Nepal Pilgrimage

Maha Shivasrati symbolises the wedding day of Shiva and Parvati. It is also believed that this is the night that Shiva peformed his Tandava nrtya dance that is the source of creation, preservation and dissolution.

Hunderd thousends of pilgrims and devotees are expected to come to Shiva's main shrine in Nepal the Pashpatinath temple in Kathmandu. Including many Sadhu's (holy man) who smear themselves with ashes will be arround the temple. Besides these Sadhus there will be Naga Babas (nakes Sadhus) around the Pashupatinath area too.

During the Maha Shivasratri festival the Sadhus are treated as guest of the Paspupatinath temple and will be fed and housed for free and are even presented with gifts when they leave.

Pilgrims offer Bael leaves to Shiva. A Bael tree is a fruittree and the leaves are believed to please Shiva very much. They also fast this day what means that the pilgrims only eat some fruits and or vegetables. During Maha Shivasratri the devotees sing hymnes and sing all night. During Shivarati it is also allowed to smoke Marijuana. Which is said to be liked by Shiva himself too.

It is said that who speaks out all names of Shiva perfectly and with full devotion during Maha Shivasratri is freed from all sins
The ques to enter the Pashupatinath temple during Maha Shivaratri are kilometers long. To serve pilgrims better there will be two rows in 2010 one for pilgrims that want to pay for a visit, and one que for a free visits the temple. (Only Hindus allowed)