A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the capital city Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most revered spiritual sites for Hindus all over the world.
Nepal is the melting pot of different religious and cultural practices and a land of spiritual abundance, and the holy Pashupatinath Temple is the best representation of this abundance.
Regardless of your interests in spirituality and religion, if you have heard of Nepal as a trekker, you might have definitely heard about the brief mention of the Pashupatinath Temple.
Located in the bank of Bagmati River, this temple is not just a spiritual site but also a majestic display of marvelous architecture and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.
Dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shiva, this temple attracts millions of visitors every year. In this blog, we take you on a detailed journey through the rich history, architecture, spiritual significance, and cultural importance of Pashupatinath Temple.
Historical Background of Pashupatinath Temple
Origins and Legends
As the name of the temple suggests in the local language, the Pashupatinath Temple worships Lord Shiva in a form where he manifests himself as the lord of all the animals- ‘Pashupatinath’.
Deeply steeped in Hindu mythology and the local legends, there are many stories revolving around the origin of the temple. As per a story, Lord Shiva and his consort Devi Parvati came to the Kathmandu Valley and rested by the Bagmati river while on a journey.
Lord Shiva got so enchanted by its beauty and the surrounding forest that he and Mata Parvati changed themselves into deer and walked into the forest. However, after a while, the search for Lord Shiva began.
Finally, after various complications, the Gods found him in the forest, but he refused to leave. Ultimately, Lord Shiva announced that he would now be known as Pashupatinath, Lord of all animals.
As per another legend, the more popular one, there once was a wish-fulfilling cow called Kamadhenu who took shelter in the Chandravan mountain. It was noticed that the cow used to go and pour her milk at the same spot every day.
When it caught people’s interest, they found that at the same spot there was a glowing Shiva Lingam which was buried beneath the soil and the cow was pouring milk on the same lingam.
The same location where the Lingam was found is the present day Pashupatinath Temple. It is said that whoever came here and beheld the lingam that appeared there would not be reborn as an animal.
Construction and Development
While the exact origins of the Pashupatinath Temple remain uncertain in terms of a timeline, the historical records that are available suggest that the temple was first constructed in 5th Century AD.
However, the temple has undergone many renovations and expansions to become what it is in today’s date. Many parts of the temple have been added, rebuilt, and renovated constantly.
But the main temple sanctum has stood the test of time and remained intact over the long period of time and endured many changes and challenges, including the massive 2015 earthquake.
Architectural Features of Pashupatinath Temple
Temple Design
What might have started with just the main glowing Shiva Lingam and a temple sanctum around it, it has now evolved into the grand complex that we see which is comprised of a multitude of shrines, ghats, and sacred spaces.
The architectural style of Pashupatinath Temple is quite unique and built in the Pagoda style along with tiered roofs that taper upwards. The overall design of the Pashupatinath temple puts a fine display of the fine craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans.
You will see two gold-plated roofs and intricately carved silver doors on the temple. The beauty of these is further enhanced by the wooden frames adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities.
The Main Sanctum and Shiva Lingam
The main sanctum housing the divine Shiva Lingam is the heart of the entire Pashupatinath Temple complex. This main temple is a two-tiered pagoda structure adorned with intricate carvings and silver doors.
The Shiva Lingam is central to Hindu worship. At the basic level, you can think of it as a stone phallic symbol that represents the eternal power of Lord Shiva. It symbolizes both creation and destruction.
Surrounding Structures
There are many small temples dedicated to various Hindu deities, and other structures of spiritual significance that surround the main sanctum of Pashupatinath and make the entire complex very holy and pious.
You will see Ganesha Temple, Vishnu Temple, a labyrinth full of Shiva Lingams, stone statues of deities and more. A prominent figure that you will see is Nandi- the bull and loyal mount of Lord Shiva, whose massive statue sits facing the main temple, constantly guarding his master.
Beyond the temple complex, a significant surrounding structure is the Bagmati River, which also features several cremation ghats on its bank. You will find that the fire in these ghats never cease.
These ghats are used for the Hindu rite of cremation. The belief is that dying and being cremated at Pashupatinath ensures moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
However, on the exact opposite side of these ghats, you can see the stunning evening aarti which will provide solace to your mind and heart. So, this can be quite a contrasting yet intimidating experience to witness death and solace together.
Spiritual Significance of Pashupatinath Temple
Regarded as one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu Valley as well as in Nepal, the Pashupatinath Temple holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus residing all over the world.
It is mainly because the temple depicts the omnipotence of Lord Shiva as he is worshipped here as the protector of all the living creatures and to be present everywhere.
It is worshipped as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas- the manifestations of Lord Shiva. The Shiva Lingam here has five faces: Isana, Tatpurusha, Aghora, Vamadeva, and Sadyojata, and each face symbolizes different stages of life and universal principles.
For Hindus, visiting the Pashupatinath Temple is considered of high significance as it is believed to rid them of all their sins. Also, according to Hindu belief, being cremated at Pashupatinath ensures moksha, the soul’s final release from the cycle of reincarnation.
Cultural Significance
Beyond the highly spiritual significance of Pashupatinath Temple, it also has high cultural significance. First and foremost, the temple acts as a hub for many Hindu rituals and festivals.
You will see that many important rituals like Aarti, Rudra Abhishek, Laakh Batti, and other rituals where offerings are made to the deity are a daily occurrence at the Pashupatinath Temple.
There are many temple priests, locally known as Bhattas, and Sadhu Babas that you will see in the temple complex. They are seen giving blessings to the pilgrims or simply meditating in the temple premises.
In the nearby ghats including the Arya Ghat and Bhasmeshwar Ghat along the Bagmati river are where open-air cremations take place. This aspect of Pashupatinath may come as a shock to some tourists, but it is a deeply spiritual practice for Hindus.
For the cremation, the deceased’s body is placed on a funeral pyre, and after the cremation, the ashes are released into the Bagmati River, symbolizing the soul’s final journey towards the afterlife.
The architecture and the overall surrounding of Pashupatinath Temple are also a deep portrayal of Nepalese cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Important Festivals at Pashupatinath Temple
Be it Dashain and Tihar, or any other Nepali festival, all the Hindu festivals are important celebrations within the complex of Pashupatinath Temple. However, there are certain specific festivals during which the temple is in its most crowded form.
The Pashupatinath Temple comes alive during major festivals dedicated to lord Shiva, including Teej and Maha Shivaratri. During these festivals, you will see thousands of devotees gathering within the complex.
Besides this, an entire month of the Nepali calendar- Shrawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temple is in extremely high spirits throughout this month. Especially on the Mondays of Shrawan, you will find yourself no space to enter the complex.
During these celebrations, the temple complex is adorned with colorful decorations, and special rituals and pujas are performed. It is a time of great spiritual fervor and community spirit.
Pashupatinath as a Tourist Destination
While the Pashupatinath Temple is regarded as one of the major tourist destinations in Nepal, you will see a variety of tourists here. Most of them would be spiritual tourists.
People are attracted towards visiting the Pashupatinath temple because of its religious significance and to experience the intense spiritual atmosphere that pervades the temple complex accompanied with the rhythmic chanting of mantras.
Experiencing Pashupatinath
A visit to Pashupatinath Temple can be a unique spiritual experience as you get a sight of Sadhus meditating by the banks of Bagmati River, adjacent to the funeral pyres burning constantly.
Visiting Pashupatinath Temple is a deeply personal experience for most of the pilgrims. As international visitors, there are certain cultural insights that might come in handy for a better experience.
Reaching the temple complex is quite easy. The Pashupatinath temple is located at a distance of around 5 kilometers from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
You can get a car or a taxi at the airport and ask them to take you straight to the temple. You can also opt for public transportation options including local buses.
As far as entering the temple complex is concerned, there is a small entrance fee for international tourists, usually around 1000 Nepali Rupees. The temple is open from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.
You will find basic facilities like washrooms and parking near the temple. There are also several guesthouses and hotels around the temple which can provide you basic to advanced ranges of accommodation nearby that cater to both pilgrims and tourists.
The best time to visit Pashupatinath Temple is during the time of major festivals which mostly fall during the months of autumn (September to November). This is also the best time for trekking in Nepal, so you can manage your itinerary accordingly.
Even during the best season, the best time to visit is during the early morning or late evening, when the crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is more peaceful.
One main thing to remember is that non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main sanctum of the temple. However, you can freely explore the surrounding temples and areas.
As a tourist, you can see other attractions near Pashupatinath like the Boudhhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, and the Guhyeshwari Temple, another important religious site associated with the worship of Goddess Parvati.
Photography is allowed in most areas of the temple complex, except inside the main sanctum. It is strictly prohibited there. Visitors can also purchase religious artifacts such as prayer beads, statues of deities, and Shiva Lingams from vendors near the temple.
Dos and Don’ts
As it is an important place of worship, when visiting Pashupatinath Temple it is crucial to adhere to certain spiritual practices and cultural norms to show respect for the sanctity of the site. Here are some dos and don’ts to follow during your Pashupatinath visit:
- Maintain the dignity of the place that you are visiting. It is advised to wear clothes that cover your shoulder and legs. An attire that is respectful for the religious environment should be chosen.
- You should remove your footwear before entering the temple premises as a sign of respect. You will find designated areas where shoes can be left.
- As the temple is a place of worship, you are expected to maintain a quiet, calm, and respectful attitude.
- When participating in rituals or prayers, follow the guidance of temple priests or local devotees.
- Don’t engage in inappropriate behaviour like loud conversations, excessive photography, or disruptive activities that can be disrespectful to the worshippers.
- Certain areas, especially the inner sanctum, prohibit photography. Follow the rules strictly.
- It is important that you respect the cremation areas as there are sacred rites happening there. Keep a respectful distance and observe quietly. Don’t take photographs of the rituals.
- Pilgrims often make small offerings at the temple or to the priests, so carrying small denominations of cash is helpful.
- Maintain cleanliness in the temple complex, respecting its sacred environment.
