Kathmandu: Most Polluted City in Asia (officially)
Ah, Kathmandu. Brent's first visit to an Asian city left him, as many before him, stunned by the dirt, smog, pollution & crowds! We stayed in the touristy area of Thamel & enjoyed the (generally) fine food in the surrounds. Nasty experience with local Nepali food though.
We had about 5 days in the capital & saw a huge number of sights (many, many temples), highlights including:
Pashupatinath: A major Hindu temple not just in Nepal, but for Hindus internationally. One of the largest Shiva temples on the subcontinent, on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Non-Hindu folk are not allowed in, but Aditi reports a magnificent shrine with a 10x5m golden gilded statue of Nandi, Shiva's bull. On the day we visited a funeral was taking place for a political leader. The ceremony was amazing to watch - the body is wrapped in white & orange cloth, draped with thousands of marigolds, prayers are chanted, the women of the family sprinkle holy water from the river before the body is heaped upon an elaborate pyre & the eldest son ignites the timber. Very sad & moving, but very touching & beautiful also.
Dakshinkali: A temple dedicated to Kali (Shiva's consort in her destructive incarnation). Every Tuesday & Saturday numerous animals are sacrificed to satisfy Kali's bloodlust. We watched half dozen chickens meet their end, but left before the parade of goats & buffalo were brought to the alter. Amazing.
Boudnath: Village of Tibetan refugees & home to the enormous Boudnath Stupa, a huge Buddhist temple. Amazing to see the gleaming, whitewashed surface & golden spire against the cityscape.
Durbar Square: Ancient centre of Kathmandu religion & monarchy- home to numerous temples & statues dating from 16th century (some statues from 5th!!). Home of pagoda architecture, later exported to rest of orient.
We had about 5 days in the capital & saw a huge number of sights (many, many temples), highlights including:
Pashupatinath: A major Hindu temple not just in Nepal, but for Hindus internationally. One of the largest Shiva temples on the subcontinent, on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Non-Hindu folk are not allowed in, but Aditi reports a magnificent shrine with a 10x5m golden gilded statue of Nandi, Shiva's bull. On the day we visited a funeral was taking place for a political leader. The ceremony was amazing to watch - the body is wrapped in white & orange cloth, draped with thousands of marigolds, prayers are chanted, the women of the family sprinkle holy water from the river before the body is heaped upon an elaborate pyre & the eldest son ignites the timber. Very sad & moving, but very touching & beautiful also.
Dakshinkali: A temple dedicated to Kali (Shiva's consort in her destructive incarnation). Every Tuesday & Saturday numerous animals are sacrificed to satisfy Kali's bloodlust. We watched half dozen chickens meet their end, but left before the parade of goats & buffalo were brought to the alter. Amazing.
Boudnath: Village of Tibetan refugees & home to the enormous Boudnath Stupa, a huge Buddhist temple. Amazing to see the gleaming, whitewashed surface & golden spire against the cityscape.
Durbar Square: Ancient centre of Kathmandu religion & monarchy- home to numerous temples & statues dating from 16th century (some statues from 5th!!). Home of pagoda architecture, later exported to rest of orient.
posted by Aditi & Brent at 12:22 am
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