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Indian and Nepali People Visit Old Hindu Temple in Kathmandu
January 16th, 2024
At the break of dawn, thousands of Indian pilgrims gather at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, a sacred site steeped in history and spiritual significance. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva—one of Hinduism's primary deities known as the god of destruction and regeneration—stands on the Bagmati riverbanks, embodying a spiritual sanctuary for worshippers who journey from afar. It's not only a significant religious site but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, distinguished by its pagoda-style roof and silver-plated doors that are meticulously carved with the images of gods and goddesses.
The scenes at Pashupatinath are poignant with devotion and communal spirit. As the pilgrims arrive, they're met with the warmth of hot tea served by local hawkers, dispelling the chill of the cold winter mornings. The tea is shared among families, sipped within the confines of the buses that have carried them through long distances. Devotees, old and young, navigate their way through the temple precincts, aided by family members or tour guides, to offer prayers, meditate, and engage in fasting as a means to seek forgiveness and express their piety.
Central to their worship is the 'Shivalinga,' a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, before which they bow in reverence. The temple buzzes with activity as vendors peddle SIM cards, warm clothing, and holy beads to the pilgrims, who, despite the bustling atmosphere, maintain a focus on their spiritual objectives.
India and Nepal, bound by their Hindu-majority populations, share this deep religious affinity that transcends borders, drawing millions annually to partake in these sacred rituals and pray not only for the successes and well-being of the living but also for the souls of the departed. The influx of pilgrims peaks from mid-December through January and continues until the 'Mahashivratri' festival, which celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva with his consort
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💭 Discussion Questions
1
. How does the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu reflect the cultural and spiritual significance of its location?2
. In what ways do the communal aspects of visits to the Pashupatinath temple enhance the pilgrimage experience?3
. What are the implications of the Pashupatinath temple's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the local community and international visitors?📖 Vocabulary
🌐 Cultural context
The cultural context is related to the religious practices of Hinduism in Nepal, which has close ties to India's majority Hindu population. The significance of Lord Shiva in Hindu worship and the pilgrimage to holy sites like Pashupatinath during auspicious times is highlighted.
🧠 Further reading
Hindu temple
Hindu temples are architectural wonders that serve as a sacred meeting point for deities and their devotees. Each temple is dedicated to a specific god and is seen as that deity's home. Rooted in ancient Vedic tradition, these temples are designed with geometric shapes and incorporate symbolic representations of the universe. They embody the unity of cosmic and individual elements, and they symbolize central Hindu beliefs about existence including morality, prosperity, desire, liberation, and fate.
The complex symbolism of Hindu temples is outlined in traditional Sanskrit writings, while their intricate design principles are detailed in age-old texts on architecture. These temples are not only places of spiritual importance but also hubs of social and economic activity, often becoming landmarks that support local arts and festivals.
Despite their variety in style, location, and adaptations to regional practices and deities, Hindu temples share universal themes and core ideas. They are predominantly found in South Asia, with India and Nepal housing a majority, but also extend to Southeast Asia, and countries with Hindu populations such as Canada, Fiji, France, Guyana, Kenya, Mauritius, and the Netherlands, illustrating their global cultural significance.
Hinduism
Hinduism, a prominent Indian faith, transcends a mere religion. It is a dharma, suggesting a sacred and universal path that its devotees are meant to follow. While referred to as Hinduism—a term from outside its community—it is also known as sanātana dharma, which means "the eternal dharma." This implies it possesses timeless origins, as presented in its sacred texts. Within Hinduism exists a variety of deep-rooted philosophical ideas, encapsulated in a number of texts discussing theology, mythology, and more.
There are several major strands within Hinduism, including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. Additionally, six schools of Hindu philosophy or Āstika, view the Vedas—the ancient sacred texts—as authoritative. These schools are Sānkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaisheshika, Mimāmsā, and Vedānta. Hindu scriptures can be categorized into two types: Śruti, meaning "heard," and Smṛti, meaning "remembered." Amongst the most revered Hindu texts are the Vedas, the Upanishads, narrative epics like the Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyana, and the ritualistic texts known as the Āgamas.
Core elements of Hindu philosophy involve the principles of karma, the concept of cause and effect, and the four rightful objects or aims in life: dharma (ethical duties), artha (work and wealth), kama (desire and passion), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth). Hinduism prescribes various spiritual practices including devotion, worship rituals, sacrificial ceremonies, meditation, and yoga.
Modern scholars interpret Hinduism as a complex fusion that developed after the Vedic period, enhanced by the contributions of various Indian cultures without a singular founder. This amalgamation became prominent between 500 BCE and
World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a significant landmark or area globally recognized and protected under a treaty overseen by UNESCO. These sites have undeniable importance for their cultural, historical, or scientific attributes, deemed of extraordinary worth to the collective heritage of humanity. Selection as a World Heritage Site involves a nomination by the site's host nation, followed by an evaluation from an international committee that confirms its unique and identifiable features which represent either the ingenuity of human accomplishments or the splendor of natural beauty.
As of September 2023, there are 1,199 registered World Heritage Sites across 168 countries, spanning various categories such as cultural landmarks, natural wonders, or a combination of both. Italy boasts the highest number of sites, with 59, while China, France, and Germany also feature prominently on the list. The ultimate aim behind the recognition and preservation of these sites is to ensure their longevity, protecting them from the dangers of trespassing, unregulated access, or local administrative oversight. These areas are marked as protected zones by UNESCO.
The maintenance and oversight of these sites are the responsibility of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is composed of 21 member states that are elected by the United Nations General Assembly. Expert panels in fields such as history and education provide guidance and advice to the committee. The overall program not only includes the listing and protection of these remarkable sites but also focuses on their ongoing preservation so that they may be appreciated by future generations.