Pashupatinath Hindu Temple

Pashupatinath is an important temple located on the Bagmati River on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is a large complex where many cremations are held on the river banks. When we were there in April the river was little more than a trickle and like all the rivers in the populated areas, it had the unforgettable smell of sewage and garbage. A smell that has become all to familiar too us. In spite of the pollution, it is considered a holy river, and people bathe here to purify themselves.

Family relatives of the deceased also return here a year after their death to feast by the river.

Sadhus, or wandering monks, are at the last stage in their quest for a release from the wheel of life, which is the cycle of birth and reincarnation. Sadhus have renounced all material and sexual attachments, and live off the offerings of others. Maybe my small offering in exchange for a picture of these two will add to my good karma.

The temple itself sits above the river and is surrounded by many smaller shrines.

This shrine had some amazing architectural details.

Just upriver from the temple there are cave dwellings built into the hillside. I understand these are for monks who come here for retreat and meditation.

One area had a whole series of identical shrines in a row. This gives an interesting double mirror effect when you look through the first, down the line.

Unlike the temples in Southern India, we were unable to enter the temple walls, where a Hindu only sign is posted at the entry doors. We were able to catch a glimpse into the courtyard of the rear end of the huge statue of Shiva's gold plated bull he rides.