history of nepal. - Sanskrit Manuscripts Project, Cambridge

INTRODUCTORY SKETCH 2I
Pashnpati stands on the western bank of the Bagmati,
about three miles north-east of Kath1nandu. The
town itself1s rather d1lap1dated, and consists of one main
street, runn1ng east and west, and a few side streets,
which are horribly dirty and abound w1th pigs. Close
to the bank of the river stands the holiest temple of
Nepal, the shr1ne of Pashupat1natha It is a handsome
building m the pagoda style, with a brazen -gUt roof,
and large richly carved silver gates. A good view of
it Is obtarned from the high bc1nk on the opposite side
of the river, but no European IS ever allowed to approach
even the outer wall of the temple The banks of the
river are paved for several hundred yards, and there
are stone steps and places for burning the dead here
and there. The r1 ver IS crossed by two handsome
bridges, from which a good view of the buildings is
obtained. The stream IS here narrow, and runs between
precipitous banks of 80 or 100 feet in height. The
banks are wooded above the temples, and amongst the
trees on the face of the banks are some curious fakirs'
ca veg. On the eastern side of the river is a hill, covered
with lofty trees (chiefly oak and champa) and jungle,
which IS alive with monkeys, who are as familiar and
impudent as 1n most other holy places Th1s wood is
the Mrigasthali of Nepalese tradition. In the centre
of the wood are numerous small shrines and temples,
1nclud1ng a large one lately built by S1r J ung Bahadur.
To Pashupat1 almost all the dying are brought when
tl1e1r end approaches, and at the last moment they are
hurried to the edge of the stream, and their lower extremities
are immersed m the water. Here too the
bod1es of the dead are burned, and there is a spot close
by vvhere Satis are Immolated.