KATMANDU, NEPAL, August 4, 2014 (Hindustan Times): On Monday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to the Himalayan nation, reached Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Lord Shiva shrine in Nepal, and conducted special prayers.
“He took part in a special puja which was conducted by Ganesh Bhatta, the Indian head priest of the temple, and lasted for 35 minutes,” said Govinda Tandon, member secretary of Pashupati Area Development Trust. The prime minister made an offering of 2,500 kilos of sandalwood. Nearly 1/2 kilo of sandalwood paste is used daily on the Shiva jLinga at the temple. Considering the steep price of the commodity, temple authorities had requested India to provide the sandalwood. Worth about US$250,000, the quantity should last 12-15 years.