Sadhus - The stoned Holy Men of Nepal

"Marijuana is illegal but Sadhu's are exempted. If they stop the supply of hash, Sadhus will get mad. They are the representatives of the Gods so you don't want them to get mad."

Said our driver when I ask how they get away with smoking hash publicly everyday.

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A trip to Nepal is not complete until you get a glimpse of the holy men known as Sadhus.
These are the men you see strolling around Hindu Temples dressed like Shiva with long beard, naturally dreadlocked hair, painted body and face, with numerous rings and necklaces.

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They have renounced their worldly life, said goodbye to both their possessions and their families, and now lead a life of celibacy, ascetic yoga, and a search for enlightenment.

Sadhus are widely respected for their holiness, while also feared by some who believe they have the power to inflict curses.

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They smoke marijuana using a 'chillum', a traditional clay pipe, as a holy offering for Lord Shiva.

Like their master, Sadhus at Pashupatinath love to get high intoxicated by hemp. Hemp hence at Pashupatinath is in a way legal to consume; not for common man but for Sadhus only. :)

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