excellent views
of the Himalaya, looking north toward Ganja La pass and Dorje
Lakpa (6,966 m) and a number of peaks over 6,000 m.

During Janai Purnima (full-moon festival in August),

around 25,000 Hindu and Buddhists pilgrims visit the holy
Gosainkunda Lake in about a one-week period. At this time jhankris
(Shaman priests) come from all over Nepal to dance in an induced
trance to all night singing and drum beating. The trail to
Gosainkunda involves rapid ascent to 4,380 m, and therefore, it is
best done after acclimatizing in Chandanbari, Lauribinayak or
Tharepati.

Sagarhawa
Identified by Archaeologists as the "Palace of Massacre of the
Shakyas", the ruins of an ancient water tank were excavated n the
forest of Sagarhawa. It lies to the north-west of Niglihawa.

Gotihawa
Located to the south-west of Tilaurkot, the place is known for an
Ashokan Pillar (Whose upper part, capital is missing) and a huge
stupa. According to the legends, the place is also associated with
Kanakmuni Buddha and Krakuchhanda Buddha. They arrived
before Gautam Buddha. 4
Aroarakot
This place once had a walled rectangular fortress. The citadel was
Buddha's natal town. Lying to the north-east of Niglihawa, here you
can find remains of ancient moat and brick fortifications reminding
you of its glorious place.

Buddhist Temple
The monastery of the Buddhist temple is built inside the surrounding
complex of Lumbini in the manner of modern Buddhist shrines in
Nepal. The prayer-hall contains a big image of Lord Shakyamuni
Buddha in the medieval style. Colorful artistic murals decorate the
large walls.

The Ashoka Pillar

Discovered by the now famous German archaeologist Dr. Fuhrer, the
pillar is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of
Lord Buddha and is also the most visible land-mark of the auspicious
garden. The historic importance of the pillar is evidenced by the
inscription engraved on the pillar (in Brahmi characters). It is said
that the Hindu Indian Emperor Ashok-the Great, who got converted,
visited the site in the twentieth year of his accession to the throne and
as a homage to the pure birth-place erected the pillar. The inscription
on the pillar roughly translates as : "King Piyadesi the beloved of the
Gods, having been anointed 20 years, came himself and worshipped
saying--Here Buddha Sakyamuni was born. He caused to make a
stone (capital) representing a horse and he caused (this) stone pillar
to be erected. Because here the worshipful one was born the village of
Lumbini has been made free of taxes and recipient of wealth."

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Present Status
These are a very popular temple not only in Nepal but in
whole world. This is a famous tourist destination & a great
reason to attract tourists to Nepal.
These may be because of its various special features such
great altitude (3802m) which becomes also a trekking site to
many foreigners and makes a very pleasant weather & also
is suitable to have a great view of various mountain peaks,
flame which always burns due to presence of natural gas
below earth, shaligrams found which is unsolved mystery to
whole world about its use and importance.
This is temple which encourages religious tolerance in our
country as it unites Hindus and Buddhists together.

They are very popular temple which has much uniqueness.

Presently, very less vegetation is done in this region. Street is
lined with apple, plum, & peach trees. This is like a peaceful
park surrounded by old twisted trees hanging with prayer
flags. As this is very famous place and due to many visitors
we get help in economy of our country.
The temple and the holy quadrangle with a Buddhist
stupa at the center form the residential quarters of the
Chaste Virgin Living Goddess called KUMARI.
The traditional building has profusely carved wooden
balconies and window screens.
The non-Buddhist and the non-Hindu visitors may
enter the courtyard called the 'Bahal' but may not proceed
beyond upstairs. The KUMARI acknowledges their
greetings from the central window of the balcony
particularly saved for her alone and snapshot is strictly
prohibited. Use designated routes, campsites and resting
places to reduce trampling and other negative
environmental impacts. Respect local culture and traditions,
use home stays, locally owned hotels/lodges or campsites as
much as possible to support the local livelihood.
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Avoid/minimize using firewood. Use common space for
heating. Opt for alternatives to minimize deforestation.
Maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Use the litter box locally
available. Carry back your own garbage while traveling
through ecologically sensitive areas. Encourage to place
mobile toilets at a considerable distance (at least 50 m.) from
sources of water, riverbanks and springs while camping
along the riversides. Use the services of local guides and
porters as much as possible to explore more about local
environment and culture. Money spent here will contribute
directly to the local livelihood, women's empowerment and
environmental conservation.

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 Importances of heritages

They are very important religious place as well as tourist

site. Many private institutions also have been working for
preservation of this area. Many agencies are providing economic help
for maintenance of this. This area is rich is ammonite fossils and can
be used as important resource for country. This can contribute a lot
in economy as it also a tourist destination internally as well as
internationally. We can find religious tolerance in this area as Hindu
and Buddhist worship this area together. This also promotes our
tradition being only country with religious tolerance.

This place is not only famous for international tourists

but also to internal people as they are more popular among them.
These are assets of human beings. It is a symbol of progress and
denotes features of human civilization. It includes all kinds of culture
and traditions which helps us to have a good identity among this
whole world. These heritages remind us about our origin. They have
taught us to respect elders and love juniors. They teach us basic things
of our life. They give us knowledge and develop our skills in various
fields like art, architecture, history and various other creations of
human beings.
Environment Department September 1994 The World Bank Number
8 Cultural Heritage in Environmental Assessment Cultural heritage,
also termed cultural property, cultural patrimony or cultural
resources, can be defined as the present manifestation of the human
past. It refers to sites, structures, and remains of archaeological,
historical, religious, cultural, or aesthetic value. In conserving this
heritage we are conserving those elements of our past that have the
potential to contribute to our understanding of human history. (See
box 1 for some key concepts and table 1 for examples of cultural
heritage.) Conservation of cultural heritage promotes social cohesion
by affirming the significance of past artistic, scientific, or cultural
contributions. Many sites play a very important role in demonstrating
a community’s cultural continuity and long-term survival. Conserving
heritage extends focus beyond everyday allegiances and in so doing
gives a longer time perspective. As the legacy from past to future
generations, it is part of the concept of intergenerational equity. It is
incumbent on the present generationto conserve patrimony for
coming generations.

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 Cultural heritage is of economic importance as a productive
activity. Many heritage sites are currently used for such purposes as
housing, schools, health centers, museums, concert halls, offices and
parks. Tourism, a multi-billion dollar industry, is heavily dependent
on cultural heritage;the associated revenue potential can be an
important source of income for maintaining the site. Conservation
Cultural heritage is a record of humanity’s relationship to the world,
past achievements, and discoveries. Much of this heritage in
developing countries is now under threat, partly as a result of
modernization and development, and the rate of loss is increasing. If
archaeological and historical sites and structures are allowed to
disappear, important testaments to asociety’s creativity and the
knowledge base for shaping the future will be lost.

This shows that how important are the cultural heritages in our
daily living. So, let’s preserve it.

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Conclusion of our amazing temples ‘Heritages and its
area which is filled with many unique & unbelievable
features.’

As everything is known I just would like to say

that in spite of its many features and uniqueness this temple
and its area is not very popular. This area should be
developed and government should take a look about its
importances. This would help our country in economy and
also to increase our country’s popularity. I think ones not in
list those area should be conserved to make national park
and it should also be declared as world heritage site by
UNESCO (United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural
Organization).
This will contribute a lot to preserve this area and
also make help to create a new identity in this even modern
world. These are the some of the points which would really
help in development of this area and as a whole to the
nation. This some of activities may help to change our future
as it will act as a good economic source. By this we could
develop not only its environment but also it would be useful
to develop local people as environment is well connected
with population. This would also give a very good
opportunity to local people to develop themselves and to
sustain their life. So, doing this would not only help to a
small locality or V.D.C or any region but the whole nation.

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