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Kathmandu Wednesday January 23, 2002 Magh 10, 2058.
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Preserve holy sites
I am really happy to see the entrance of the
temple of Lord Pashupatinath being cleared of squatters. Nowadays, it looks very calm and
clean. I express my best wishes to the Pashupati Area Development Trust and any other
institutions involved in preserving Pashupatinath’s sanctity.
Earlier, the surroundings and entrance of the
temple was dotted with street vendors, beggars, drunkards, drug addicts and so on. They
not only occupied historical areas but also destroyed holy images, painted walls and
constructed houses near the temple, trampling on our art and culture. But things are set
to change, thanks to the recent mopping up operation in and around Pashupatinath.
But I have heard that the houses surrounding the
holy temple will be demolished soon. Those communities have been living here for hundreds
of years, and they also have to participate in a ritual in the temple. Even if the Trust
pays them adequate compensation, it is very unfair that those people have to leave their
houses. Heritage does not only stand for precious stones and sculptures, it also
represents traditions, rituals and people’s sincere devotion.
Rudra Nath Sharma
Gaushala, Pashupatinath |
