Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple

Introduction Located five kilometers from Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples. This temple features a three-tiered roof and is surrounded by buildings painted yellow and white. Entry is restricted to Hindus; tourists can only observe curiously from the entrance. The entrance to Pashupatinath Temple is lined with shops and stalls, mostly selling flowers and various colored tika powders used by Hindus. This is where Hindus perform cremation ceremonies. Hindus believe that by burning the body after death and scattering the ashes in the river, the soul can be liberated from the body. There are six stone platforms here; the two upstream ones are reserved for royalty or nobility, while the four downstream platforms are for commoners' cremations. The cremation ceremony in Nepal is very simple: when the body is being cremated, the eldest son of the deceased shaves his head by the river, bathes in the water, and after a brief ceremony, the body is wrapped in white cloth and placed on a wooden pyre near the riverbank. Three hours later, the ashes are scattered in the river, drifting away with the current. Photography is not prohibited during the cremation ceremony in Nepal, and most tourists watch from the bridge or sit on the opposite bank. However, please be mindful of the boundaries of curiosity and maintain due respect for the deceased and their families. Transport About 7 kilometers from the Thamel area; a taxi ride costs 90 rupees, while a bus ride is just 14 rupees. Tickets / Opening Hours Ticket: 250 rupees

Kathmandu, Nepal