British Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra visited the sacred Pashupatinath Temple on Sunday and offered prayers at one of Nepal’s most revered Hindu temples. During her visit, Minister Malhotra paid homage to Lord Pashupatinath and also performed ritual worship at other shrines and deities located within the main temple premises.
According to Arun Shrestha, acting chief of the Culture Division at the Pashupati Area Development Trust, the British minister completed the prayers and performed rituals in accordance with Hindu traditions. Following the temple visit, she received tika and prasad from the temple’s chief priest, Ganesh Bhatta.
Minister Seema Malhotra Appreciates Spiritual Experience
Officials from the Pashupati Area Development Trust briefed Minister Malhotra about the historical and cultural significance of the ancient temples, monasteries and heritage structures located within the Pashupatinath area. Archaeology Officer Sushil Kumar Gautam provided details about the temple’s history and religious importance.
After completing the visit, Minister Malhotra wrote in the visitors’ book that she was delighted to experience such a meaningful spiritual journey and expressed happiness over the opportunity to visit the sacred site. She was welcomed at the temple premises by Member Secretary Ram Bahadur Kunwar and other senior officials of the trust.
Visit to Nepal and Lumbini Region
Seema Malhotra arrived in Nepal on Friday for an official visit. On Saturday, she visited Tilaurakot in Kapilvastu, an important archaeological and historical site associated with the life of Gautam Buddha. Her visit to Pashupatinath Temple highlighted the growing cultural and people-to-people ties between Nepal and the United Kingdom, while also reflecting international interest in Nepal’s spiritual and heritage tourism destinations.
