Welcome to the mythical land of Pashupatinath Temple, located on both banks of the Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal. One of the most sacred Hindu temples, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupati, the protector of animals. It is a spiritual haven, a living monument of history, and an architectural wonder that attracts millions of devotees and interested travellers each year.
Pashupatinath Temples hold a special place in the hearts of Nepalese and Hindus around the world. One of the oldest and most esteemed temples, Pashupatinath symbolizes a spiritual destination and Nepal’s cultural essence. Located beside the holiest Bagmati river in Kathmandu, this UNESCO World Heritage site is believed to embody the spirit of Nepalese traditions and ceremonies.
The stories encircling this temple are fascinating and have shaped the beliefs of millions of people. The temple complex’s stunning architecture and sophisticated design will impress you when you enter. Pashupatinath Temple is the perfect combination of history, spirituality, and myths.
In this article, we’ll explore the timeless beauty of the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal.
History of Pashupatinath Temple
People often regard the Pashupatinath Temple as Kathmandu’s oldest temple, with centuries of history associated with it. They believe that Lord Shiva Linga was established even before the Vedas were written. Pashupati has been the presiding god of the ancient majesties of Kathmandu Valley. There is no certified history of the construction of this temple of Pashupati sect, but it is mentioned in some places that the temple was built by Pashupati of Somvansh in the third century BC.
In 605 AD, Amshuvarman considered himself blessed by touching the feet of the Lord. Later, people rebuilt this temple around the 11th century. Termites caused significant damage to the temple, so they rebuilt it around the 17th century. Afterwards, they built many imitations of the temple until the Middle Ages. Such temples include Bhaktapur (1480), Lalitpur (1566), and Banaras (early 19th century). The original temple has been destroyed many times. It was given its current form by King Bhupalendra Malla in 1697.
Mythological Stories Behind Pashupatinath Temple
There are many Nepalese mythological stories and tales about the Pashupatinath Temple handed over from generation to generation, and they are very fascinating. God Pashupatinath is one of the important characters depicted in these stories. Here are some of the most known mythological stories of Pashupatinath Temple:
- According to legends, Lord Siva often took the guise of animals and came to earth to relax from their celestial tasks. In one instance, it is told that Lord Shiva came to the Earth in the form of a deer and with his wife goddess Parvati to Pashupatinath which is now nestled in Nepal. They were fascinated with the place and desired to spend eternity there.
But other gods were dissatisfied, and they also came to the earth to convince Lord Shiva to perform his duties. Lord Shiva decided not to go to Kailash, sparking the war between Lord Shiva and other gods. However, they try to capture the lord Shiva, and when his horn breaks and falls to the ground in the four pieces. This horn is said to be the first Chaturmukha linga (Four-Faced Linga) of Pashupatinath, which was worshiped by Lord Shiva devotees. These four forms, denoted as Tatpurusha, face east, Aghora faces south, Sadyojata faces west, and Vamadeva faces north.
- Another interesting story is about the discovery of lingam. As per this story, the divine Shiva lingam of Pashupatinath was found when a cow belonging to a dairy farmer randomly started squirting her milk in the same place each day. Curious, the dairy farmer drilled the same place and found the divine Shiva Lingam under there. Later, this occurrence led to the installation of Shiva Lingam at Pashupatinath temple at the place where it is currently located.
Occasions Celebrated at Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, making it a center of attraction for religious devotees who want to experience the heavenly aura of the place. Some of the main festivals celebrated in this sacred temple are as follows:
1. Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, well known as “The Great Night of Shiva,” is a religious occasion that takes place with exceptional glory at Pashupatinath Temple. This night-long celebration falls on the 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu calendar month of Phalugns Krishna Chtaurdashi. The festival celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which defines the holy fusion of feminine and masculine energies.
On the day of Mahashivratri, the Pashupatinath temple serves as a center of attraction for religious celebration. This Festival is enjoyed by Fasting, Performing Rituals and Prayers, and Offering Fruits, flowers, and milk to Lord Shiva– the most revered deity in Hinduism.
Worshipers of Lord Shiva also conduct rituals like ‘Rudra Abhishek’ Puja, which involves the ceremonial bathing of the idol by offering milk, yogurt, ghee, and honey. Soft lighting from oil lamps and the fragrance of incense fill the temple areas, providing a serene atmosphere that echoes the spirituality of the festival. Devotees join together and strengthen their relations with each other.
2. Teej Festival
Hartalika Teej festival was celebrated with great pomp at Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. On Teej, lakhs of women wearing red saris danced while getting drenched in the rain. Like India, women in Nepal also reach the temple to worship Lord Shiva and wish happiness and good health for their families. The festivities involve singing traditional Teej songs, known as “Teej Geet,” and experiencing passionate dances that emphasize Nepal’s culture.
All the married women fast on this day and break the fast only after offering prayer to the Shiva lingam. And the unmarried ladies seek the blessing of lord Shiva for a perfect life partner. Teej festival at Pashupatinath Temple is not just a holy festival but a cultural phenomenon that glorifies the Nepalese women’s faith, devotion, and unity.
Cremation Ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple
It is a ceremony that has to be watched to be believed; however, the following may help to explain the process.
An all-male group brings the coffin or stretcher, and they take the body out at the temple. Later, they cover the body with white clothes, leaving the head exposed. The family takes the body to the temple for the last visit and then respectfully undresses the body. The clothes of the body are thrown into the river, and once again it is covered by white cloth.
The man then takes up the stretcher and moves it three times to the left around the wooden funeral pyre before laying the body on top. The eldest of the deceased’s sons then moves around the pyre and sets the fire closer to the head of the corpse. This is important since Hindus think the release of the person’s spirit occurs via the mouth.
As soon as they set the pyre on fire, they immediately blanket the body with a pile of wet straw, which gives off white smoke. The smoke prevents the body from being exposed as the cremation continues. The family returns after a few hours when the flames have consumed all the body parts. Finally, they spread the ashes over the river.
But, still, there is something peaceful about this place despite the dismal echoes. Maybe it’s something about the Hindu culture, where it is believed that death is a rebirth and not “the end.”
Timings to visit Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple has four entry gates, of which the main one is located on the west side. All the other gates are only open during any specific festivals and special occasions. Here are some important timings of the temple:
- The inside area of the temple opens daily from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- In the morning, devotees can seek the blessing of Lord Shiva Lingam from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- In the afternoon, devotees can visit the lingam from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Abhishekam Timing: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Daily Rituals of Pashupatinath Temple
Rituals and ceremonies at Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal are an essential part of the everyday lives and the spiritual journey of Lord Shiv devotees. These traditions have been carried for centuries, passing down from one generation to another. Below are the daily rituals of Pashupatinath Temple:
- 4:00 AM: Devotees can enter the temple through the west gate.
- 9:30 AM: Opening of the 4 doors of the main temple, and the bath and cleaning process of lord Shiva begins.
- 10:00 AM: A special puja is performed in which devotees ask the pujaris to do one for specific causes.
- 12:00 PM: Bhog is offered to Lord Pashupatinath.
- 01:30 PM: Lord Shiva is offered with Mulbhog.
- 02:15 pm: Ending of prayer timing and all four doors get closed.
- 06:45 pm: Temple reopening and the evening aarti and Jal Avishekh at the Pashupatinath temple starts.
- 7:00: Shdhyan Aarti is performed to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.
- 07:30 PM: Bagmati Aarti begins and is performed at the banks of the Bagmati River. Quite popular among Hindu devotees these days.
- 08:00 pm: All the doors of Pashupatinath temple close.
How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple?
The journey to Pashupatinath Temple is simple and quick for tourists if planned properly. The temple is accessible through different means of transport. In case you choose a flight, the destination is Tribhuvan International Airport only a few kilometers away from here.
After reaching there one has to hire a taxi to go straight to the temple. Therefore, people can identify local buses and taxis as convenient means of transport for those who are already in Kathmandu. The temple is located only 5 km northeast of Kathmandu on the banks of the Bagmati River. One can also get by bus from most of the major cities of India.
Best Time To Visit Pashupatinath Temple
If you are also planning to visit the Pashupatinath Temple then it is important to consider the best timing. However, that mainly depends on your personal preferences and the type of journey experience you are looking for. But, considering different factors and specific periods can make your journey more enjoyable and easy. Here are some of our recommendations:
1. Moderate Weather Months (September to November or March to May)
Visiting during this is perfect as the climate at this period is very pleasant and moderate. The temperature at this time is usually mild to warm,m which makes your journey more comfortable and less hectic. Also, during the celebration of Maha Shivaratri (usually in February or March), the temple is full of energy, and a vibrant celebration is something to experience once in a lifetime.
2. Off-Peak Hours
To avoid long queues, schedule your stay during weekdays and the off-peak hours. Early mornings are usually less crowded and allow for a more meditative experience.
3. Traditional Festivals
If you want to witness the rich culture and spiritual celebration of Pashupatinath temple in Nepal, then plan your journey around the special occasion. Planning your journey at the time of festivals like Shivratri and Teej can take your spiritual experience to another level.
4. Avoid Monsoon Season
We suggest you do not visit from June to August as this season brings heavy rainfall to the region. Due to the intense rainfall, the pathways or roads become very slippery and create a lot of hurdles in traveling. Furthermore, the rise in the sea level makes it harder to access some areas.
The Eight Names of Lord Pashupatinath
The eight names of Lord Pashupati (Shiva) mentioned in the Vedas are as follows:
- Om Mahadevaya Chandramutraya Namah।।
- Om Ishanaya Suryamutraya Namah ।।
- Om Ugraya Vayumutrtaya Namah ।।
- Om Rudraya ‘Agnimutraya Namah’
- Om Bhavaya Jalamutrtaya Namah ।।
- Om Shavrvaya Kshitimutrtaya Namah ।।
- Om Pashupataye Yajmanamurtyaye Namah ।।
- Om Bhimaya ‘Akashamutraya Namah।।
Things To Remember while visiting Pashupatinath Temple
Below are some key factors to consider while visiting Pashupatinath Temple:
1. Dress Modestly
Dress appropriately for the temple. Avoid wearing clothes like short skirts and carry a spare shawl to cover your shoulders.
2. Avoid Leather
Avoid wearing leather clothing items like belts and jackets because of Hindu reverence for cows. The lord Pashupatinath himself is the protector of animals.
3. Take off Footwear
Shoe racks picket-fence the entrance of Pashupatinath temple. So, before entering the temple, take off your footwear, as it is a symbol of respect.
4. Photography Restrictions
We know the camera is important at the time of holidays. However, you need to respect the photography restrictions. The temple prohibits photography in some areas, especially during religious rituals.
Keeping these concerns in mind can help you further the sanctity of Pashupatinath Temple and make a spiritually enriching and respectful tour.
Interesting Truths about Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is a UN World Heritage site, which states it holds cultural and religious significance.
- The temple only admits Hindus inside the major temple. In contrast, international tourists from other walks of life can visit the outer temples.
- The craftsmen highly decorate the major pagoda-style temple with various intricate wood carvings of stories from Hindu scriptures.
- It is a designated site for Hindu cremation rites. Traditional funeral pyres burn all the time along the ghats on the riverbank.
- The silver-coated roof of the Pashupatinath Temple is an attractive feature for many visitors.
Conclusion
Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is not only a sanctuary for believers but a secret gem for history lovers. This majestic temple attracts tourists from across the world. A journey to Pashupatinath temple is like a whole new experience to connect with religion and witness ancient rituals, vibrant festivals, and culture of Nepal. Seeking the blessing of Lord Pashupatinath is more than just any tradition. It includes connecting people with their religion and knowing the aim of their lives through prayers, devotion, and dedication.
We hope you find this article helpful as we have mentioned all the information or facts about the Pashupatinath Temple. If you are also looking for a holy and spiritual experience, then the Pashupatinath Temple is the must-visit palace for you. So, plan your journey today to visit this holy site. Witness your spiritual search by strolling through the beautiful temple complex of Pashupatinath Temple.
Frequently Asked Questions
The idol of Lord Shiva is present in Pashupatinath Temple. The idol of Lord Shiva, known as Pashupatinath, has been the center of attraction for the devotees.
The Lord Shiva Lingam is likely to attract pilgrims because of its unique formless shape. This Shiva lingam has four faces which include Aghor Mukh (south face), Sadyojat (west face), Tatpurush (east face), and Ardhanarishwar (North face).
It is believed that in the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal, if someone comes for darshan, then he does not take birth in the form of an animal in any birth. There is another belief known about this temple that whoever goes to Pashupati, should not go to Nandi. Otherwise, you will be born an animal in your next birth.
Yes, non-Hindu people are allowed to visit most of the parts of the Pashupatinath Temple. However, they cannot visit the main area of the temple where Lord Shiva Lingam is established.
There are various festivals celebrated at this temple. The main festivals that attract devotees around the globe are Maha Shivarati, Teej, and the Bala Chaturdashi.