Pashupatinath Temple and the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal
You go to Nepal for a lot of reasons. I can name a hundred reasons but I’m going to highlight this one reason why I came to this country – Spiritual Health.
Spiritual, not religious. Trips like this opens my soul to another light, a different perspective. On our first day in Kathmandu, we visited the biggest Stupa in the world! On our second day, we went to the Pashupatinath Temple they shortly call “Pashupati” and the Bagmati river.
“Pashupati” is the local name of one of the Shiva gods, mainly the Lord of Cattle.
In Hindu and Buddhism, they have thousands of gods, but mostly broken down into 3 categories namely:
- Brahma – the creator
- Vishnu – the preserver
- Shiva – the destroyer
It was enlightening how the people live simple and humble lives valuing their relationship with family, friends and their gods. The main point of all this is beyond religion, but more of the morals these people value.
One of the tour guides of Himalayan Encounters even asked me what my religion is – all I could say is “LOVE.”
Pashupatinath Temple
One of the biggest Hindu temples of Lord Shiva is found in the banks of the Bagmati River in Nepal. It is the Pashupatinath Temple. It is found on the Eastern part of Kathmandu, just near our hotel Dwarika’s and the airport.
The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Believers in Pashupatinath (mainly Hindus) are allowed to enter the temple premises. Non-Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river. It is regarded as the most sacred among the temples of Lord Shiva (Pashupati).
Bagmati River
The Bagamti river separates Kathmandu from Lalitpur and flows right doen Kathmandu Valley. This river is very holy both to the Hindus and Buddhists. Our guide said, 80% of Nepali are hindu and the rest are Buddhists, Muslims, etc.
Cremation ceremonies happen on the banks of this river.
According to the Nepalese Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati river before cremation. The chief mourner (usually the eldest son) who lights the funeral pyre must take a holy river-water bath immediately after cremation.
Many relatives who join the funeral procession also take a bath in the Bagmati River or sprinkle the holy water on their bodies at the end of cremation. The Bagmati River is said to purify people spiritually.
A priest leads the mourning ceremonies
Details and going to Pashupatinath Temple and the Bagmati River
Location: Pashupatinath Temple, Pashupati Nath Road, Kathmandu, Central Region, Nepal
Transportation: cab ride to this place usually ranges from NPR 100 – 400 (Php 50 – 200) depending on the traffic and wheere you’re staying.
Entrance Fee: NPR 500 (Php 250)
Bonus: monkies and dogs are everywhere to greet you! Beware, monkies might rob you of your food
Spiritual Leaders: for a little donation, you can have your photo taken with these spiritual leaders.
Book at The Dwarika’s Hotel via Agoda.com
Hotel Booking through Agoda.com
You can book through Agoda.com via FlairCandy.com! Book just right below the title post 🙂
Registered tour guides for hassle-free trip
Tour Guides: Himalayan Encounters
PO Box 21218(Courtyard Kathmandu Guest House), Thamel, Kathmandu, NEPAL
Tel: +977-1-4700426, 4700335
Fax: +977-1-4700354
A cow chillin’ – Killing a cow in Nepal is punishable by law (imprisonment if I’m not mistaken)
Cows freely roam even in the streets of the city.
Puppets
The mother and baby monkey
Overlooking the Pashupatinath Temple atop a hill
Uphill.
Walk atop the cliff to get a good view 🙂 It’s also relaxing here, makes you want to just sit down, enjoy the cool breeze and read a book.
Mourning temples for the Royals or families in high ranking positions.
A lion in the body of a dog. 😛
Colorful powder found mostly in temples
More Photos:
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