|
The
Temple of Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva in his incarnation, as
lord of all animals- including man is Nepal’s holiest and most
important Temple. What the Vatican is to the Christians, Mecca to
the Muslims, Pashupatinath is to the Hindus of the world. The Temple
and the complex around it are revered by believers from Nepal and
India as the holiest shrine of Hinduism. Shiva the most scared of
Hindu gods is commonly worshiped in the form of a Shiva-lingam, a
phallic symbol that is usually displayed atop a base called a yoni,
symbol of female genitals. Located about 5km Northeast of Kathmandu
situated at the bank of the holy Bagmati River, amidst many other
lesser Temples, Pashupatinath, is always bustling with the
activities of devotees and pilgrims, congregations attending funeral
services (if you are lucky you can observe Hindu system of
cremation). The Temple of Lord Pashupatinath stands in the middle of
an open courtyard. It is a square shaped Pagoda Temple built on a
single platform measuring 23.6m from the ground. There are gilt
doors on all four sides of the Temple. Inside the Temple there is a
narrow walk engulfing the sanctum from where one can have a closer
view of the Shivalinga. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the main
courtyard of the temple. Tourists other than Hindu can view the
temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. By the way,
Bagmati River is not wide at all, either with brave waters.
|
