Rockets or Spacecrafts -- Launch pad

A launch pad is the area where rockets or spacecrafts lift off from earth. A typical launch pad consists of the service and umbilical structures.

• The service structure provides an access platform to inspect the launch vehicle prior to launch. Most service structures can be moved or rotated to a safe distance.
• The umbilical structure has propellent loading, gas, power, and communication links to the launch vehicle. The launch vehicle sits atop of the launch platform, which has the flame deflection structure to withstand the intense heat and load generated by rocket engines during liftoff.

Most rockets need stable support for a few seconds after ignition while the engines ramp up and stabilize at full thrust. This stability requirement is commonly met by the use of explosive bolts to connect the launch vehicle to the pad. When the vehicle is stable and ready to fly the bolts explode, severing the vehicle's ties to the launch pad and structures on the ground.

Lumbini - Birthplace of Lord Buddha

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Lumbini - After Renovation ........ Lumbini - Before Renovation

Lumbini is located about 300km south west of the Kathmandu city. Lumbini is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and peace seekers of the world. It is a pilgrimage site for all who cherish peace and harmony.

The important spots of attraction in Lumbini include:-
- Sacred Lumbini Garden
- Sacred Pool 'Puskarini', where Mayadevi, the mother of Buddha, took holy dip before
giving birth to Buddha and also did the purifactory bath to infant Buddha.
- Store slab located deep in Sanctorum or Sacred Birth Place ( kept in bullet proof glass in
Maydevi temple)
- Ashoka Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 B.C. to indicate the birth place of Buddha.
- Mayadevi temple

Lord Buddha himself proclaimed Lumbini as one of the foremost pilgrimage site among the Chatu mahasthan.
The Chatu mahasthan include :-

1. Lumbini ( the place of birth) in Nepal
2. Bodhgaya ( the place of enlightenment) in India
3. Saarnath ( the place of preaching sermon) in India
4. Kushinagar ( the place of Maha Parinirvana) in India

World Heritage Site - Pashupati Nath Temple

Pashupati Nath Temple is regarded as one of the holiest sites for Hindus all over the world. The temple is situated about 5 km east of the Kathmandu city center.
The temple is made in pagoda style which consists two-tiered golden roof with exquisitely carved four silver doors. The temple contains a phallic idol in its sanctum with four faces facing each direction and the fifth one looking towards the zenith.

The name of five faces of the phallic idol are as following:-
1. Tatpurus
2. Aghor
3. Bamdev
4. Sadhwojat
5. Isan

It is believed that hindu pilgrimage to the four dhams like Dwarika, Kedar Rameshwar, Jagannath and Pashupati becomes meaningful only after a final vist to Pashupati Nath temple and by taking a holy dip in the holy Bagmati River. It also includes conducting a proper puja and circling the 535 shiva lingas in the temple. This will free a person from the cycle of births and rebirths.