Thousands of Devotees Visit Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu for Shrawan Sombar
Thousands of Hindu devotees flocked to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to observe ‘Shrawan Sombar,’ a special Monday in the Nepali month of Shrawan dedicated to Lord Shiva. The month of Shrawan is considered sacred by Hindu devotees, especially for women who fast and wear green, yellow, and red bangles and beads.
During this month, particularly on Mondays, devotees of all ages and genders visit Shiva temples to worship. Unmarried girls fast every Monday to pray for a husband of their choice, while married women fast for the good health and prosperity of their husbands and families.
‘I came to Pashupatinath in the early morning and stood in line to enter the temple for about half an hour. Today we worship Lord Shiva wholeheartedly, praying for the well-being and good health of our husband, children, and other family members,’ said Suhana Karki, a devotee. ‘We also undergo fasting on Monday of Shrawan. This year there are only four Mondays in Shrawan, whereas last year there were five. While worshipping Lord Shiva, we offer cannabis, dhaturo, and milk to make Lord Shiva happy as these are his favorite things. We pray for the fulfillment of our wishes and the well-being of our children as well as the long life of our husbands.’
According to religious beliefs, one’s wishes are fulfilled, and Lord Shiva showers fortune on devotees who visit his shrines and pay homage after taking an early morning shower on the first Monday of Shrawan.
Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds high importance for followers of the Hindu religion as Lord Shiva is regarded as the creator, destructor, and preserver of the world. The temple is also considered the savior of Nepal in times of difficulties. Many pilgrims from India and other countries visit Pashupatinath at least once in their lives. Other Shiva temples in Kathmandu also saw a surge of devotees on this special day.
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Pashupatinath Temple -: Pashupatinath Temple is a very famous and old temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a major god in Hinduism.
Kathmandu -: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, a country that is just north of India.
Shrawan Sombar -: Shrawan Sombar is a special day that happens on Mondays in the Nepali month of Shrawan. It is a time when people pray and fast for Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva -: Lord Shiva is one of the main gods in Hinduism. He is known as the destroyer and transformer.
fast -: To fast means to not eat food for a certain period of time. People do this to show their devotion and pray for blessings.
cannabis -: Cannabis is a plant that some people use for religious rituals. It is also known as marijuana.
dhaturo -: Dhaturo is a type of plant that is often used in religious offerings to Lord Shiva.
UNESCO World Heritage Site -: A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is very important to the world because of its cultural or natural significance. Pashupatinath Temple is one of these special places.
pilgrims -: Pilgrims are people who travel to a holy place to show their devotion and pray.