Pashupatinath Temple
Located on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu on both banks of the holy Bagmati River, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred temples of Hindus in Nepal. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, and every year, thousands of pilgrims visit this temple to worship.
Many older adults visit here to spend the last few weeks. Later, to get cremated on the sacred river Bagmati river banks, which meets with another holy river Ganga. People here believe that if they die in Pashupatinath Temple, they will be reborn as a human regardless of their sins. Moreover, the astrologers of the temple predict the exact death day.
Another exciting thing about the Pashupatinath aarati is that standing at the bank of the holy Bagmati river during the aarti time, you can see life and deaths simultaneously. While you are in Nepal or Pashupatinath, you never forget about the Himalayas of Nepal and the god and goddess in the Himalayas. In this way, we operate pilgrimage tours and treks:-
- Gosainkunda helicopter tour
- Muktinath helicoter tour
- Gosaikunda lake trek
- Gokyo lake trek
- Damodarkunda Lake helicopter tour
Fascinating, right?
This is the specialty of this temple, even every corner has the atmosphere of the end, yet one will find themselves in the most calming state of their mind in this temple.
About Pashupatinath Complex
Pashupatinath Temple was renovated by the Lichchavi King, Prachanda Dev, in the 5th century after it got demolished by termites. Moreover, the existence of this temple dates back to 400 B.C. According to Nepal Mahatmya and Himvatkhanda, this temple got famous in the name of Pashupati, which is known as the deity of Pahus (animals). According to the manuscript, as time flew by, many temples were constructed here, like the Vaishnava temple complex built in the 14th century and Guhyeshwari Temple built in the 11th century.
The main temple is situated at the center of the complex with a bunk roof, a golden spire, and four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. Located on the western bank of Bagmati, the main temple complex is known as a masterpiece of Hindu architecture.
In front of the main temple, there is a massive statue of Nandi, Shiva's bull. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the main temple. The eastern bank of the Bagmati river presents captivating views of the main temple, whereas the western bank of the river holds Panch Dev Complex (Five Temples), which once used to be holy shrines and now serves as a shelter for poor older adults.
The whole area of Pashupatinath comprises 264 hectares of land that includes 518 temples and monuments. The inner courtyard contains temples and shrines like Unmatta Bhairava Temple, Vasuki Nath Temple, Budhanilkantha shrine, Kirtimukha Bhairava shrine, Hanuman shrine, Surya Narayana Temple, 184 Sivalinga shrine, and many others. The outer complex includes Virat Swaroop Temple, Guhyeshwari Temple, Ram Mandir, 12 Jyotirlinga and Pandra Shivalaya, and many more.
Facts about Pashupatinath Temple
Only Hindus are allowed to enter the main temple complex. However, non-Hindus can explore all other parts of the complex.
On the eastern bank of the Bagmati river, there are numerous single-story religious buildings devoted to Shiva built from stone. These buildings look like crypts from the outside, but they are sacral structures that hold lingam (erect phallus), the symbol of Lord Shiva.
There are numerous platforms for funeral pyres on the right bank of the Bagmati river.
Even in the complex practices of funeral ceremonies, there is no smell of decaying flesh but instead smells more like clabber mixed with different spices.
It is believed that soap was invented hereafter. Women washed clothes in the river as the water contained animal fat and ashes of cremated Shiva followers.
The whole complex has numerous monkeys, pigeons, and deers—no doubt why Shiva is regarded as the patron of animals.
Every year thousands of sadhus and yogis visit this place on the main occasions. Moreover, one can find sadhus all most throughout the year. You can also take their photos in exchange for a few bucks.
Most the travelers and Pilgrimages like to do in Nepal
- Everest base camp helicopter tour
- Kathmandu heritage day tour
- Gosainkunda helicopter tour
- Muktinath helicoter tour
