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The cremations at Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath Temple is the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. It is located along the river Bagmati, in Kathmandu, and is consecrated to the god Pashupati, a manifestation of Śiva.
The Pashupatinath temple is famous for the cremation ceremonies that take place daily on the ghats that overlook the sacred Bagmati river. The Hindus believe that they are through a correct rite of cremation at the temple, their soul can incarnate again. The bodies, before being cremated, are wrapped in orange shrouds, lying along the river bank, bathed several times with river water and sprinkled with flower petals. Afterwards the body is laid on a funeral pyre. According to tradition it must be the eldest son to set fire to the father, while the younger to the mother.
Lucio Di Giovannantonio, Italy, Milan
