Witnessing the Sacred Cremations at Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal

Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is a powerhouse of Hindu spiritual energy located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, where cremation ghats are the city's most important location for open-air cremations. Despite the river's pollution, it is considered extremely sacred and is the Nepali equivalent of Varanasi on the River Ganges. Bodies are wrapped in shrouds and cremated on wooden pyres in a practical and efficient manner. Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect and sensitivity. While the cremations are typically carried out in a businesslike manner, I did hear some people crying very loudly during the ceremonies, making for a powerful and emotional experience. While the cremations are a routine part of the religious customs and traditions of the local community, they are also deeply personal and emotional events for the families and loved ones of the deceased – Kathmandu, Nepal