DOLAKHA, NEPAL, May 21, 2007: Hundreds of Hindus in Nepal are flocking to see a statue of a Deity which is said to be “sweating.” Devotees believe the apparent perspiration is a sign of impending turmoil or natural disaster. The statue of Bhimeshwor, who is worshipped as the Hindu God of trade and commerce in Nepal, has reportedly been sweating since Saturday. The Deity is located in Dolakha district, 70km (43 miles) east of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.
The chief priest of the temple, Shanta Krishna Shrestha, told the AFP news agency that such sweating usually precedes disasters or crises for the royal family. “Most famously the Deity sweated just before the royal massacre in 2001,” he said, referring to the incident in which the crown prince at the time – who was allegedly drunk – went on a shooting rampage that killed nine royals, including the king and queen – before turning the weapon on himself.”
Local newspapers say that the Dolakha Deity broke into a sweat prior to a massive earthquake in 1934. It was also reported to have perspired during large-scale street protests last year in which King Gyanendra was forced to abandon his powers of direct rule. The incident comes at a time when the future of Nepal’s monarchy is being called into question.