Today was really superbly spent at Pashupatinath and Bodhnath on the north east fringes of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath temple is the holiest of Hindu temples in Nepal and one of the most important Shiva temples on the subcontinent. Although non-Hindus are not admitted into the complex, outside are burnning ghats on the Bagmati river. I was invited to sit and watch the proceedings on two different viewing terraces. Apart from one violent mourner in a succession of cremations, it was all rather serene, and a great place to appreciate the concept of mortality.
Climb up the hill to the Vishwarup (non-Hindus forbidden)and Goraknath temples to find literally a jungle of temples to watch the monkeys. The temple is often used by expected mums´ to ensure the birth of a boy. Huge penis´s adourn the grounds. Past the other side of the hill and you come across the Guhyeshwari Temple dedicated to the Goddesses´vaginas. We should all pay homage to the punani.
There is a short trek across to Bodhnath ends up in a large Tibetan community for it is the largest religious centre in Nepal. Reminded me of home. The centre includes one of the largest stupas in the World and still remains part of the old trading route from Tibet.
I have now uploaded some of today´s photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/aubreygroves67/PashupatinathAndBodhnath including captions.
Some of them are probably not appropriate and viewed at your own discretion. I am happy for anyone to take intrusive pictures at my funeral.
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