The Temple of Living Beings
Text and pix by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
"Pashupathinath" temple stands as a symbol of faith, religion, cultural and tradition with its astonishing architectural beauty in the middle of Kathmandu valley. The temple is popularly known as “The Temple of Living Beings”. Pashupathinath temple is situated on the banks of Bagmati river in the eastern part of the capital city Kathmandu, and its existence dates back to 400 A.D. Pashupathinath temple is one of the most sacred Lord Siva temples in the world, and is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal. Lord Pashupathinath is regarded, and worshipped as the national deity of Nepal.
“Pashupathinath” means “Respected Protector” (“Pashu” means organism, “Pathi” means protector, and “Nath” means Lord). Worship of Lord Pashupathinath has been in practice during the ancient civilization of “Harappa”. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims annually from other parts of Nepal, and world. Hindu funeral rites are performed, and bodies are cremated along the Bagmati riverside.
The temple compound is colourfully occupied by male and female saints, cows and pigeons, boutiques selling divine items for prayer offerings, fresh flower garlands, Rudraakasha beads (or called as prayer beads), and brass deities.
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| Hermit occupies the temple compound |
"Pashupathinath" temple stands as a symbol of faith, religion, cultural and tradition with its astonishing architectural beauty in the middle of Kathmandu valley. The temple is popularly known as “The Temple of Living Beings”. Pashupathinath temple is situated on the banks of Bagmati river in the eastern part of the capital city Kathmandu, and its existence dates back to 400 A.D. Pashupathinath temple is one of the most sacred Lord Siva temples in the world, and is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal. Lord Pashupathinath is regarded, and worshipped as the national deity of Nepal.
“Pashupathinath” means “Respected Protector” (“Pashu” means organism, “Pathi” means protector, and “Nath” means Lord). Worship of Lord Pashupathinath has been in practice during the ancient civilization of “Harappa”. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims annually from other parts of Nepal, and world. Hindu funeral rites are performed, and bodies are cremated along the Bagmati riverside.
The temple compound is colourfully occupied by male and female saints, cows and pigeons, boutiques selling divine items for prayer offerings, fresh flower garlands, Rudraakasha beads (or called as prayer beads), and brass deities.
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| Decorated Lord Sivalaingam |
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| Crossed leg Lord Murugan |
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| Women pilgrims stay permanently at Pashupathinath temple compound |
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| Cows and pigeons occupy temple compound |
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| Fascinating fresh flower garlands hand\g along the streets |
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| Catching up with news amidst a busy day |
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| Snake sculptures around the temple |
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| Crossed leg Lord Pillaiyaar |
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| Mouthatering "TheanKuzhal" attacts honey bees |
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| Eye-catching beads chains |
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| An array of "Rudraaksha" beads (also known as prayer beads) |
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| Deity carved in brass |
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| Fresh flowers and raw rice offered to Lord Pillaiyaar |
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| Shiny peacock feathers |
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| Deity along the street |
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| Fresh flower garlands reflect to sunshine during winter |
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| Items for offerings |
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| Bustling street scene |
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| Guarding statue of lion |
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| Woman during winter |
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| Flowers offered to deities |
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| Colourful wrist bands |
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| Lord Sivaperman, Goddess Paarvathi and their eldest son Lord Pillaiyaar at a stall |
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| Soothsayer in the vicinity |
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| Vermilion for sale |
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| Captivating sculptures on the arch |
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Business begins quite early despite winter Pictorial on Ceylon Today Courtesy: CEYLON TODAY |
posted by DushiYanthini at 2:00 AM
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