Spiritual Awakening

On Chaitra 16, 2082, a pilgrimage group commenced on a 42-day spiritual journey on foot starting from Kusheshwar and Bhimsen of Dolakha to numerous districts across the Bagmati Zone, before finally reaching Pashupatinath on Baishak 28, 2083. Along the way, the pilgrims worshipped 64 pilgrim sites (representing 64 kalas of Lord Pashupatinath). As such, it was no ordinary pilgrimage. Legend has it that this trail was previously walked by Ne Muni, from whom historians believe the naming of Nepal is derived from. Even King Pratap Malla is believed to have walked this trail, centuries ago. 

The 42-day pilgrimage called the Brihat Pashupat Kshetra Padyatra was organised to bring to light the glory of Lord Shri Pashupatinath and the Pashupat area while focusing on the importance of Bagmati River. Over 60 pilgrims braved rain and sun as they walked on foot, regardless of the weather, road conditions and any grievances. Once they reached the Pashupat area, they performed a religious worship and Rudrabhishek at various holy sites such as Bhuvaneshwar, Bhashmeshwar and Rudragareshwar. It concluded on Baishak 28, 2083 with offerings of prayers and Arghya (water offerings) at the Bagmati River as a penance to Lord Pashupatinath.

 Initiated by Swami Ramananda Giri, the head of Mahesh Sanyas Ashram and chairman of ‘Mahesh Sanskrit Gurukulam’, the journey aimed to awaken and educate Sanatani Hindus and Nepalis on the significance of the Pashupat region. Pashupatinath, a glorious temple enshrining Lord Shiva is one of the numerous World Heritage Sites. However, there has been an absence of proper work towards preservation and conservation of the site, particularly the holy river of Bagmati. Devotees take a dip in this sacred river but they do so reluctantly due to the pervasive pollution. Once a clean and pristine river with a source located on the Shivapuri Hills, Bagmati is now defiled with dirt, wastes and sewage. What an ignominy! Thus, the work of Swami ji is laudable in promoting and advocating for the Pashupat area.  

Hindu religious scriptures advocate for the physical and spiritual preservation of sacred spaces, encouraging both individual devotion and collective practice. These scriptures emphasise the spiritual power inherent in certain sacred lands including Nepal which are chosen by deities as their residence. Lord Shiva, also called Pashupatinath, is known to reside in the Himalayas and flowing from surrounding hills is the river of Bagmati that ultimately adorns the Pashupatinath temple before flowing and merging with the river Ganga. 

Tied to Pashupat area, a Hindu pilgrim site, is the religious, cultural and traditional identity of Nepalis and the faith that they inherently carry throughout their lives and beyond. Yet, this area and many religious shrines throughout the nation remain vulnerable to degradation and neglect. Even the pilgrimage walkers admit to the dire conditions of the religious sites drawing immediate attention to the matter. Pilgrimage to holy sites is both a personal and collective activity as an act of faith. It is an individual choice to uphold and a collective one to practice which is why the Brihat Pashupat Kshetra Padyatra has been influential in promoting Hindu faith and sanctity, particularly in its appeal to preserve and conserve the Pashupat area. The pilgrimage was not just a trail, it was also a call for awareness.