AP PHOTOS: Indian pilgrims throng Nepal's most revered Hindu temple, Pashupatinath

Thousands of Indian pilgrims arrive at daybreak at Pashupatinath, the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal, after traveling long distances in buses. Hawkers greet them with hot tea on the cold wintry morning. Many worshippers hand the cups to their wives, mothers and children through the bus windows. The devotees then enter the temple of Lord Shiva, the powerful Hindu god of destruction, on the Bagmati riverbanks in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. Lord Shiva is also worshipped as a protector of animals, and is depicted with a serpent around his neck. The worshippers recite prayers, fast, meditate and seek forgiveness. They also pray before "Shivalinga,” a block of stone symbolizing the powerful deity. Elderly men and women are helped by their families or tour guides. Street vendors are busy selling SIM cards, warm clothes and holy beads. The centuries-old Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia for Hindus. The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage...