The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, is considered the most sacred Hindu temple and is home to hundreds of monkeys, cows and pigeons. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, these animals were fed by thousands of devotees and visitors.
Pashupatinath Temple is a famous destination visited by thousands of devotees and tourists.
Cows gather on the road leading to the temple and the banks of the Bagmati River, while monkeys roam freely around the nearby hill. Cows are sacred animals and are worshiped by Hindus, while monkeys are believed to be descendants of the monkey-headed Hanuman. But since March 24, Nepal has been in lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19, with people banned from leaving their homes and the Pashupatinath Temple closed. This has put the animals around the temple at risk of starvation.
Monkeys waiting to be fed at Pashupatinath Temple
In response, guards, staff and volunteers visit the temple twice a day, morning and evening, to feed and care for the animals. Dried corn is spread on the riverbank for pigeons, and cows receive rations of cornmeal. Hundreds of monkeys line up to receive food from volunteers wearing masks and rubber gloves.
Volunteers feeding monkeys at Pashupatinath temple
Volunteers feeding pigeons
The monkeys have not attacked the volunteers, but they have occasionally snatched food from them. “We are trying to ensure the animals do not starve and are taken care of,” said Pradeep Dhakal, an official who manages the temple and surrounding area.
Volunteers feeding monkeys at Pashupatinath temple
Stray dogs roam around the temple
A monkey eats a banana on the gate of Pashupatinath temple
