In popular senses, it is another name of Vishnu. There are other versions also. According to these, he is either the first man or son of the first man. Bramha the creator is also sometimes known by this name.
NARSINHA
When a powerful demon Hiranyakashipu got blessed by virtue of his most concentrated mediation that none of the existing creatures could kill him, he became too proud and posed himself as a god. People were prohibited from worshipping even Lord Vishnu and that things got deteriorated each passing day. So Vishnu took his fourth incarnation of Narasinha, a novel creature which is half man and a half lion to kill the demon and save the world.
NAMCHE BAZAR
At a height of 11,300 ft. above sea level, this big Sherpa village of Namche Bazar is a base center of mountaineers, this being situated at the southern foot of the Everest group of mountains.
People of Namche Bazar live in the rows of housing constructed on a bare slope, separated by stone pole walls and their marketing is done mainly on Saturday markets.
“About twenty minutes walk above Namche there is a cradle from where the three rocky summits of Everest, Lotse and Nhuptse as well as Thamserku, Taweche and Kwangde are visible in all their majesty.”
NAGAPANCHAMI
Nepalese people have great respect for Naga Panchami Day which falls every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Shrawan (July). They celebrate this day with great feelings and faith. On this particular day, the serpent worship begins with the posting of colorful portraits of nagas (serpents)on top of the main doors of households.
Naga Panchami has a very ancient origin. The tradition of serpent worship seems to have originated from the Dravidian culture. The Aryans, however, did not worship the snakes in the early days whereas the Dravidians had always felt themselves very close to them. The Vedas have very little to say in praise of serpent gods. But, it is fascinating enough to note that in due course of time the Puranas started speaking very highly of the significance of the serpent worship. And thus the tradition of serpent worship came to be recognized as an integral part of the Vedic religion in later years.
Nepalese people believe that snakes use to roam around in disguised forms of various gods or goddesses. This is the reason why Nepalese people are used to worshiping nagas. The Garuda Purana says that the worshipping of the nagas on the Nagapanchami day brings peace and prosperity to the worshippers. The Skanda Purana also speaks almost in the same tone. The Narad Purana says that if one offers the cow’s milk to the snakes on this day he is sure to be safe from snakebites for the whole year. In any case, Nagapanchami Day reminds us all that the snakes by nature are poisonous and dangerous yet they are very useful, nice, and respectable.
NAGARJUNA - Nagarjun is usually called the “Founder” of the Mahayan system. Some claimed that he was only its principal expounder. Some look upon Asvaghosha, the probable master of Nagarjuna as the founder of Mahayan doctrine. Others still believe that nagarjun founded the madhyamika school and was the first to teach the Amitabha doctrine.
Nagarjuna was born in Southern India around the end of the second century A. D. His parents were of the Brahman caste. At his birth, it was predicted that he would only live seven days. Considering the acts of merit performed by his parent, god delayed his death until seven years. Before the seven years were up, he was sent to Nalnada where he learned to adore Amiayus, the god of long life, and succeeded to propitiate the god and lived three hundred years on earth.
Nagarjuna was the greatest Buddhist philosopher who mastered all the sciences, and especially magic Art. He is said to have acquired Siddhi and the magic power by which he obtained the Rainbow body’ and was thus able to become invisible at will and transport himself from one place to another by a supernatural power. Different Buddhist schools of thought claim Nagarjuna as of very high ranked disciple of the Buddha.
According to Buddhist tests, Sakyamuni predicated the rebirth of his disciple Anada under the name of Nagarjuna, founder of the Mahayana system.
NAG
Nags are the snake deities. They are found in various capacities. Ananta Nag or Shesh Nag and Karkotak Nag are but important nag’s. Karkotak is the king of a Serpent kingdom where as Ananta Nag is the chief and the most important of all the nags. He forms the canopy with his seven hoods above the head of Lord Vishnu. Nag’s are found in the form of remnants of early fertility rites who were later worshipped as divine and semi-devine objects. They are frequently projected as ornaments of guarrdian tantric deities. Naga’s are believed to have power to bring or withheld rain. So, they are regarded as gods of rain as well. They are often projected as the protector of the laws of the Buddha.
MYAGDI
This district is one of the districts under Dhaulagiri Zone. This remote district is known for multiple cultures of various ethnic groups including Thakali’s, Sherpas, Bahun, Chetri and many other ethnic groups. Benibazar which is situated by the riverside of Myagdi river is the headquarters of this district. Total population of this district is 103190.
MUSTANG
Mustang is a district of Dhaulagiri zone. This area is specially noted as a busy trade centre between Nepalese and Tibetans.
Mustang is the norhtern most district of Dhaulagiri Zone. This remote and a very popular destination of tourists and pilgrims is rich in its spectacular views, natural beauties and challenging trekking and expedition routes. The famous Muktinath temple which is the sacred destination for Hindus and Buddhists, is in this district. Jomsom is the headquarters and its population is merely 15328.
MUSIC
Nepal is the home of happy and gay music as it may be heard every day resounding in between green mountains and in the plains as well. Folk songs are very popular in Nepal. People sing melodious songs with cheerful concentration in all occasions whether they are working in the field or constructing the roads, building the houses or walking to a long distance. They sing to relax as well. Innumerable people sing in groups during festivals.
However, music and songs of various races and linguistic groups are different from one another. Traditional, linguistic and geographical factors play vital role in the formations of music and rhythm. In mountain regions there is a popular type of folk sing in which males and females sing in turns with view to win the debate between them by pleading stronger points in verses they instantly make and sing. Such songs are romantic in contents, males generally singing offensive verses. Such a discussion takes place in Terai regions between two males on any subject which sometime may create much tension between the followers of the singers.
In cities, people sing only in parties, excursions or other such occasions only. Groups of religious minded people sing religious songs at the shrines of various deities.
Nepal is also rich in classical and traditional music. In Newari, there are seasonal music and rhythm, classical music and instruments and hundred of appropriate occasions prescribed separately for such music and instruments.
MUKTINATH
The famous pilgrimage of Muktinath at an altitude of 12,460 is about 12 miles from Jomsom. This difficult but much valued pilgrimage is taken as revelation of the great power of the god Shiva. The continuous flints of fire produced there is, as it is believed, due to contents of phosphorus mines still unexplored. See Trek to Jomsom.
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