The Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Pashupatinath, one of the names of Shiva, who is the supreme god of the Shaivites.

The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. He is the destroyer and the transformer in Hinduism and is considered to be the supreme god in the Hindu pantheon. In the Pashupatinath Temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in his most ferocious form, as the god of death and the god of the afterlife.

Pashupati means lord of all animals and Nath means ascetic. Hence Pashupatinath means the lord who is the master of all living beings. The temple is also known as the gateway to heaven because it is believed that the souls of those who die here are directly taken to heaven.

The construction of the Pashupatinath Temple is believed to have been started by the Lichhavi king, Gunakamadev in the 5th century CE, but it was later completed by the Malla king, Yakshya Malla in the 17th century. The temple is an architectural fusion, a blend that incorporates elements from the Lichhavi and Malla periods.

Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions. One of the most important additions was made by Rana Bahadur Shah in the 18th century, who built the 43-meter tall Pashupati Nath tower, also known as the Shikhara. This tower is the tallest and most prominent structure in the temple complex and serves as a symbol of Shiva’s power and glory.

Another notable addition was made by the Shah dynasty king, Pratap Singh Shah in the 19th century. He built a series of smaller towers and shrines around the main tower that were decorated with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses and other mythical creatures. These structures are collectively known as the Pratappur.

In addition to the main temple and tower, the Pashupatinath Temple complex also includes a number of other structures such as the Bhasmavati Temple, the Yoga Narayana Temple, the Mumu Dispatch Temple, the Trimurti Temple and the Narmada Udyan. These structures are dedicated to various Hindu deities and are popular pilgrimage sites for Hindus from all over the world.

One of the most important festivals celebrated at the Pashupatinath Temple is the Mahashivratri, which is the night of Shiva. During this festival, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights and thousands of devotees from all over Nepal come to worship Lord Shiva. Another important festival is the Shravan Mela, which is a four-day fair held in the month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar. During this fair, devotees from all over the country gather at the Pashupatinath Temple to bathe in the sacred Bagmati River and worship Lord Shiva.

The Pashupatinath Temple is also an important center for learning. There are several schools and ashrams within the temple complex where people come to study Hindu scriptures and meditate.

If you are planning to visit the Pashupatinath Temple, it is open to all and there is no entry fee. The best time to visit is during the morning hours when the temple is beautifully lit up and the atmosphere is most serene. You should also be prepared to climb a lot of stairs as the temple is situated on a hill and there are many levels to it.

Overall, the Pashupatinath Temple is a truly spectacular place that will leave you in awe. From its ancient origins to its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere, this temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hinduism or simply looking for a peaceful place to meditate.