SADHU'S AT PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Pashupatinath Hindu Temple in Kathmandu is a reminder of why we travel. Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.
The largest temple complex in Nepal, it stretches on both sides of the Bagmati River which is considered holy by Hindus. The main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and exquisite wood carvings. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the the temple of Pashupatinath.
It puts us face to face with a culture and religion vastly different than our own (assuming that you, the reader, are not from India or Nepal. It exposes us to a totally different belief system and challenges us to face an alternative way of viewing life and death. Pashupatinath is a sprawling assortment of temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions raised over the past few centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river. The temple is dedicated to Pashupatinath.
Thousands of pilgrims visit on a daily basis. Non-Hindus are not allowed in the main temple. Cremations take place on the funeral pyres along the river bank. Observing a cremation is one of the most sobering experiences you could have on a trip to Nepal. One of the major festivals of the temple is Maha Shivaratri on which over 800,000 devotees visit.
Living and meditating in the vicinity of Pashupatinath are a number of sadhus. A sadhu is a religious ascetic, mendicant (monk), or any holy person in Hinduism and Jainism who has renounced the worldly life. Sadhu literally means one who practices a “sadhana” or follows a path of spiritual discipline. Sadhus are solely dedicated to achieving mokṣa, or liberation.
Some sadhus are open to being photographed. Just ask and they normally say yes and ask for a tip. Most want about 500 rupees ($5) for a few photographs, which for a couple minutes of posing, seems like a lot. They are open to negotiating and most were happy with receiving 100 rupees.
Pashupatinath temple complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. The best times to visit are early in the morning or around 6 pm during evening prayers. The entrance fee is 1000 rupees (USD $10). A taxi from Thamel costs about 400 rupees (USD $4).
