Context:
Meat, alcohol prohibited around Pashupatinath Temple due to Bala Chaturdashi festival.
About Pashupatinath Temple:
- Location – Nepal
- Situated on banks of River Bagmati.
- Devoted to Lord Shiva.
- Earliest evidence of the temple – 400 A.D.
- Current main temple complex was built by end of 17th century.
- Main temple design – Nepalese pagoda style (tiered roof and plinth)
- Part of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Landmark – Near Guhyeshwari (one of famous Shakti Peeths in Nepal).
Pagoda:
- A tower like, multi-storey, solid or hollow structure made of stone, brick, or wood.
- Associated with a Buddhist temple complex.
- Commonly found – China, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia.
- Structure derives from stupa.
Bagmati River:
- A transboundary river.
- Between – Nepal and India
- Origin – Shivapuri Hills (north of Kathmandu)
- Passes across the Kathmandu Valley.
- River entering Indian State – Bihar
- Major tributaries – Bishnumati, Hanumante, Dhobikhola and Tukucha, Origin
- Ultimately joins the Narayani River.
- Merged waters of the Bagmati and Narayani enters into the Ganges.
Source: The Print
Previous Year Question
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.
