A soulful visit to Nala Gumba – Honoring Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche
On October 28, we set out to visit Nala Gumba (Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling Monastery) in Bhaktapur to pay our heartfelt respect to the revered Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche. Riding my motorbike with my friend Priya, we enjoyed the cool afternoon breeze as we made our way up the peaceful hill of Nala. By the time we arrived, it was already around 3:45 PM, and the main gate had just closed — but to our luck, the door opened again as a group of followers entered, and we quietly followed them inside.
Climbing the stone steps toward the monastery, we were amazed to find devotees from Nepal and abroad gathered to offer their prayers. The rhythmic sound of hundreds of lamas chanting mantras filled the air with an indescribable sense of serenity. Holding our Tibetan khada (scarf), we joined in to pay our respects to the departed soul. The peaceful environment, the scent of incense, and the calm faces around made us feel deeply connected to the spiritual energy of the place.
Curious to understand more, we approached one of the lamas, who kindly explained that the monastery was in the midst of a 49-day prayer ritual dedicated to Rinpoche, with the final funeral ceremony to be held on October 29. He also shared about the stupa under construction, where the sacred relics of the Rinpoche would be enshrined — a permanent symbol of his wisdom and compassion.
During our visit, we were blessed to meet monk Karma, who guided us warmly and shared insights about the monastery’s activities and the life of the late Rinpoche.According to him, Late Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche was known for his immense compassion and unwavering dedication to the dharma… He didn’t engage in politics or any similar worldly matters, people say that his mind never strayed from the dharma even for a moment. And he remained extremely humble and down to earth despite his popularity. He’s indeed attracted students all over the world, but he’s also done a lot for Nepalese Buddhists, in particular the Manang community.Therefore he was a highly respected Tibetan Buddhist master, known for his lifelong dedication to meditation, compassion, and teaching. His contributions have inspired countless followers around the world.
Before we left, we were offered khir and butter tea that we enjoyed a lot sitting with many buddhist followers and monks. The simplicity and warmth of this gesture touched our hearts. We took several pictures to remember the day, feeling grateful for the experience and the peaceful moments we shared.
As we rode back to Bhaktapur, our hearts were full — calm, inspired, and thankful. Visiting Nala Gumba was more than just a short trip; it was a spiritual encounter that reminded us of the beauty of faith, culture, and harmony in Nepal.
If you ever wish to explore a place that blends spiritual depth, art, and tranquility, a visit to Nala Gumba is truly worth it.
Join us to experience this peaceful retreat and discover the spiritual side of Bhaktapur.