Pashupatinath Temple (#8/9) Name: Pashupatinath Temple
Date built: At least 1500 years ago
Primary deity: Pashupatinath
Architecture: pagoda
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Pashupatinath temple is a Hindu temple located on the shore of the Bagmati river on the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
It is regarded as the most sacred temple of Shiva (Pashupati) in Nepal. Shivaratri or night of lord Shiva is the most important festival celebrated in this temple. Along the shores of the Bagmati river near the temple lies Arya Ghat, the most widely used place of cremation for the deceased in Nepal, especially in and around the Kathmandu valley. There is also a large market in the streets surrounding the temple. Vendors sell souvenirs to tourists, but also cloth, dyes, and religious supplies. Believers of the faith Hinduism are allowed to enter the temple, but only if they were born in the religion. Non-Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river.
The priests who perform the services at this temple has always beenBrahmins from South India. This tradition is supposed to have started by the request of Shankaracharya (Indian high preist in line with Jagadguru system)to Nepal's King in 6th century,for the practice and achievement of sacred,secret and top most shiva sadhana (Tantra). Another interpretation is that Indian priests are stationed at Pashupatinath because when the King passes away, the entire Nepali people are supposed to stop religious services and enter a year long period of mourning and as the Pashupatinath needs to be eternally worshiped, Indians were brought to make sure that the Pashupatinath is worshipped even at the time of official mourning. However,the appointment of such priests from India was first questioned on its own validity during the reign of Malla Kings some 300 years ago.This voice became more and more strong and Nepalese vedic scholars gave the hints that Nepalese Priest should be appointed instead of Indians because they are as much qualified as Indian priest and moreover they know more about local festivals and rituals.Despite,the growing dissatisfaction over priest appointments, Nepal's kings continue the old tradition of appointments only to keep the words given to shankarcharya by their forefather. After the last king of Nepal in 2007, the Indian priest who well understood the feelings of Nepalese people handed his resignation from the top post.
The temple is of pagoda architecture. The two level roofs are of copper with gold covering. It has four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. The western door has a statue of large bull or Nandi, again covered in gold. The deity is of black stone, about 6 ft in height and about 6ft circumference.
The priests are called Bhattas and the chief priest is known as Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on the matters of temple on periodic basis.
East of the temple is the Vasukinath.
Bouddhanath Stupa in Kathmandu (#9/9) his Colossal stupa the biggest in Nepal is situated about 7km. East of the capital. The Bouddhhnath stupa is also known as Khasti Chitya and is considered as one of the oldest stupas in the country.
After 1959, many Tibetans came and have settled in Bouddhanath area.
With a diameter of about 100m and a height of 40m, Bouddhanath is among the largest stupas in the world. The Bouddhanath stupa covers a vast area that has a circumbulatory path at the bottom and another path made of three-tier plinth. The stupa looks similar to Swayambhunath but many features in this stupa are pinnacles as well as 108 Buddhist Gods and Goddesses. The most attractive part of the Stupa is the all seeing eyes of the Buddha painted with red, white and blue.
It is believed that King Manadeva built the Bouddhanath stupa during the Lichavi period. It has been renovated time and again and the present form of stupa was renovated in the 17th century.
The most popular festival celebrated here is the Tibetan New Year festival Lhosar that falls in February. The festival starts with prayers and worship. Thousands, of Tibetans dress Traditionally and dance after lighting incense to Buddha. Lots of Tibetan comes from Laddakh, Sikkim, Bhutan as well as other parts of the hills to celebrate this festival.
In Bouddhanath, there are many monasteries or Gompas. They are all beautifully decorated and colorfully painted. One can visit the monasteries and take photographs. It is advisable to give small donation when one takes photographs.
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