Thursday, March 11, 2010

A Famous Religious Place in Nepal

Shiva-Pashupati
Pashupati

Nepal is not only rich in natural beauties and gifts but also in cultural, historical and religious important. There are many temples of gods and goddness. Major holy places are Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, Janaki Temple in Janakpur, Manakamana in Gorkha, Barahachhetra in Sunsari, Krishna Temple in Patan, Lumbini, Swayambhunath and so on.

In Kathmandu, there exist innumerable temples and other religious places. Among them, Pashupatinath is one of the most famous temples in the kingdom. Most of the Hindus want to visit here because it is the temple of God Mahadev. It is situated about 5km east of the city centre. The temple was made many years ago, perhaps around 400A.D.

Gopals, the people taming cows, are believed to have been the first inhabitants of the valley. One of the Gopals noticed a cow pouring her milk over something everyday. He suspected that there must have beeb the power of God. He informed it to his friends and relatives. Then they dug the place. After digging it, they discovered the sacred image of Shiva Linga. Then they built the temple of Pashupati. Since then it has been known as one of the famous holy places of the valley.

The temple is artistically built and richly-ornamented in pagoda style. It is on the bank of the Bagmati river. It is a very beautiful place surrounded by green forest. There are many monkeys and birds around the temple. Many hermits have been living there for a long time. There is a big funeral place where the dead bodies are cremated. During shivaratri, many devotees come here from foreign usual days; but during the special days, like Maha Shivartri, Teej etc., all the doors are open for pilgrims and devotees.

Pashupati site is not only a place of historical and cultural importance but also of the 'World Heritage'. People who are strongly theist believe that the Pashupati has saved the kingdom. Everyone realize the Pashupati site should be preservative that illuminates the dignity and identification of the nation.



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