Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has denied allegations circulating on social media suggesting that he entered the Pashupatinath temple wearing leather shoes. His secretariat stated that certain individuals are deliberately attempting to spread misinformation by misusing a photograph taken after his temple visit.
According to his personal secretary Dhiraj Joshi, the photograph being shared online was taken on the southern side of the Pashupatinath temple premises, an area where wearing shoes and taking photos is allowed.
“This photo was taken on the road south of the temple after the visit. Shoes and photography are permitted there,” Joshi clarified.
The minister’s secretariat stated that Minister Aryal and his family followed all temple procedures like any other visitor. They only took a group photo after exiting the main temple premises. The secretariat further clarified that the claims made by some media platforms and social media users that he entered the temple wearing leather shoes are false and baseless.
The Pashupatinath Temple strictly prohibits visitors from entering the inner premises with leather shoes, wallets, or belts. All devotees must leave such items outside before entering the temple.
The secretariat further emphasized that Minister Aryal fully complied with the temple’s rules and traditions. “We want to clarify that the photo was taken outside the temple premises, after the minister had completed the worship and exited,” the statement read.
The secretariat also requested everyone not to spread misleading information about matters connected with Lord Pashupatinath, the revered deity of all Nepalis.
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