POUDYAL, LEKH NATH

 (1892-1965). Poet laureate of Nepal, born in Archale, eastern village of Pokhara, Lekhnath is known for rhythmic sweetness, patriotic call and philosophical depth of his poems collected in many volumes. His poems are committed by heart by children and adults alike. One of the best works by him is Pijadako Suga (parrot of a cage)

POKHARA

 Headquarter of Kaski district of Gandaki zone, Pokhara is more famous for its supernatural surrounding, beautiful snow peaks specially that of Fishtailed mountain locally known as Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna peaks as well as lakes, specially beautiful Fewa Lake than for its many attractions of the town area. Seti River, its deep gorge piercing middle parts of the city, Kaligandaki river, Begnas Lake, Dipang Lake, Davis’ Fall and Mahadev and Mahendra caves, the shrine of goddess Bindhyavasini, Shanti Stupa, Pokhara view tower in Kahun Danda as well as Sarangkot mountain view among others. are all worth seeing places in Pokhara. 

PHULCHOWKI

 This familiar peak of the east being one of the surrounding mountains of the Kathmandu Valley has an altitude of 9,720 feet. This mountain aptly named as such (Flowertop), it is no less than a natural garden of Rhododendrons, wild roses, yellow jasmine Iris and other native flowers. A Buddhist shrine is on the top which, according to chronicles, is supposed to be a place from where Bipasway Buddha had offered flowers to Lord Swayambhu Nath when the whole of Kathmandu valley was a lake. The name Phulochcha or Phulchowki is, thus, after this floral offering. 

PHOKSUMDO LAKE

 Situated in the district of Dolpa of Dhaulagiri zone, Phoksumdo lake is situated at an altitude of 11,873 ft. This lake is 3 miles in length, half a mile in breadth and 2,000 ft. in depth. No aquatic animal is found in it because of icy cold water. 

PEAKS

 The kingdom of Nepal is famous for its sky kissing peaks of many giant snow-clad mountains. The highest peak of the world Mt. Everest naturally stands out in the majestic and long ranges of the Himalayas. Furthermore, eight out of fourteen highest peaks of the world along with 22 peaks above 23,000 ft. and more than 250 peaks above 20,000 ft. above sea level are also in Nepal. The 22 peaks above 23,000 feet are listed below: 

1. Everest in Khumbu Himal => 29,028 ft. 

2. Kanchanjunga I in Kanchanjunga Himal => 28,208 ft. 

3. Lhotse I in Khumbu Himal => 27,890 ft. 

4. Makalu I in Khumbhakarna Himal => 27,807 ft. 

5. Dhaulagiri I in Dhaulagiri Himal => 26,795 ft. 

6. Manaslu in Gorkha Himal => 26,760 ft. 

7. Cho Oyu in Khumbu Himal => 26,750 ft. 

8. Annapurna I in Annapurna Himal => 26,545 ft. 

9. Annapurna II in Annapurna Himal => 26,041 ft. 

10. Gyachunghang I in Khumbu Himal => 25,990 ft. 

11. Himalchuli, East peak in Gorkha Himal => 25,895 ft. 

12. Nuptse I in Khumbu Himal => 25,850 ft. 

13. Annapurna III in Annapurna Himal => 24,787 ft. 

14. Annapurna IV in Annapurna Himal => 24,688 ft. 

15. Ganesh Peak in Ganesh Himal => 24,299 ft. 

16. Pulta Himchuli in Dhaulagiri Himal => 23,774 

17. Langtang Lirung in Langtang Himal => 23,771 

18. Gaurishankar in Rolwaling Himal => 23,442 

19. Pumo Ri in Khumbu Himal => 23,442 ft. 

20. Api in Byasrishi Himal => 23,399 ft. 

21. Saipal in Saipal Himal => 23,080 ft. 

22. Nupehu in Janak Himal => 23,058 ft.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

 Built on the bank of sacred Bagmati river in kathmandu with superb craftsmanship this temple of Pashupatinath (Shiva) with  two tier golden roof and silver doors in all four sides, is known as a great religious shrine of the Hindus. Thousands of Hindus from all over the world, particularly India  to pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu. Surrounded by many small and temples, images and idols of gods and goddesses, Shivalingas or Lingam amidst beautiful natural environment  , the temple stands out prominently among many Hindu shrines anywhere in the world. Shivaratri Mela (festival) is the main occasion when hundreds of thousands of people visit this shrine. However, entrance into Temple precincts is still restricted to Hindus only. 

PASHUPATINATH

 Lord Shiva is also known by this name. The name Pashupatinath depicts the role of Lord Shiva as the master or the lord or the savior of all kinds of animals or creatures by implication. 

PASHACHARAY

 People of Nepal, specially Newars, observe this festival on the fourteenth of the dark lunar fortnight and taking delicious dishes. People flock to the places of various goddesses right in he morning, but in fact, worshipping of “Luku Mahadyo” meaning the hidden Mahadev in the evening is the specialty of the day. Mahadev or Shiva is believed to have once assumed the form of evil spirit to steal away drinks and food materials from various houses of people. On knowing that people started worshipping “Luku Mahadyo”. In many courtyards of Kathmandu Valley one may see such a hidden Mahadev installed, only a small portion of his head top being visible. 

PARVATI

 Parvati is the wife of Shiva. Durga, Uma, Kali, Sakti, Devi or mahadevi etc. are her various names, but they represent her various moods an manifestations. The name Sakti, meaning energy is just suitable for a woman in general as womanhood itself is symbolized as energy. Other forms of Parvati are also energetic in various ways. Durga and kali are terrific forms who killed several demons. Parvati and Uma represent ideal domestic women and Devi is the most respectable form to whom even Shiva worships. 

PARSURAMA

 In his sixth incarnation, Vishnu took the form of Parasurama, a Bramhin with a view to destroy the Kshatriyas, the warrior caste who had given tortures to Brahmins, the priests so as to dispel them from their region.