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Pashupatinath

PasupatiNath is the most renowned pilgrimage site in Nepal for the Hindus of the world. Pashupati Nath literally means ‘the god of all animals’ and is one of the Avatars of Lord Shiva. The Pashupatinath temple lies inside the Kathmandu City, the area lying just next to the Kathmandu Airport. 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. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world gather here to celebrate Shivaratri (Night of Shiva- one day before black moon in February). Pashupatinath Temple area is one of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Although non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main Temple, hundreds of foreign tourists are seen each day in the Aryaghat area, the place for the last rites, taking pictures of Hindu ritual of burning the dead bodies on the funeral pyres.

Recently the Pashupatinath came into media attention over the controversy on the main priests, the Brahmins from South India. The tradition of appointed priests from South India is supposed to have started by the request of Shankaracharya (Indian high priest in line with Jagadguru system) to Nepal's King in 6th century. Another interpretation is that Indian priests are stationed at Pashupatinath because when the King passed away, the entire Nepali people were 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 priests from India is not a recent controversy. The practice was first questioned 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 qualified as Indian priest and moreover they know more about local festivals and rituals.

The Pasupati Area is also famous for its monkeys and the forests, and last year the rhesus monkeys found new arrivals among themselves - the red deer. The nearby Guheswori temple, who is believed to be the other half Lord Shiva, is the most significant among other temples.