Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

Namaste...
Today was an exceptionally exciting day with visits to the Pashupati Temple, one of the biggest Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The temple served as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, until Nepal was secularized. The temple was first established in the 17th century. This is where many of those who pass away are cremated. Today we witnessed an actual cremation and the sadness that comes with loosing a loved one, the same world wide. The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Bhat-Brahmins from South India (Karnataka) origin since last 350 years. The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis.
We were also treated to a visit to the Boudehanath Stupa. Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known as Khāsti by Newars as Bauddha or Bodh-nāth by modern speakers of Nepali. Located about 11 km (7 miles) from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. Today, a huge festival was in process with thousands of worshipers from all over the Buddhist world in attendance.


If that was not enough, our group was finally put together and I am lucky to be with a group of six other great people from New Zealand, the Phillipines, Australia and yes, even the good old USA! We met, talked, laughed shared and had a Nepalese feast at a local restaurant with unique entertainment. Our guide for the night, Kogindur, was informative and easy to get to know! Tomorrow morning, after breakfast at 4:30a.m. we head to the airport and fly to Lukla (9,186 ft.), the gateway to our trek. By the way, Lukla Airport is said to be one of the most dangerous airports in the world! I hope they're just making that up. With any luck I will be able to add to this blog tomorrow, with a succesful landing that is (ha,ha). Well, I have to get up at 3;45 Tomorrow and is already 11:00pm here so, once again...NAMASTE!