Pashupati Temple (temple for Shiva) is one of the most sacred places for Hindus in Nepal and throughout the world. This is the main temple in Kathmandu, and its where the dead are cremated on the side of the sacred Bagmati River. It was built around 400 AD. I was not allowed in the actual temple (not sure if I would want to go in anyways), but I was allowed around the grounds and where they perform the cremations. There were five or so cremations going on when I was there.
Snuck a picture of some Sadhus…
This is where the King and Queen were cremated after the Royal Massacre in 2001…
The Bagmati River is considered sacred by the Hindus. They bathe, wash clothes, and even drink the water on some occasions. These kids are playing in it (actually jumping off of one of the cremation platforms), in the same area they do the cremations and then push the ashes into the water (which can be seen in the bottom right-hand corner)…
The funny thing is the guards at the gates rely on physical profiling to distinguish faiths. So a Nepali Christian would have no problems getting in, but if you do not look like a Nepali (or Indians from certain part of India), you are likely going to be questioned.
Also, Pashupati is one of those places where you really need a guide to get the most out of. There are so many myths and legends connected to the temples, statues and gods here.
Wow, swimming downstream from the ashes of the dead is a bit gross.