Pashupatinath
is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination
in Nepal. There are linga images of Shiva
along with statues, shrines, and temples
dedicated to other deities in the complex.
A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this
site in AD 879. However, the present temple
was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697.
A gold-plated roof, silver doors, and woodcarvings
of the finest quality decorate the pagoda
construction.
Guheswari Temple, restored in AD 1653, represents
the female "force". It is dedicated
to Satidevi, Shiva's first wife, who gave
up her life in the flames of her father's
fire ritual.
A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors
past a sixth-century statue of the Buddha,
an eighth-century statue of Brahma the creator
and numerous other temples. Some other places
to visit are Rajrajeswari Temple, built
in 1407, Kailas with lingas more than 1,400
years old, Gorakhnath temple, and the courtyard
of Biswarup. There are rows of Shiva shrines
and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia
offer worship to Shiva, the Lord of Destruction.
The Bagmati River flows close by and the
Arya Ghat cremation grounds are here. We
strongly advise photographers not to take
photos of cremations and of bereaved families.
Sadhus, sages who follow the lifestyle of
Shiva, may be seen covered in ashes and
loin-cloths. They ask for money in case
you want to take their photos. The main
Pashupatinath courtyard may be entered by
those of Hindu faith only.
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Email
us for further information: info@nepaltrekking.com.np |