Pashupatinath - Guyeshvari Mandir

There is a tradition that the Guyeshvari Temple on the north side of Mrigasthali Hill is Pashupatinath's oldest shrine. In fact it was probably built in the 17th c. by Pratapa Malla, ruler of the city-kingdom of Kathmandu. Barred from entry, non-Hindus can only gaze at the outer wall.

The legend of its origin is interesting. Himalaya, father of Parvati, invited the gods to a gathering, but snubbed Shiva, his daughter's consort, whom he called a long-haired ganja-smoking good-for-nothing. Parvati, deeply upset, hurled herself into the fire around which the gods were seated.

Shiva arrived and lifted Parvati from the flames. Distraught, he bore her away. As Shiva went, not heeding where he trod, parts of his shakti's body fell to earth in 51 places where now there are 51 shrines or pithas. The most intimate part of her body fell here beside the Bagmati, which is why the temple is dedicated to Guyeshvari, meaning "secret, mysterious goddess". From this legend the custom of sati developed, whereby widows threw themselves on their husband's funeral pyre.