pashupatinath

The group will go on to Pashupatinath- a Hindu pilgrimage site located on the edge of the Ring Road within the Kathmandu Valley.   Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Hindu devotees come to be cremated on this holy river with the belief that it will assist them in the afterlife and direct their next incarnation.   As devotees come from far away to cremate relatives at the holy site, dharamsalas (resthouses for pilgrims) align the Bagmati for people to stay.   The main temple of Pashupatinath has been dated back to the late 17 ^th century.  

Pashupati, the deity, is an incarnation of Shiva, the devotion to which is symbolized through the great number of Shiva lingams that inhabit the temple premises.   Each Spring during the festival of Shiva Raatri sadhus (ascetics) from throughout Nepal and India throng to the temple to worship this deity.   Sadhus are common to Pashupati throughout the year, though to a much greater proportion during the festival..   While some are true devotees and have denounced a material existence for a more devotional life, many ‘sadhus’ have a hand extended into the tourist industry asking for money in exchange for photos of their uniqueness.   Similarly, the monkeys that inhabit Pashupatinath are well habituated to noticing different packages of food which they won’t hesitate to help themselves to – even if it is in your hand.

In the recent past efforts have been made to clean up the Pashupatinath premises, especially the Bagmati River.   Once, a river described by elderly residents as pristine and clear, the Bagmati has become victim to factory runoff and general pollution.   Groups such as the Pashupati Area Development Trust have initiated efforts to clean the area and other groups have tried to raise awareness through an annual rafting trip that goes through Kathmandu on the Bagmati, each in its own way highlighting the need of assistance in cleaning the river.