"Ancient temple where Vajrayogini teachings flowed from India to Tibet"
Pharping Vajrayogini Temple
Pharping, Bagmati Province, Nepal
At the base of the stairs leading to Guru Rinpoche's Asura Cave, this 11th-century temple marks where the Pamtingpa brothers transmitted Vajrayogini teachings that would transform Tibetan Buddhism. Marpa Lotsawa—the great translator who brought so much to Tibet—visited at least three times. One of four Vajrayogini temples forming a sacred mandala around Kathmandu Valley, Pharping's temple combines living worship with lineage significance.
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Quick Facts
Location
Pharping, Bagmati Province, Nepal
Tradition
Site Type
Coordinates
27.6170, 85.2655
Last Updated
Jan 24, 2026
In the 11th century, the Pamtingpa brothers taught here. Marpa Lotsawa received teachings here during his journeys between Tibet and India.
Origin Story
The Pamtingpa brothers—Dharmamati and Vagishvara—were Newar masters who had studied with the great Mahasiddha Naropa in India. They mastered the practices of Chakrasamvara and Hevajra, and became primary transmitters of Vajrayogini teachings.
When Marpa Lotsawa made his journeys between Tibet and India, he stopped at this temple. He received teachings from the Pamtingpa brothers that he later transmitted in Tibet. The connection is documented; the significance is immense. The Kagyu lineage that produced Milarepa and all that followed carries transmissions that passed through this modest temple.
Key Figures
Pamtingpa Brothers (Dharmamati and Vagishvara)
11th-century Newar masters who transmitted Vajrayogini teachings
Marpa Lotsawa (1012-1097)
Great translator who received teachings here during his journeys
Spiritual Lineage
The temple carries transmissions that flow through Kagyu and other lineages. As a Vajrayogini temple, it participates in a practice tradition that remains vital across all schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
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