Prayers in 'mini' Pashupatinath in Varanasi for quake-hit Nepal

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A special 'puja' is being held in the Pashupatinath temple in Varanasi for an end to the misery in Nepal after the recent earthquakes that killed thousands of people.

At the temple, which is a replica of the original Samrajeshwar Pashupatinath temple in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, 15 Nepali brahmins are holding special prayers to ensure there is no further loss of life and property.

Eighty four 'kalashas' have been set up on a pedestal here and 1001 special symbolic moons have been placed on them. The Nepalese believe that natural calamities like the earthquake are the result of the special powers of the moon and hence they are propitiating the moon and the Gods to prevent any further devastation in the Himalayan nation, a priest said.

The Samrajeshwar Pashupatinath temple, situated at Lalita Ghat along the Ganga in Varanasi, is 160 years old. The pagoda style architecture distinguishes it from other Indian temples and it is a popular destination with foreign tourists for its exquisite mythological and erotic carvings on terracotta, wood and stone done by artisans from Nepal, a priest said.

-- Indo-Asian News Service

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