For this week’s Photo Challenge, I have chosen this photo I took whilst traveling Laos. It is the perfect photo not only because of the contrast of light and dark but also what I was feeling. It was really hot and humid when I took the trip and the coolness of the shade was very refreshing. And when I look at this photo, all I can think of is – Keep Calm and Travel On.
Before the sun is up, people are awake in the city of Kathmandu. Silently shuffling around the house preparing for a walk to the temple. Young and old alike walk the distance in the early morning while enjoying the cool wind. At the temple, they light a candle and quietly chanting while holding their praying beads. It is a wonderful way to start your day, isn’t it?
Pashupatinath is considered the holiest site for all Hindus all over the world. The name Pashupati means ‘Lord of Animals’ and is the patron deity of Nepal. Locals and devotees from different countries come to visit this temple all year round. The photo below is the main gate of the temple.
I couldn’t go inside the temple because I am not Hindu. But there is a certain point outside the main gate that you can take a peek of what the temple looks like inside.
Another way to view the temple is to go on the opposite side of the river bank. There is a viewing deck where you can see the pagoda style temple of Pashupatinath with devotees coming in to sing hymns and say prayers. You also get to see monkeys roaming around as shown on the photo below.
Coming down from the viewing deck, you will also see sadhus hanging around the area. I couldn’t resist, so I had my picture taken with them. 😀
Along the banks of the holy Bagmati River, one can find the Crematoria. It is every Hindu’s wish to be cremated here, the holiest river and temple for all Hindus. I posted a picture of the Crematoria on one of the weekly photo challenge.
Observing the cremation process was something that I always wanted to witness. There were different points where they do the burning. It was winter time when I visited and the Bagmati River’s water level is very low and as my tour guide said, “It’s more like a stream than a river.”
Before leaving the place, I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the sun almost setting.
Til the next exploration! 😀
_______
I booked my tour with Alpine Club of Himalaya. Thanks to Sujan for all the help and for allowing me to personalise my tour.
For this week’s Street Life I have chosen Freak St. in Kathmandu. Welcome to Freak Street aka Jhochhen Tole got its name during the hippie trail in the 60s and 70s. This is an alternative place to stay when you don’t want the crazy touristy places in Thamel. You get a glimpse of the local life early in the morning and it is close to Kathmandu Durbar Square. This shot was taken while I was standing in the middle of the street – talking about Freaky experience and a car coming your way. Looks like a scene from Twilight, eh?
A few steps away from the Patan Durbar Square is the Hiranya Varna Nahabihar also known as the Golden Temple. This is a unique Buddhist monastery built in the 12th century by King Bashkar Verma.
The entrance is flanked by lions and that’s Dinesh my tour guide. 🙂 Going inside the entry way, look up to the ceiling and one will see a mandala.
There is a little courtyard where you can see carvings on all the windows and then there’s an entry way going to the Golden Temple.
This is the Golden Temple.
This is inside the temple.
_______
I booked my tour with Alpine Club of Himalaya. Thanks to Sujan for all the help and for allowing me to personalise my tour.
This is the Royal Palace well known as Manga Hiti. It has three water sprouts in the shape of the mythical makara (crocodile-elephant). Up until today, it serves its purpose of providing water to the locals.
While exploring the durbar square, these two gentlemen caught my attention. They were sitting down next to the lion guarding the museum. They sat there for a long time, chatting and people watching. When I grow old, I wish I could hang out in a place as cool as this and watch the world go by.
Wandering Candy 