2016, I went on a solo trip to Nepal for about a month. Initially, it was just for mountain climbing. Since I was travelling alone, I became close with some guides and porters there. I also met several travellers from other countries, which made me decide to stay longer in this country.
The guides, porters, and other hikers shared information about some must-visit tourist destinations in Kathmandu, Nepal. Before deciding to enjoy Nepalese cuisine, my travel companions and I, whom I met during the hike, planned to visit one of Nepal's most sacred temples, Pashupatinath Temple, which is rich in history. Curious about this holy temple? Keep reading.
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Pashupatinath Temple, the Holiest Temple of God Shiva in Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is the holiest temple among the temples of God Shiva in Nepal. The temple houses the sacred lingam of God Shiva, so it is no wonder that it is considered the holiest temple in Nepal.
At Pashupatinath Temple, the Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri, also known as Shivaratri, meaning the Great Night of Shiva, is often held. This festival, which is celebrated annually to honour God Shiva, takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna in the Hindu calendar.
This sacred temple complex has 518 mini temples, a main pagoda house, and the largest statue of the bull Nandi. It covers an area of approximately 246 hectares and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Since it is considered the holiest temple and some of its rituals are sacred, non-Hindus are not permitted to enter and can only view it from the outside or the banks of the Bagmati River. Therefore, I could not explore the beauty of this holiest temple then.
I was only allowed to see and take photos of the front part. However, I was happy because I gained much knowledge about this most sacred temple from the gatekeeper at the time.
Pashupatinath Temple, A Hindu Cremation Ceremony Site
One of the attractions of the Pashupatinath Temple tourist site is that it is a cremation site for the bodies of Hindu believers. Whether they are ordinary people, officials, or essential figures like Sidhu (holy people), the bodies are cremated, and the ashes are scattered into the river. According to Hindu beliefs here, since the Pashupatinath Temple is sacred, the cremation ashes will reach heaven faster.
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Unfortunately, only Hindus are allowed to enter and witness this sacred ritual. Even without the cremation ceremony, tourists are still prohibited from entering the main temple area. Tourists or non-Hindus are only allowed to stay in the front courtyard.
The body is cremated at the ghats or cremation sites along the riverbank. Tourists or non-Hindus curious to witness the cremation ceremony, including the bathing of the body and the cremation itself, can view it from the bridge spanning the Bagmati River. However, the location is quite distant, so the view is unclear enough to document the process.
If you wish to witness the traditional cremation ceremony and document it up close, tourists or non-Hindus can purchase an admission ticket for tourists at Rs 1,000 per person. Even then, you cannot enter the main temple where the ceremony takes place.
During the cremation ceremony, you will see many Sidhu or Hindu holy men who wear heavy makeup, unique hair styling, and special clothing. Tourists who purchase tickets can take photos with the sacred men during the cremation ceremony by paying Rs 500 per holy man. The price is quite reasonable. Since the Sidhus wear heavy makeup and special attire, they are unique to the document.
Unfortunately, some of my travel companions (whom I met during the hike) did not want to watch the ceremony at that time. In the end, I also decided not to watch it. Additionally, I am allergic to strong odours, and I was afraid that if I forced myself to enter, I might not be able to stay there for long and disturb others. It's a pity, isn't it, to have paid so much but not witnessed the ceremony until the end?
Regarding guides, there will be many guides in front of Pashupatinath Temple who are the official staff of the sacred temple. They will approach you and explain many things about the holy temple. Eventually, they will ask for payment, so be careful about this.
So, if you don't want to use their services, make it clear from the start that you won't. It's better to buy the entrance ticket upfront so the price is clear and the guide accompanying you also follows proper procedures and is official.
So, if you don't want to use their services, make it clear from the start that you will not be using them. It is better to buy an entrance ticket so that the price is clear and the guide who takes you is also official and follows the proper procedures.
Pashupatinath Temple Is One of Nepal's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Pashupatinath Temple, which is estimated to have existed since 400 BCE, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich cultural history. This also prompted me to visit this sacred temple, as I was curious to see the history and culture that led to its inclusion as a World Heritage Site.
Unfortunately, I couldn't see the main temple and its ceremonies directly, as they are considered very sacred. However, I could imagine the ceremony process by looking at various online sources, photos from my friend who works as a guide there, and some Indian films.
For Hindu people, this place is a must-visit to learn about the cremation ceremony culture at this sacred temple in Nepal. Unfortunately, the cremation ceremony may not take place every day. So, it's a matter of luck if you want to witness the ceremony procession.
That's my experience visiting the holiest temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. Have you ever visited this cultural tourist site? Feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
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