Pashupatinath Temple

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Built in 1696 on the orders of King Bhupendra Malla, Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most important Hindu temple. Built in the pagoda style of architecture, Pashupatinath stands on the banks of the Bagmati river, has a distinctive gilded rooftop, intricately carved rafters (featuring members of Shiva’s family) and four silver-plated main doors surrounded by statues of deities. Pashupatinath reaches a maximum height of 24 metres, and is presided over by priests called Bhattas and a chief priest called Mool Bhatt or Raval. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, though a glimpse of Shiva’s bull, Nandi, can be caught from outside the western entrance.There is, nevertheless, much to see. For example, there are people selling marigolds, incense, conch shells and other offerings outside the temple. And the riverbanks of the Bagmati river are a popular place for cremations. Whilst the ‘ghats’ in front of the temple were reserved for the cremation of royalty, four other cremation ghats to the south of the nearby bridges are in regular use. There is often a cremation in progress, with a shrouded body lifted on top of a log fire with surprisingly little ceremony. Cremations are usually followed by ritual bathing in the river.

Pashupatinath is about 5 kms to the east of Kathmandu, and a short walk from the Boudhanath temple. A taxi ride from central Kathmandu will take about 30 minutes.

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