Pashupatinath Temple
Four Kathmandu landmarks Pashupatinath Temple Tour for the Entire Day
Hindu pilgrims often end their journey at the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important holy sites. One of the four most revered and renowned temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Asia is Pashupatinath. Numerous pilgrims and tourists visit the Pashupatinath Temple and its grounds each year. The name Pashupatinath alludes to Lord Shiva's manifestation as the Lord of All Animals. The region around the Pashupatinath Temple is made up of several shrines, statues, temples, and parks that add to its beauty and importance. Hindus are the only people who can visit the main temple.
More information about the Pashupatinath Temple
Cultural values Pashupati Nath Temple
Many people consider Pashupatinath to be the holiest of pilgrimage sites. The several temples on the Pashupatinath grounds each have a fascinating history. You can always witness the distinctive blending of culture and religion at Pashupatinath Temple. The cremation rituals, funeral ceremonies, and pilgrimage activities at Pashupatinath highlight the significance of this Shiva shrine. It is extremely well-liked among Hindu adherents because of the tremendous religious benefits it brings.
The main attractions of this most important place of worship are the Jyotirlingas. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, said to be in Pashupatinath Temple, is thought to have existed during the cosmic eras. According to the mythology behind the Jyotirlingas, Shiva originally manifested as a piercing of the globe. The Jyotirlingas are the locations where Shiva's light has manifested. To be saved from all the sins they committed during their lives, many individuals come to this temple. The prevailing notion is that going to the temple may free one from any sinful activities.
Social aspect Pashupati Nath Temple
Another important feature of this place is the cremation ground next to the temple. Hindus perform their last rituals on a high stone beside the Bagmati River. However, at this time, the Bagmati river is polluted and blocked. But it is Nepal's most revered river. The main open-air cremation place in the Kathmandu Valley is on the banks of the Bagmati River. In the Pashupatinath temple, cremation stones are distinguished based on levels and delegations. Only the members of the royal family, who are the highest-ranking government officials in Nepal, are cremated in front of the temple. The ghats are where typical Nepalese burials are held.
A religious aspect of Pashupati Nath Temple
Pashupatinath is a stunning temple with many remarkable features. Attend the events at Pashupatinath and take in the displays of activities; this place has fantastic things to offer. The nighttime shiva dances, cultural performances, and festivals are all entrancing.
According to Hindu religious doctrine, rebirth occurs after death. At the Pashupatinath temple, supposedly, one can witness life's ultimate truth. But seeing it is an experience. It illustrates Hindu cultural and traditional values as well as the importance of life. You can decide whether or not you wish to observe the open cremation process. Observing a cremation may be difficult for some people. Additionally, tourists should respect the locals' values.
It's fascinating to see so many young people visiting the Pashupatinath temple's evening aarti. The mind-blowing experience is provided by the spiritual atmosphere of Pashupatinath itself. The live pilgrimage center of Nepal is Pashupatinath. It provides a range of experiences. The aarti started in the evening as a part of the spiritual manifestations. The aarti event is attended by a large crowd here. The following are the everyday rituals that take place close to the temple:
- Panchamrit Puja
- Panchamrit Puja with Balbhog
- Panchamrit puja with Laghurudrabhishek and balbhog
- Panchamrit puja with Laghurudrabhishek and purabhog
- Panchamrit puja with Rudrabhishek, Purabhog, and one hundred twenty-five thousand deep arati
- Daily Nitya puja with Purabhog, participating with devotees
- Ekdiwasiya Maharudri
- Ekadas Diwasiya Mayarudri
- Ekadas Diwasiya Atirudri
The History of the Pashupatinath Temple
Numerous stories confirm that the Pashupatinath temple formerly stood where it does now. One particular legend claims that a cow used to come here and supply her milk daily at the same location. The unusual behavior of the cow astonished the cowherd. One day, he followed the cow and discovered a cow in the pasture was oddly dispensing milk. For a few days, this procedure went on. His other gwala pals were then contacted, and they made the decision to excavate the earth. They discovered a jyotirlinga while they were excavating. Then they built a little shrine and began to worship Pashupatinath. The Pashupatinath temple was built by the Licchavi monarch Supuspadeva in the fifth century.
Only Hindus are permitted into the temple section. The temple's priests are "Bhattas" from South India. When Guru Sankharaacharya visited this temple in Kathmandu, it is thought that the custom of puja by priests from south India had already started. The Pashupatinath shrine is now frequented by thousands of people.
The Pashupatinath temple's importance is also mentioned in other holy texts. According to the Himbhagwatkhanda and Nepal mahatma, Lord Shiva once escaped from Varanasi and arrived in Mrigasthali, the lovely woodland next to the Pashupatinath temple, where he resided in the guise of a gazelle. He leapt over the Bagmati River to the other side when the Gods tried to find him and discovered him on the river's banks.
His horns split into four pieces as he leaped. According to legend, the chaturmukha linga is represented by the four sections of those horns. Since then, followers have worshipped Pashupatinath, a form of Shiva. Tatpurusha (east face), Aghora (south face), Sadyojata (west face), and Vamadeva (north face) are the four faces of the Chaturmukha linga, respectively. Ishan refers to Chaturlingam's top portion.
Festivals on-site at Pashupatinath Temple
SHIVA RATRI FESTIVAL:-
During the Shivaratri festival, Pashupatinath Temple is illuminated by lamplight all night long, and it is open to the public. On the festival day, thousands of worshippers take ceremonial baths in the Bagmati River and watch as sages from various regions of Nepal and India travel here to celebrate Maha Shivaratri. On the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri, a large number of Hindu worshipers congregate at Pashupatinath. As early as two in the morning, people congregate at the temple to worship the deity. The authorities recently implemented a preferential line system for those who paid NRs. 1000 and wanted to visit the shrine without waiting in line.
Teej festival in Pashupatinath Temple:-
Many ladies wear red saris, which are customarily worn for wedding rituals, during the Teej festival, which takes place in August and attracts thousands of women to the holy waters of the Bagmati River.
Entrance Fee Pashupati Nath Temple:-
Pashupatinath Entrance Fees: 1000 Rs for foreigners and Rs 1000 for SAARC (free for Indian people).
Boudhanath Stupa
A white dome known as Boudhanath Stupa is adorned with prayer flags, prayer wheels, a shrine, and a statue. The Boudhanath Stupa's various components, hues, and design features symbolize Buddhism and the Buddha's teachings. Despite being in the center of the city, Boudhanath Stupa offers a great deal of quiet and tranquillity. You could witness the devotees worshipping and honoring Boudhanath Stupa every morning and evening. The region is home to a wide variety of eateries and coffee shops where tourists may take in the surroundings and uplifting energy provided by Boudhanath Stupa.
Boudhanath represents tranquillity and harmony to Nepalis. The world heritage site is always crowded with tourists and believers. The historic monument, known as "Boudha" locally, serves as the main spiritual center for Buddhist devotees. Even though a holy institution receives a lot of traffic, it gives off a serene and tranquil atmosphere for tourists. And despite its busy atmosphere, many tourists still visit the UNESCO site for that reason alone. One of the biggest stupas in South Asia and the only one of its kind in the entire globe is Boudhanath.
Cultural values of Boudhanath Stupa
The stupa's structure is a mandala, and its design is totally original. The Boudhanath stupa has a number of origin tales, which we shall examine in the section below. In general, Boudhanath is a revered Nepalese holy place that is full of history, beauty, and spiritual importance. The palace's vivacity and peacefulness are genuinely amazing and fascinating to experience. One of the most stunning stupas in the world, the Boudhanath stupa, was constructed in the fifth century. The stupa stands for the collective consciousness of all Buddhas. There is a well-known myth connected to the location. It is said that everyone who prostrates and circles the large stupa with a good heart generates positive karma that grants all of their requests. Every day, hundreds of devotees visit sacred places. Additionally, for millennia, devotees who perform intense devotional worship at the stupa have used it as a site to seek blessings, inspiration, protection, and cleansing.
The structural representational meaning of Boudhanath Stupa
In Nepal, a stupa is thought to symbolize the Lord Buddha's pure intellect. The path to enlightenment is shown with each step. "Large eyes" are well known, but what do the other components mean? Let's examine the Boudhanath Stupa's architecture and symbolic meaning from the top.
1. The apex
The King of Mountains, Mount Sumeru, is represented by this. The enormous "mountain above the mountains," said to be the residence of the gods, is the enormous "mountain above the mountains."
2. Parasol
The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are thought to be three treasures that the umbrella guards. A gliding canopy that is just above the umbrella is considered to depict the air.
3. Lotus
The lotus is a representation of self-actualization, enlightenment, and purity since it is rooted in muck, develops in soiled water, and emerges as a symbol of beauty without becoming stained. It stands for wise creatures like the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
4. The 13 Steps
The stupa's name derives from the thirteen steps, which represent the Bodhisattva's basis for enlightenment, or "Bodhi," in its thirteen phases. The triangle is a symbol of fire.
5. Two Large Eyes
From the four corners of the main tower of the stupa, there are enormous pairs of eyes peering out. These are the Buddha's wisdom and eyes. The stupa's eyes serve as a representation of the Buddha's all-seeing capacity.
6. Nose
The nose represents Nirvana. Additionally, it is said to reflect the Nepali letter for 1, which stands for oneness and the sole path to enlightenment.
7. Harmika
The eight noble paths are represented by Harmika. The eight noble ways consist of:
- Right view
- Right thought
- Right Speech
- Right action
- Right livelihood
- Right endeavor
- Right Mindfulness
- Right meditative concentration
History of the Boudhanath Stupa
It is uncertain how long the Boudhanath stupa has existed. There are a lot of tales about how it was made, but the Tibetan one is perhaps the most well-known since it says an elderly woman was inspired to create a Buddhist shrine here decades ago. The monarch was not going to grant the woman's request for some land, but she petitioned him to do so. But the Bodhisattvas agitated inside him, compelling him to. Her four boys finished the job after she started constructing the dome (sometimes said to be of four different fathers and representing the four cardinal directions).
The Mughal Empire of West Asia and India attacked the borders of Nepal in the 14th century, according to historians who have studied this location. While unlikely, it does appear that Buddhist shrines may have existed in this area before the construction of the present stupa.
Festivals on site of the Boudhanath Stupa
- Tibetan Festival - Lhosar which is held in the Buddha area from Jan -Feb each year
- Saga Dawa Festival - Candlelight festival being held on Jul-Aug
- Dashain- The biggest festival of the Hindus, especially in October.
Entrance Fees of the Boudhanath Stupa
- Boudhanath Stupa Entrance fees: 400 Rs for Foreigner and Rs 100 For SAARC
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The historic palace in Kathmandu's Durbar Square has constructed a century ago. Shrines and temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses may also be seen in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Kumari Temple is currently Kathmandu Durbar Square's top draw. The only alive Nepalese goddess, Kumari, is worshipped in the temple known as Kumari. During the 2015 earthquake, several temples and monuments were destroyed, while others are still beautifully standing.
Around Kathmandu, Durbar Square is a fascinating area filled with spectacular monuments and antiques. Our knowledgeable city / cultural guide will lead you on this fascinating tour. A few of the sites in the Square are the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), the fearsome Kal Bhairab, the Red Monkey God, and hundreds of pornographic sculptures. The structures in this area represent the pinnacle of the Malla dynasty's architectural achievements. Among the numerous monuments is a pagoda-style temple dedicated to Goddess Taleju (it is said that she once played dice with King Jaya Prakash Malla). The Kastamandap rest house is open for visitors, and the square is alive with color.
Cultural values of Kathmandu Durbar Square
A tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square is, in fact, a tour of both the history and the culture of the nation. On the seventh day of Dashain, when Fulpati, jamara (barley sprouts with ritual significance), and other ritual items are brought in from Gorkha in a stately procession, Brahmins carry them in a covered palanquin while being accompanied by soldiers brandishing muskets and wearing period-appropriate garb. Numerous animals (including goats, buffaloes, ducks, and pigeons) are sacrificed to Goddess Kali on the eighth day (Maha Asthami) at Kathmandu's Durbar Square.
In the kot (courtyard) of Hanuman Dhoka, army soldiers butcher additional sacrificed animals with khukuris in front of a high-profile audience of officers in full dress regalia and other dignitaries on the ninth day (Maha Navami), which is the only time it is done. The celebration is fantastic, complete with a brass band, cannons that fire off loud noises, etc.
The numerous historic shrines and temples in and around Kathmandu Durbar Square's grounds, including those dedicated to several Hindu gods like Ganesh, Shiva-Parvati, Bhagwati, Saraswoti, Krishna, etc., in addition to Taleju and Kumari Ghar, further demonstrate the area's cultural significance.
History Kathmandu Durbar Square
Sankharadev (1069–1083) is credited with building the palace in Kathmandu Durbar Square even though there are no written records of its existence. The Taleju temple on the northern side of the palace is credited to Ratna Malla, the first monarch of the independent Kathmandu City, who reigned in 1501. No trace of a separate building that would fit this temple can be located within the square, thus if this is the case, the temple would have had to have been constructed in the vihara style as part of the royal grounds surrounding the Mul Chok courtyard.
Despite being the oldest courtyard in the area, the Kernel Chok's construction is not explicitly mentioned in any historical inscriptions. The Bhagavati Temple, formerly known as the Narayan Temple, was added under the reign of Jagajaya Malla in the early eighteenth century and towers above the homes around it. After the temple's Narayan statue was stolen, Prithvi Narayan Shah replaced it with a statue of Bhagavati, entirely changing the temple's name.
Festivals on-site of Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Indra Jatra
The biggest and most significant street celebration in Kathmandu is Indra Jatra, often referred to as "Yenya Punhi." At the festival, Indra, the King of Heaven and the God of Rain is honored. A very tall wooden pole is erected at Kathmandu Durbar Square to kick off the eight-day celebration (the Linga). Throughout the event, several mask dances are presented. The Living Goddess Kumari's chariot is also dragged across Kathmandu for three days during Indra Jatra. In actuality, three chariots—the chariot of Ganesh, the chariot of Bhairav, and the chariot of Kumari—are hauled.
It is definitely worth extending your stay in Kathmandu if you happen to travel to Nepal during Indra Jatra, which typically occurs in September.
Entrance Fee of Kathmandu Durbar Square
Entrance fee for Kathmandu Durbar Square Including the Tribhuwan museum: 1000 for foreigners and 150 for SAARC nationals
Monkey Temple' or Swyambhunath Temple
The summit of the hill is home to the sacred landmark known as Swoyambhunath Temple. The location is home to several statues, monuments, and shrines honoring Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses. Due to the large number of monkeys that live on the grounds and in the Swoyambhunath Temple, it is also known as the Monkey Temple. Prayer flags and wheels of various colors are used to adorn the temple. When the weather is clear, the temple, which is perched atop a hill, provides a magnificent wide-angle view of the Kathmandu valley and the surrounding mountains.
Due to the existence of an extensive monkey culture, this temple is also known as the Monkey Temple. Visitors feed the monkeys, take photographs, and are generally quite fond of the surroundings. Hundreds of pilgrims climb the 365 steps that go up the hill and begin a series of clockwise circumambulations around the stupa when they visit this temple early in the morning to take in the beautiful view of the dawn from the height of the Kathmandu valley. Since Saturday is Nepal's national holiday, the temple receives the majority of visitors on that day, including individuals of all three generations. To commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana of the death of the Buddha, many people visit the Swoyambhunath temple on the day of Buddha Jayanti every year.
History Monkey Temple' or Swyambhunath Temple
In the lake that originally filled the Kathmandu Valley, Lord Buddha allegedly planted a miracle lotus that shed a dazzling light and flowered, according to the Swayambhu Purana, written in the 15th century. Later, this lotus changed into a holy hill of its own, and the area became known as Swayambhu, which means "Self-Created" or "Self-Existent."
Thousands of pilgrims, including Vajrayana Buddhists from northern Nepal and Tibet, Newari Buddhists from central and southern Nepal, and even individuals of other religions, frequently travel to Swayambhunath. The complex's history is a significant factor in its relevance. King Vrsadeva is commonly credited with founding the site in the fifth century, while precise dates are uncertain. On the hill, there would have been a number of temples over the years, and the stupa itself would have undergone renovations and changes at the same time.
Festivals on-site at Monkey Temple' or Swyambhunath Temple
The two primary celebrations observed in Swayambhunath are Losar and Buddha Jayanti. On these occasions, a sizable crowd of visitors walks around the temple while the monks use saffron-colored paint to draw a lotus design on the stupa.
Entrance fees for Monkey Temple
Swyambhunath Entrance fees: 200 Rs for Foreigner and Rs 50 For SAARC
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