DIPANKAR

Dipankar Buddha is a deity of Mahayana Buddhism. He is the ‘Enlightener’ and one of the earliest of the several predecessors of Gautam Buddha (who is considered as the twenty-fifth Buddha). Dipankar is believed to have hailed from Deepavati, a mythological abode. At the moment of his birth there was a miraculous manifestation of a large number of bright lamps or the Dipa’s in local term, hence he was named Dipankar, or the source of light.

Believed to have lived for millions of years on earth, Dipankar Buddha is projected with his right hand in Abhaya Mudra and left hand in Varada Mudra. He is depicted either in sitting or in standing postures with the monastic garment wrapped over the left shoulder with pleated edges where as the lower garment is pleated in a manner of a flowering skirt.

DIPA

Dipa means a lamp. But, in religious connotation it mainly the lamps or butter-fed lamps lit in front of the Gods and Goddesses. As a part and parcel of the puja or worship or dedication, a number of such sacred lamps are lit in front the deities on various occasions such as festivals, particular important days of the year and also for individual and family occasions for worshipping of particular Gods.

DIKPALA

Dikpalas are the guardians of four directions and four corners. It is the common name given to all the deities when they are depicted as the presiding Gods of the directions. Otherwise they have their own roles and identities in other aspects and areas. Indra, the King of Gods presides over the East; Varuna, Lord of the Oceans presides over the West; Kubera, the God of Wealth presides over the North and Yama, the God of Death presides over the South. The regents of the four corners are Agni, God of Fire, who rules the Southeast; Bayu, God of Wind, ruling the Northwest; Isana, a form of Shiva, rules the Northeast and Nairitya, God of death rules the Southwest. No independent cult evolved around these eight divine guardians. Just like the Navagrahas they are invoked in every religious ritual, mostly during worshipping and purifying rituals associated with construction of shrines and buildings.

DHWOJA

Dhoja is the term used for a banner or a flag. But in religious and traditional senses, it may have different connotations to fit different context. Different types of Dhwoja’s are used in Hindu and Buddhist shrines, festive occasions and other intended areas. Sometime it is indicative of the shrine, whereas some other times it spells sacred messages. It also signifies the victory of Buddhism as depicted in Buddhist shrines.

DHYANI BUDDHAS (Panch Buddhas)

DHYANI Buddhas are supposed to have emanated from Adibuddha. There are five Dhyani Buddhas (Buddhas in Meditation). They are not separate Gods. They are just abstract aspects of Buddhahood. They are also often called Tathagata. They are very popular in Nepal and are found in every stupa, thousands of Chaityas (small stupas), in courtyards, and found painted in the main entrance of the Buddhist house. In Kathmandu, they are also called Panch Buddhas. They are always shown seated in the position of meditation. Of the five Dhyani Buddhas the senior is Vairochana who occupies center of the Mandala. The chaityas depicts the four other Dhaynai Buddha around Vairochana as Akshobhaya in the east; Ratnasambhav to the South; Amitabha in the west; and, Amoghsidhi in the north. 

Dhyanasana

Dhyanasana means position for meditation or the Meditative position. This pose is also known as Padmasana. In this position, the legs are crossed closely locked, with the soles of both feet visible. All Buddhas and Bodhisatwas while seated are found in this position. Also see Asana.

DHULIKHEL

Situated 30 kilometres east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is the headquarters of the Kabhre district. This township commands a glorious view of Lantang Himal and Jugal Himal snow peaks. Dhulikhen is a trade centre.  

Dhimals

Dhimals live on the peripheries of the districts of Morang and Jhapa. Because of their facial features, language and religious practices, they are called the Limbus of the Nepalese plains. However, anthropologists place them next to the Meches. But, even if they are plainspeople, Dhimals have the characteristic habit of exhibiting the quick temper and unwarranted aggression that is often associated with the Limbus of the eastern hills. Dhimals have their own unique language, dress preferences and culture. They are fond of music, with a trace of the Rajbanshi ethnos. They bury their dead. Farming is their specialization.

DHAULAGIRI ZONE

Population:  Bounded by Tibet to its north, Lumbini and Rapti zones to the south, Gandaki zone on the east and Karnali zone on the west, this zone is a big zone with an area of 4,612 square miles. Yet, this zone with a population of .......  is undeveloped and its people live very poor lives. The Himalayas and high mountains including the famous peak of Dhaulagiri dominate this region. Mugu, Kali, Karnali and Bheri are the main rivers of this zone. Sheep, goats and yaks are raised in most parts where as wheat, maize, millet etc. are also grown in various parts of the zone wherever possible. This zone has deposits of gold, iron, coal, lead, cobalt, gas, oil, copper etc. But the mineral wealth of the Dhaulagiri zone is yet to be exploited. It also has huge untapped potential for Hydroelectricity which can lead to the development of this zone. Transportation is still a great difficulty here. The districts of Dhaulagiri zone are Dolpa, Mustang, Myagdi and Baglung.

DHAULAGIRI MT

The famous Mt. Dhaulagiri is the name of the highest peak of the Dhaulagiri Himal range.  With an altitude of 26,795 ft. or 8,137m above sea level, Mt. Dhaulagiri is the third highest peak in the world.