For
over 2,000 years the name Annapurna
has symbolised all that is glorious
in Nepal. A name that celebrates Nepalese
culture in its many forms. She is the
Goddess of plenty. The name for a mighty
cluster of peaks rising 26,000 feet
above sea level. It is the birthplace
of the Yartung Festival and sanctuary
to one of the most fragile eco-systems
in the world.
Legend has it that a long, long time
ago, Kathmandu Valley was a holy lake.
In the middle of which blazed a sacred
flame, dazzling with the divine light
of ' Swayambhu ', or the self-born.
To make it easier for pilgrims to worship,
God Manjushri drained the lake waters
by cleaving the surrounding rock wall
with his Sword of Wisdom. Many centuries
later, pilgrims in their thousands continue
to come in worship.
Of 2000-year-old Buddhist stupas, ancient
Hindu temples, and some of Nature's
most awe-inspiring creations; the world's
highest mountains; holy rivers born
deep within the Himalayas; panoramas
of rich colour that can only be created
by a divine palette.