- 1. Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, is situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. This ancient temple complex, which dates back to the 5th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, an important deity in the Hindu pantheon, and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple's architecture is a stunning blend of pagoda-style structures adorned with intricate carvings and a distinctive golden roof that is visible from afar, symbolizing the sacredness of the site. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Pashupatinath, especially during the festival of Shivaratri, when devotees gather to participate in rituals and ceremonies that pay homage to Lord Shiva. The temple is also famous for its ghats, where cremation ceremonies take place, reflecting the belief that dying in the presence of Lord Shiva and being cremated along the banks of the Bagmati offers liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The surrounding atmosphere is permeated with the sounds of chanting, the scent of incense, and the sight of sadhus, or holy men, adorned in vibrant attire, creating a spiritual ambiance that draws visitors into the rich tapestry of Hindu culture and spirituality.
Where is Pashupatinath Temple located?
A) Kathmandu, Nepal
B) Varanasi, India
C) Lumbini, Nepal
D) Delhi, India
- 2. What is Pashupatinath Temple dedicated to?
A) Lord Shiva
B) Lord Vishnu
C) Goddess Durga
D) Lord Ganesh
- 3. What river flows near Pashupatinath Temple?
A) Ganges River
B) Karnali River
C) Bagmati River
D) Brahmaputra River
- 4. What UNESCO status does Pashupatinath Temple hold?
A) Cultural Landscape
B) World Heritage Site
C) Global Geopark
D) Biosphere Reserve
- 5. What significant festival is celebrated at Pashupatinath?
A) Holi
B) Shivaratri
C) Navaratri
D) Diwali
- 6. Who can be cremated at Pashupatinath Temple?
A) Jains
B) Muslims
C) Hindus
D) Buddhists
- 7. In which architectural style is Pashupatinath Temple built?
A) Modernism
B) Mughal architecture
C) Pagoda style
D) Gothic architecture
- 8. What year was Pashupatinath Temple designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A) 1984
B) 2000
C) 1991
D) 1979
- 9. Which famous personality had their ashes scattered at Pashupatinath?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) Dalai Lama
C) King Birendra of Nepal
D) Mahatma Gandhi
- 10. What is the significance of the deer at Pashupatinath?
A) They are sacred and protected
B) They are used for sacrifices
C) They are only for decoration
D) They symbolize wealth
- 11. What does the word 'Pashupati' mean?
A) Lord of Feasts
B) Lord of Animals
C) Lord of Heaven
D) Lord of Earth
- 12. When is the most crowded time at Pashupatinath Temple?
A) During Shivaratri
B) During Tihar
C) During Dashain
D) On full moon days
- 13. What language is primarily used for rituals at Pashupatinath?
A) Sanskrit
B) Hindi
C) Nepali
D) Tibetan
- 14. What is the traditional dress code for visitors at Pashupatinath Temple?
A) Formal wear
B) Modest attire
C) Native costumes
D) Casual beachwear
- 15. What is a major attraction near Pashupatinath Temple?
A) Patan Durbar Square
B) Bhaktapur Durbar Square
C) Swayambhunath Stupa
D) Boudhanath Stupa
- 16. How often do rituals occur at Pashupatinath?
A) Weekly
B) Yearly
C) Monthly
D) Daily
- 17. Which structure is the tallest at Pashupatinath Temple?
A) The visitor center
B) The cremation center
C) The main temple
D) The sculpture gallery
- 18. Who is the chief priest of Pashupatinath Temple?
A) Acharya
B) Bhatta
C) Pujari
D) Pandit
- 19. What is the traditional dress of priests at Pashupatinath?
A) Sari
B) Kurta
C) Shalwar Kameez
D) Dhoti
- 20. What animal is often associated with Lord Shiva?
A) Lakshmi (the owl)
B) Garuda (the eagle)
C) Nandi (the bull)
D) Hanuman (the monkey)
- 21. What do devotees often offer to the deity at Pashupatinath?
A) Coins and gold
B) Meat and alcohol
C) Flowers and fruits
D) Fish and rice
- 22. In which century was Pashupatinath Temple originally built?
A) 10th century
B) 20th century
C) 5th century
D) 15th century
- 23. What is the primary deity's manifestation at Pashupatinath Temple?
A) Lingam
B) Stupa
C) Murti
D) Idol
- 24. Which entry to the temple is restricted?
A) Foreigners
B) Women
C) Monks
D) Non-Hindus
- 25. What kind of rituals are performed at Pashupatinath Temple?
A) Cremation rituals
B) Buddhist meditations
C) Christian blessings
D) Jewish prayers
- 26. Is Pashupatinath Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A) Yes
B) It was once, but not anymore
C) Only partially
D) No
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