The origin of Nepal’s name is full of interesting theories and myths. Here are a few:
The Wool Connection:
In Tibetan, “ne” means “wool” and “pal” means “house.” Some people think Nepal means “house of wool,” referring to the sheep farming in the Kathmandu Valley.
Another idea is that the Newar people linked Nepal to a “sacred or holy cave.”
The Sage Ne:
According to Hindu mythology, Nepal is named after an ancient sage called Ne (or Ne Muni/Nemi).
A Buddhist story says the deity Manjushri drained a mythical lake in the Kathmandu Valley, making the area livable under the care of sage Ne, which led to the name “Nepal” (“pala” means “protector” or “caretaker”).
The Cowherd Nepa:
A genealogy text called Gopalarajvamshavali says Nepal is named after Nepa, a cowherd who found the Jyotirlinga of Pashupatinath.
The cow that gave milk at this sacred spot was also named Ne, which connects to the country’s name.
In short, the origin of Nepal's name is a mix of myths, religion, and culture. Despite the mystery, Nepal’s rich history and stunning Himalayan landscapes continue to fascinate the world.
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