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Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple is about 5KM from Tourist Hub Thamel, Kathmandu, and within a walking distance from Tribhuvan International Airport(2-3KM). Pashupatinath Temple is known as the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal.
Pashupatinath Temple Overview
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. It is located on the banks of the Holy Bagmati River eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, who is considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations.
Thousands of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world visit the temple every year. The Pashupatinath Temple is a magnificent structure with a gold-plated roof and four silver-plated doors.
The two-storied pagoda-style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and wood carvings of the finest quality. The inner temple has a black granite statue of Lord Pashupatinath and outside sits a large statue of Nandi, Shiva’s bull. Only Hindus are allowed inside the gates of the main temple.
The temple complex also houses several other temples and shrines. There are hundreds of Shiva lingam within the compound and around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas, and 12 Jyotirlinga (phallic shrines). The most notable of these is the temple of Lord Ganesh, which is said to be the oldest temple in the complex.
The north-eastern corner of the temple consists of a temple of Vasuki, the king of nagas. Nearby is the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva’s consort, Sati Devi. Next in line is the Ghat(platform for cremation rites) which is divided into two parts, Arya Ghat, and Surya Ghat. Arya Ghat is reserved for members of the higher castes, including members of the royal family, and the Surya Ghat is for the common people. The cremation of Hindus takes place on raised platforms along the river.
List of Facts about Pashupatinath Temple
- The Pashupatinath Temple is a most sacred Hindu temple located on the banks of the Holy Bagmati River on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal.
- The Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu-only temple with strict rules to enter, photography and leather items (belts, purses, etc.) are not allowed inside the temple complex.
- The Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva as the supreme deity of the Hindus. The Pashupatinath Temple complex also contains a number of small shrines and temples, including those of Kirtimukha Bhairava, the deity of destruction, Vishnu temple, Manakamana temple, and to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god.
- The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the four most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, known as the Char Dham Kshetra. Other are Mukti Kshetra, Ruru Kshetra, and Baraha Kshetra.
- The Pashupatinath Temple is believed to have been built in the Licchavi period by Prachanda Deva.
However, the current structure is thought to date from the 17th century AD.
The Pashupatinath Temple is constructed in the Nepalese pagoda style, with a tiered roof and plinth. The main shrine is a two-tiered structure with a gold-plated roof. - On the banks of the Bagmati River, there is a platform for cremation rites. The cremation platform is divided into two parts, Arya Ghat, and Surya Ghat. Arya Ghat is reserved for members of the higher castes, including members of the royal family, and the Surya Ghat is for the common people.
- The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 AD.
It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nepal, with over 1.5 million visitors only during the Maha Shivaratri festival. - The temple is surrounded by Sadhus and Yogis, you can pose with them as they are tourist friendly. The temple is also known as the "home of the holy Sadhus"
The temple is open from 4 am to 9 pm but is closed between 12 PM to 5 PM.
Events in The Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Aarati
Pashupatinath Aarati is a beautiful and popular Hindu ritual performed in front of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.The Aarati is performed daily and is considered one of the most important rituals performed at the temple.
The aarati begins with the lighting of lamps and mantra chanting. The lamps are then placed in front of Pashupatinath Temple, and the aarati is performed.
After the completion of aarati, the lamps are annihilated, and the temple is closed for the night.
The Pashupatinath Aarati is a beautiful and sacred ritual that is an important part of Hindu worship.
If you ever find yourself in Kathmandu, make sure to witness this incredible ceremony for yourself!
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival, celebrated annually in honor of the Hindu's supreme God, Shiva.
