: Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
The Pashupatinath Temple complex is considered to be the most sacred Shiva temple in Nepal. It is located on the shore of the Bagmati river on the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Pashupatinath literally means "Lord of creatures", and is one of the names of Lord Shiva. According to the mystical legends (Puranas), Shiva grew tired and looked for a sanctuary to rest. He found the Kathmandu valley, and lived there amongst the creatures, until he was forced out of hiding by the other Gods who needed his help. It is the most preferred place for the Nepalese to conduct funerals. It draws millions of pilgrims every year, from Nepal, India and other parts of the world. Recently, the temple was the centre of a controversy with the avowedly atheist Maoist led government of Nepal trying to appoint their own priests and take control of the temple finances. The Maoists backed down (temporarily at least) due to popular outrage.
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