A Report on Historical Study of Pashupati Area

Introduction

We, the students of Grade 10 of Purnamrit Bhawani Ma.Vi had visited Pashupati Area in our educational tour with our social studies teacher. Our tour was based on one of the objectives of social studies subject about gaining the skill of identification and preservation of the historical and cultural sites of Nepal. After 8 hours journey in a bus, we reached Kathmandu from Waling on 24th Kartik and visited the Pashupati Area on the following day. Pashupati Area is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu on the bank of Bagmati River. It is one of the heritage sites of Nepal enlisted in the World Heritage List. It is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, comprising temples, Ashrams, Shivalingas, Ghats, as well as a cremation site.

Objectives 

• To identify the temples, buildings and monuments located in the Pashupati Area and describe their physical condition 13 Lesson Exploration, Identification, Preservation and Promotion of Historical Sites and Monuments Students in Educational Tour 

• To know the historical and cultural importance of the Pashupatinath Temple 

• To find and suggest measures for the preservation of Pashupati Area

Methods of Study

For our study, we collected the data and information from both the primary and secondary sources. Under the primary source, we collected information by observing the various monuments located in the site and interviewed the concerned authentic and local people and under secondary source, we collected information from different books, internet sites, magazines related to the site.

Findings 

• Pashupati Area is located on the western bank of Bagmati River in the northeast part of Kathmandu in Province No 3. 

• Pashupati Area is like an open museum. There are numerous artistic monuments. 

• It is a pilgrimage site for the Hindu people all over the world. 

• Various temples and shrines like Basuki temple, Unmatta Bhairav Temple Surya Narayan Temple, Shivalingas, etc. are located in the inner complex of the Pashupatinath Temple and Ram Mandir; Birat Sworup Temple Guheshwori Temple etc. are in the outer complex. There are elderly homes and a cremation site. In the northern part of the temple, there is a forest called Shleshmantak. 

• The main temple is built in pagoda style. The doors are covered with silver sheets and the pinnacle is made of gold. 

 • The Jyotirlinga that is in the Temple of Pashupatinath was established by an ascetic called Nep and the temple was built by the Gopal dynasty’s King Prachanda Dev. Many kings of Lichchhavi, Malla and Shah Dynasty had also renovated the temple. 

• Every year, more than six million people visit the temple. Fairs are organized on Shivaratri, Balachaturdashi, Teej , Rakshabandhan and every Monday in Shrawan. 

• For the preservation of the site, Pashupati Area Development Trust has been established. It makes plans and proposals for the renovation of the monuments and protection and conservation of natural heritage. 

• The crowds of devotees, mushrooming hotels and other business around the site have created a serious threat causing uncontrolled pollution.  

Suggestions

Pashupati Area is an international level heritage. It is the duty of everyone to preserve this site. We should adopt the following measures for its promotion and preservation.

• Reconstructing and renovating the damaged monuments in the original form. 

• Making a proper system to manage the visitors of this site 

• Making strict provision of security 

• Increasing public participation for the preservation of the site 

• Making special provision for keeping the environment clean 

• Introducing the site as the pride of the nation among people 

Conclusion

Pashupati Area is important from both religious and historical point of view. It also introduces our country by means of ancient sculpture. The monuments of the site are very important sources of our history. They are our unique heritages. Thus, the government, religious organizations as well as the general people should initiate for their preservation. 

Exploration, Identification, Preservation and Promotion of Historical Sites and Monuments

The historical sites and monuments are important heritages. They present our identity, connect us with the past and help to develop our economy by promoting tourism. There are many historical and cultural sites and monuments in our country. For their preservation and promotion, we should visit the sites, understand their importance, identify the present situation, problems and find their solution. It is an important skill, which we can learn in social studies through practical activities such as excursion, interview interaction, report making, etc.

To learn the skill of exploration, preservation and promotion of historical and cultural sites and monuments in social studies subject, the 10th Grade students of Purnamrit Bhawani Ma.Vi. Waling had visited Pashupatinath Temple in their educational tour. After the visit, they prepared the given report (Pratibedan) 

 Key Words: 

Exploration : the action of finding unfamiliar place or thing, investigation 

Excursion : a short jorney or trip 

Monument : any structure errected to mark notable event or person 

Shrine : holy place 

Ascetic : sacred person, Rishi