Kathmandu, Nepal
Visit Pashupatinath Temple. Built in honor of Lord Shiva, even today this temple draws devotees from all over the Indian subcontinent. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, (phallic symbol) of Shiva, dating from the 6th century. Much like Varanasi on the Ganges, the Bagmati is a holy river and an auspicious place to be cremated. There are ghats lining the sides of the river, and you will most likely witness a ceremony. The wrapped body is placed upon a mound of smoldering logs and brush, then set alight; the soul, it is believed, escapes to be reborn once again according to the dictates of karma.
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