Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal that is dedicated to Shree Pashupatinath (Form of shiva).
Pashupatinath is the most important temple dedicated to god Shiva. Every year this temple attracts hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduism.
They arrive here to find shelter for the last several weeks of their lives, to meet death, be cremated on the banks of the river and travel their last journey with the waters of the sacred river Bagmati, which later meets the holy river Ganges. Hinduists from every corner of Nepal and India are arriving here to die.
It is believed that those who die in Pashupatinath Temple are reborn as a human, regardless of any misconduct that could worsen their karma.
Also Read: ABOUT KEDARNATH TEMPLE
The exact day of their death is predicted by astrologers of the temple. If you are attracted to the places where the spirit of death can be felt, then consider Pashupatinath as your first destination.
It is a temple with special atmosphere of death; death is present in almost every ritual and every corner of it.
It is believed that the Jyotirlinga housed in the Pashupatinath temple is the head of the body which is made up of the twelve Jyotirlinga in India. In 1979, the magnificent temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Interesting Stories of Pashupatinath Temple
Cow’s Tale
As this legend goes, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once transformed themselves into antelopes and visited the dense forest on the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. Enamoured with the beauty of the place, Lord Shiva decided to stay back as a deer.
The other deities soon came to know of his mischief and pestered him to resume his divine form by gripping one of his horns, which broke in the process. This broken horn used to be worshipped as a Shivalinga but was buried and lost after a few years.
Several centuries later, a herdsman found one of his cows showering milk on the site. Astonished, he dug deep into the site only to find the divine Shivalinga.
Legend of the Lichchavi
According to Gopalraj Aalok Vamsavali, the oldest chronicle of Nepal, the Pashupatinath Temple was constructed by Supushpa Deva, one of the Lichchavi rulers who ruled way before King Manadeva.
Devalaya Discourse
Another story that has come down from generations is that the Pashupatinath Temple was already present in the form of a linga shaped Devalaya before Supushpa Deva’s arrival. He constructed a five-storey temple for Lord Shiva on that spot. As days rolled by, the necessity for the renovation of the holy shrine arose, before it was finally reconstructed by King Shivadeva. Later, King Ananta Malla added a roof to it.
Only 4 priests are allowed to touch Idol
The most extraordinary feature of the Pashupatinath Temple is that the main idol can be touched only by four priests. Two sets of priests carry out the daily rites and rituals in the temple, the first being the Bhandari and the second being the Bhatt priests.
The Bhatt are the only ones who can touch the deity and perform the religious rites on the idol, while the Bhandaris are the caretakers of the temple.
Quick Facts
- Address: Gaushala Road, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
- Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Deity: Lord Pashupatinath (Lord Shiva) (Shiva)
- Architectural style: Hindu temple architecture
- Date established: 5th century
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Best Time to Visit: September to October
Pooja Timings at Pashupatinath Temple
| Timings | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 4:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Aarti Timings | 6:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple?
By Air
The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport which is located at about 2 km away from the temple. Autos are available for the last mile travel.
By Rail
Raxaul Railway Junction and then avail a bus to Brigunj and then Kathmandu.
By Road
Devotees can avail buses from New Delhi to Pokhara, and then to Kathmandu.
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