Temples, Transitions & 24 Years

A row of Shiva Lingams. The point of the female part always points north, and the top represents the male

Happy 24th wedding anniversary to us!

We started the day early, heading out at 7am to visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the complimentary activities offered by Dwarika's Hotel. While the tour itself was included, there is an entrance fee of 1000 rupees for foreign visitors. Fortunately for us, there were no other takers, so it was just us and the guide which made it extremely informative and efficient!

Set along the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva and dating back to the 5th century. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing pilgrims from across the Indian subcontinent.

Only Hindus are permitted to enter the main temple complex, so we viewed it from across the river — which, in many ways, offered a broader perspective of the rituals and activity unfolding along the घाटs (ghats). It was a fascinating, and at times confronting, glimpse into a deeply spiritual place.

A large complex or collection of temples, the grounds are also used by locals for exercise

Welcomes but not allowed in

Some old architecture still around

The Bagmati River and the cremation sites on the right

Lots of monkeys here...rhesus macaque if you're interested in the type

Hundreds of smaller temples

View of the larger complex

The main temple, 5th century Pashupatinath Temple

Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva

We returned to the hotel to shower, pack and prepare ourselves mentally for the long journey home.

After checkout, we were transferred to a “day hotel” where we spent the afternoon in a state of quiet limbo, not quite travelling, not quite resting, until it was finally time to head back to the airport for our 11pm flight to Sydney via Singapore. From here, fingers crossed that very little goes wrong. I’m not entirely sure I have any more Plan Bs left in me.

From gorillas in the forests of Rwanda to the stillness of the Himalayas in Nepal, this journey has been one of contrast, challenge and quiet perspective.

Next chapter: Japan in May, hiking the Nakasendo Trail with friends.

Stay tuned.