Painting of flower petals by a temple

A watercolor of a flower petals by a temple in Nepal

It’s very common to see flower petals or whole flowers being left as offerings by temples in Nepal.

Sometimes the flowers are placed on the shrines themselves. Sometimes they are placed in the wooden slates outside. In this case they are resting outside on wooden railing.

Temples & offerings in Nepal

If you visit Nepal you will come across three main kinds of “temple”. Newari, Hindu and Buddhist. All three have a common theme in that they will often have little offerings left behind.

Newari temples were the first in the Kathmandu Valley. They are a blend of Buddhism and Hinduism. However, many Newari temples will have their own gods and offerings. These temples are mainly found in the Kathmandu Valley.

Hindu temples in Nepal are the most common that you will find throughout the country. 80% of Nepali are Hindu.

Buddhist temples are also very prominent in Nepal. Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) was born in Nepal.

The painting

There;s something very quaint and special about Nepali temples. This painting highlights this. Nepali temples are a living heritage. Even if they are closed people will come up to pray, bless and leave offering behind.

Nepal’s living heritage is one of it’s greatest attractions.

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