ARHAT

In Buddhism, Arhat is the one who has attained the state of enlightenment and has no desires nor emotions, thus, has freeing himself from the wheels of existence. To reach this state of mind, one has to follow strictly and practice rigorously the eight-fold path enunciated in Buddhist philosophy as shown by Lord Buddha. Besides,the person must be spotless in behaviour, bright, knowledgeable and perfect in all ways, with an understanding of the realities of life and all the creations.

ARGHAKHANCHI

A district of the Lumbini Zone, in the neighbourhood of the Palpa and Gulmi districts, with which Arghakanchi has many kinds of cultural and social linkage. Its population is approximately 208391 and its headquarter is Sandhikharka. 

ARDHANARISWARA

Ardhanariswara is a compound word consisting of three words : Ardha, meaning half; Nari, meaning woman; and Iswar, meaning God. Ardhanariswara, consequently, is combined form of Gods and Goddess in a single personified form. For example, Har-Gauri is half Shiva and half Gauri. Similarly, Laxmi Narayan is half Vishnu and half Laxmi.

ARCHITECTURE

Evidence of the eminence of Nepalese architecture have withstood the ravages of the elements over ages. The work of master architects can be seen to this day in the form of residential homes, even private houses and cottages, public places, religious shrines and temples as well as handicrafts of all kinds.

One reason for the pristine nature of Nepal’s architecture staying intact through history could be political history of the country, in the nature it fended off colonialism.

The influence of neighbouring India and China with which Nepal has maintained intimate contacts throughout its history too is reflected in the mixed and compounded culture evident in the structures that dot the landscape. Yet, in-spite of such influences and mingling of cultures, the Nepalese style of construction of stupas or pagodas evolved into an original style of its own in the third century. This peculiarly Nepalese style later spread over and extended to India, China and other countries of South and South-east Asia.

Nepalese styled single or double roofed houses, ancient Hindu temples, multiple roofed and pagoda styled Buddhist temples are mostly enriched with detailed works of art in the forms of stone or wooden carvings, typical doors and windows, decorated interiors and painted panels, all of which stand distinctively to exhibit the originality of Nepalese arts and architecture to this day.

APARMITA

Aparmita is another name for Amitabha Buddha for his power and strength, and also to depict his famed characteristics of bestowing longevity to all beings. Crowned as Buddha or a Bodhisattwa, Amitabha is shown richly clad and decorated with different varieties of ornaments. Having his hair painted blue, he is always seen seated in the Padmasana position like that of Lord Buddha with his hands on his lap in Dhyana Mudra (Meditating posture) and holding the ambrosia vase as his special emblem.

Aparmita Buddha is worshipped in many ways in Lamaism or Tibetan Buddhism. For obtaining a long life, Lamaist ceremony is often a blend of Buddhism and the tradition of demon-worship. In the preliminary worship, the pills made from buttered dough and the ambrosia brewed from spirit or beer is offered in a skull bowl before the great image of Aparmita. The Lama then places a Vajra on the ambrosia vase (Aparmita is always seen with a Vajra on his lap); then attaches a cord to the Vajra; and from there, stretches this cord to his own heart. The wine in the ambrosia vase is then consecrated and distributed.  Devotees and people around take part in this and also accept sacred pills for eating or swallowing with the conviction that their lives will be prolonged through their deep faith in Aparmita.

ANTAKA

Another name for Yama, the God of death and the ender of life in Hindu mythology. Antaka or the Lord Yama is also known as Yamaraj or King Yama, because he presides over the kingdom of Yamlok or the world of death. He is, therefore, also known as the king of death. Yamaraj is known to have a well managed and highly sophisticated administrative structure with such great portfolio holding ministers like Dharmapala who administers and keeps watching for promotion and preservation of noble deeds and all sorts of good things done by all the creatures and Chitragupta who maintains all records of the deeds of human being on earth, particularly their sins. All dead creatures are supposed to report to the offices of Yamaraj and are supposed to face the consequences in accordance with their deeds performed during their lifetime.

ANNAPURANA HIMAL

A popular Himalayan range of Western Nepal known as Annapurna Himal is bound by the Upper Marsyangdi river in the North, the districts of Lamjung, Kaski and Parbat to the South, the Marsyandi river on its East and the Kali Gandaki river on the West. Along with its highest peak Annapurna I (26545ft.), there are tens of peaks above 22,000 feet including Mt. Machhapuchhre or the Fishtailed Mountain, as visitors and tourists call it. This Himalayan range and the Fishtailed Mountain are viewed from Pokhara (a popular tourist destination) and other points in western Nepal.

ANIKO

Also known as Arniko, Aniko Balbahu is one of the greatest artists of Neapl of all times. In the 13th century, at the request of Emperor Kublai Khan of China, a delegation of 80 skilled artists was sent by the then king of Nepal, Jaya Bhim Dev to supervise the construction of a golden stupa in Lhasa, Tibet. Aniko, a young, talented artist, led the team of architects. He went to Lhasa in 1260 A.D. and on reaching there, he immediately set himself to the task, which he accomplished with remarkable success. Later, he went to China and stood in presence of Kublai Khan to whom he impressed by his witty conversation. Knowing him as an architect of distinction, Kublai Khan asked him to repair a copper statue of a Sung Emperor. Aniko accomplished it with such perfection that Chinese artists were astonished. His works of art, with their unchallenged perfection, led him to become the chief architect in the court of the Emperor. In course of time he was given various titles and high honours for his achievements. White Pagoda (Pai Ta Sze) in Peking, other pieces of art works made by Aniko and Nepalese architectural styles were later adopted elsewhere in China all of which still stand fixed for ever to mark closer ties between Nepal and China. 

ANCHAL

Nepal is divided into 14 zones or Anchals in local language. All of Nepal’s 78 administrative districts are clustered into 14 Anchals for coordinated and  balanced development of geographically diverse areas of the country.

Zones Headquarters Square miles 

Mechi Ilam     2799 

Koshi Dharan 3176 

Sagarmatha Tibhuja 4873 

Janakpur Sindhulimadi 3920 

Bagmati Kathmandu 3665 

Narayani Hetaunda 3192 

Gandaki Pokhara 4688 

Dhavalagiri Baglung 4612 

Lumbini Butwal 3650 

Karnali Jumla 5205 

Rapti Manpur 3913 

Bheri Surkhet 3606 

Seti Dhangadi 4861

Mahakali Patan 2753

ANANTA

Ananta literally means endless or infinite. Anybody or anything, which has no end, is Ananta. Ananta is also a permanent entity or an immortal being. According to Hindu mythology, the name Ananta is given to a serpent deity with enormous power and millions of virtues, a protector god of great importance. He is popularly known as Ananta Nag.