AP PHOTOS: Indian pilgrims throng Nepal’s most revered Hindu temple, Pashupatinath
AP PHOTOS: Indian pilgrims throng Nepal’s most revered Hindu temple, Pashupatinath
An Indian pilgrim who is embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple poses for a photograph in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus.Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim who is embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple poses for a photograph in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus.Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim who is embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple poses for a photograph in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus.Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims who have embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple react to being photographed in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims who have embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple react to being photographed in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A cook prepares tea for pilgrims who are embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A cook prepares tea for pilgrims who are embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim combs his hair as he prepares to embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim combs his hair as he prepares to embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims wait for their turn to receive a cup of tea before they embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims wait for their turn to receive a cup of tea before they embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims deliver tea to their family members through the window of a bus before they embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims deliver tea to their family members through the window of a bus before they embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims dry their sari, making sure it is ready for the journey ahead before departing from Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims dry their sari, making sure it is ready for the journey ahead before departing from Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims make themselves warm as they wait to embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 10, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims make themselves warm as they wait to embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 10, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims pose for a photograph as they get ready to embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims pose for a photograph as they get ready to embark on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims line up, forming a queue as they wait to enter Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims line up, forming a queue as they wait to enter Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Kamalesh Verma, center, a 31-year-old devotee from India’s eastern Chhattisgarh state, visits Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 10, 2024. “This is the first time I’m here at Pashupatinath temple, but I don’t know if it’s God’s will that I will return to receive his blessings.” Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Kamalesh Verma, center, a 31-year-old devotee from India’s eastern Chhattisgarh state, visits Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 10, 2024. “This is the first time I’m here at Pashupatinath temple, but I don’t know if it’s God’s will that I will return to receive his blessings.” Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A group of Indian pilgrims visit Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A group of Indian pilgrims visit Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A Nepalese priest performs rituals for Indian pilgrims at Pashupatinath temple premises in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 10, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A Nepalese priest performs rituals for Indian pilgrims at Pashupatinath temple premises in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 10, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A Nepalese priest performs rituals for Indian pilgrims at Pashupatinath temple premises in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A Nepalese priest performs rituals for Indian pilgrims at Pashupatinath temple premises in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims offer prayers to “Shivalinga,” a block of stone symbolizing the powerful Hindu god Shiva at Pashupatinath temple premises in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims offer prayers to “Shivalinga,” a block of stone symbolizing the powerful Hindu god Shiva at Pashupatinath temple premises in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 9, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim hangs her clothes to dry after completing her visit to Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 5, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim hangs her clothes to dry after completing her visit to Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 5, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
After their visit to Pashupatinath temple, Indian pilgrims eat their meal before preparing for their departure in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 5, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
After their visit to Pashupatinath temple, Indian pilgrims eat their meal before preparing for their departure in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 5, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A tea vendor carrying her young daughter looks for customers at a bus parking of pilgrims arriving at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
A tea vendor carrying her young daughter looks for customers at a bus parking of pilgrims arriving at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim who is embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple takes rest in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim who is embarked on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple takes rest in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims huddle inside a bus as they wait for their departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims huddle inside a bus as they wait for their departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims wait inside a bus for their departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims wait inside a bus for their departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims wait inside a bus for their departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Indian pilgrims wait inside a bus for their departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim holds her scarf as she embarks on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim holds her scarf as she embarks on a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim loads baggage as they get ready for their departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim loads baggage as they get ready for their departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim sleeps inside a bus as she waits for its departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
An Indian pilgrim sleeps inside a bus as she waits for its departure after visiting Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 12, 2024. The centuries-old temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Thousands of Indian pilgrims arrive at daybreak at Pashupatinath, the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal, after traveling long distances in buses.
Hawkers greet them with hot tea on the cold wintry morning. Many worshippers hand the cups to their wives, mothers and children through the bus windows.
The devotees then enter the temple of Lord Shiva, the powerful Hindu god of destruction, on the Bagmati riverbanks in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. Lord Shiva is also worshipped as a protector of animals, and is depicted with a serpent around his neck.
The worshippers recite prayers, fast, meditate and seek forgiveness. They also pray before “Shivalinga,” a block of stone symbolizing the powerful deity.
Elderly men and women are helped by their families or tour guides. Street vendors are busy selling SIM cards, warm clothes and holy beads.
The centuries-old Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a pagoda-style roof and four silver-plated doors with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses.
Nepal and India are the world’s two Hindu-majority nations and share a strong religious affinity. Every year, millions of Nepalese and Indians visit Hindu shrines in both countries to pray for success and the well-being of their loved ones. They also pray for those who have died.
From mid-December through January, tens of thousands of pilgrims from India visit Pashupatinath to seek blessings. They include thousands of farmers who come at the end of harvesting season.
The influx of pilgrims continues daily until the major festival of “Mahashivratri,” which commemorates the wedding of Shiva and his consort Parvati in February-March.
Religion is deeply important in India, a country of 1.4 billion people, and many Hindus travel on pilgrimages each year to ancient religious sites in Nepal.
Dinesh Patel, an Indian travel agent who organizes tours to Nepal, says that many pilgrims eat and sleep in buses, paying an average of 10,000 Indian rupees ($122) for a Nepalese tour.
Kamalesh Verma, a 31-year-old devotee from India’s eastern Chhattisgarh state, said: “This is the first time I’m here at Pashupatinath temple, but I don’t know if it’s God’s will that I will return to receive his blessings.”