Pashupatinath, 5 km north-east of Kathmandu Valley, is one of the most important Hindu temples. It is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrines and one of the subcontinent’s greatest Shiva sites, a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river.
We come to Pashupatinath to observe Hindu cremation rituals and to photograph numerous fascinating Sadhus who reside in the surrounding area.
In Hinduism, sadhu means “good man, holy man”) and denotes an ascetic, wandering monk. The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving mokṣa (liberation), the fourth and final aśrama (stage of life), through meditation and contemplation of brahman. Sadhus often wear ochre-colored clothing, symbolizing their sanyāsa (renunciation).
The group after our photo shoot with the Sadhus
Yvonne spins a prayer wheel
Bodhnath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, located about 11 km from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Bodhnath dominates the skyline. As of 1979, Bodhnath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with Swayambhunath, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area.
Lauren works a shot of Bodhnath stupa
Love the photos Karl. It looks like I have another trip to add to the list. Keep posting!
Amazing as always, Karl!
Wow! Wow! Wow! These are fantastico!! I definitely need to get back to Nepal with Karl Grobl.
I am pleased to say I have identified everyone in the group photo without having to ask! A first! My regards to all! Looking forward to more.
Love the Sadhus! Stunning as always. Please say hi to Caroline and Michel for me..
Beautiful images Karl! Looks like an amazing trip.
What colours!
Oooh I love the fabric on the hats those four gents are wearing. They look so old and yet so vibrant in them! I think I need a lift like that. That photo and the first one of the prayer flags are my favourites. I can almost feel the wind in those flags and the air around me as I’m looking up into that perspective you’ve captured there. Wonderful!
These are great, Karl. Looking forward to the shots from Bhutan
Excellent collection 🙂
Whats your plan for Maha Kumbh happening next year in Allahabad