Birth of Manakamana Bowl with Handle Situated on the Arun River, near Tumlingtar, Nepal sits a small temple.  As one enters the grounds, the sounds of young boys chanting and reciting mantras can be heard floating from nearby buildings as children practice and concentrate on their priesthood studies. The doves nestle in the eaves and on the roofs of the buildings, greeting visitors with their gentle coo. In the distance, a beating drum can be heard along with the sound of bells and the voice of a shaman invoking spirit for blessings or perhaps a healing. The smell of incense fills the air as an offering to the temple goddess burns so that Vibhuti or holy ashes might be left as an offering. There is a sense of magic in the air of this place. The Manakamana Temple located near Khandbari (Suren’s home village) is a little-known temple dedicated to the Goddess Manakamana.