Tens of thousands flock to Pashupati on Mahashivaratri

Tens of thousands of Hindu devotees are thronging Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu on Mahashivaratri, a colorful festival organised to worship Lord Shiva, on Sunday.

Devotees queening up to pay obeisance to lord Shiva at Pashupatinath, in Kathmandu, on Sunday...

Pashupati area remains crowded from early morning with thousands of devotees from across the country and India already settled in there for days now. As many as 3000 Sadhus from India including Nagas are a usual sight in the temple premises.

Officials at Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) said massive number of security personnel have been deployed to manage the flow of the devotees and prevent untoward activities.

Three routes to enter the Pashupatinath temple have been opened while those paying Rs 1,000 can use a separate special route, Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) said.

Considering the sale of marijuana by the ascetics during the festival, strict measures have been applied to keep an eye on them although they will be allowed them to use them, officials said.

Over 500,000 visitors are expected to visit the shrine by the evening. nepalnews.com