Buddhism in Nepal
Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire put up a pillar at Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, in the second century BCE. After the Third Buddhist council, Ashoka sent missionaries to Nepal. The Kiratas were the first people in Nepal who embraced the Buddha’s teachings. This early missionary effort laid the groundwork for future religious developments across the region. Archaeological evidence from this period shows how imperial power intersected with local belief systems. The pillar remains a physical testament to these ancient diplomatic and spiritual exchanges between India and the Himalayan foothills.
Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini in the Shakya Kingdom. Lumbini lies in present-day Rupandehi District, Lumbini zone of Nepal. It is not possible to assign the birth year of Prince Siddhartha with certainty; it is usually placed at around 563 BCE. The site holds profound significance because it marks where the historical figure entered the world before attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. Modern pilgrims travel to this specific location to honor the origins of their faith. General Khadga Sumsher Rana contributed to the rediscovery of Lumbini during the Rana era, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The Licchavi period saw the flourishing of both Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal from 400 to 750 CE. Excellent examples of Buddhist art of the period are the half-sunken Buddha in Pashupatinath, the sleeping Vishnu in Budhanilkantha, and the statue of Buddha and the various representations of Vishnu in Changu Narayan. King Manadeva paid homage at both Hindu and Buddhist sites. His family subsequently found expression for their beliefs in various religions. Religious tolerance and syncretism were stressed during this time. Forty stone inscriptions made some mention of Buddhism throughout the Licchavi period. Most references concern monasticism rather than daily life inside the Vihara monasteries.
Newar Buddhism is a form of Vajrayana influenced by Theravada Buddhism and is the oldest known form of the Vajrayana tradition. It is significantly older than the Tibetan Buddhism practiced further north. The Paubha, the Newar counterpart of the Tibetan Buddhist Thangka, flourished during the Malla dynasty period between 1200 and 1769. In the north, people of Tibetan origin continued to be the much-unchanged practises of Tibetan Buddhism. The Thakali have begun to embrace Hinduism as well in recent years despite traditional ties. Nearly all practices, art forms and castes remain distinct within Newar communities even today.
During the autocratic Rana regime, several Theravada Buddhists were banished from Nepal for preaching Buddhism. The Banishment of Buddhist monks from Nepal in 1926 and 1944 was prompted by an attempt to suppress the revival of Theravada Buddhism which began in the 1920s. In 1946, a Sri Lankan goodwill mission visited Kathmandu and interceded on behalf of the monks. The delegation emphasized that Nepal was the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Subsequently, the ban was lifted and the monks returned and devoted themselves to spreading the faith with greater energy. This event marked a turning point for religious freedom in the country.
According to the 2021 census, approximately 2.4 million people identify as adherents of Buddhism in Nepal. This represents 8.2% of the total population. Between 2001 and 2011 census, the percentage of Buddhists have declined by 1.7%, from 10.74% to 9.04%. A surge of Christianity among native population may be the cause of this decline. In the 2011 census not a single Chhantyal, Jirel and Lepcha reported themselves as Buddhist. Of the Ghale group, more than 50% of them reported themselves as Buddhist followers. These demographic shifts reflect changing social dynamics across different ethnic groups within the nation.
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Common questions
When did Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire put up a pillar at Lumbini?
Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire put up a pillar at Lumbini in the second century BCE. This event occurred after the Third Buddhist council when he sent missionaries to Nepal.
Where was Shakyamuni Buddha born and what is the estimated birth year?
Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini within present-day Rupandehi District, Lumbini zone of Nepal around 563 BCE. The site holds profound significance as it marks where the historical figure entered the world before attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
Which period saw the flourishing of both Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal from 400 to 750 CE?
The Licchavi period saw the flourishing of both Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal from 400 to 750 CE. King Manadeva paid homage at both Hindu and Buddhist sites while religious tolerance and syncretism were stressed during this time.
What distinguishes Newar Buddhism from Tibetan Buddhism practiced further north?
Newar Buddhism is a form of Vajrayana influenced by Theravada Buddhism and is the oldest known form of the Vajrayana tradition significantly older than the Tibetan Buddhism practiced further north. The Paubha flourished during the Malla dynasty period between 1200 and 1769 as the Newar counterpart of the Tibetan Buddhist Thangka.
When were Theravada Buddhists banished from Nepal for preaching Buddhism?
Theravada Buddhists were banished from Nepal in 1926 and 1944 for preaching Buddhism. A Sri Lankan goodwill mission visited Kathmandu in 1946 and interceded on behalf of the monks before the ban was lifted.
How many people identify as adherents of Buddhism in Nepal according to the 2021 census?
According to the 2021 census approximately 2.4 million people identify as adherents of Buddhism in Nepal representing 8.2% of the total population. Between 2001 and 2011 census the percentage of Buddhists declined by 1.7% from 10.74% to 9.04%.