Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

The cremation area is to the right of the bridge crossing the Bagmati River. My guide said this area is reserved for those who can not afford to pay. He said few cremations are done and we would probably not see one. As we approached, we saw smoke rising above the rooftops. There were four cremations taking place. One on the opposite side of the bridge for those who could pay had been reduced to ashes and the ashes were being swept into the Bagmati. The royal family of Nepal were cremated here after their 6/1/2001 assination. It is believed that to die and be cremated here releases one from the cycle of repeated birth and death. We met an elderly couple from Northern Nepal who were visiting to make plans for their cremation. Although I could not enter the temple being non Hindu, I left with a better understanding of and embracing cremation.