Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, who is considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations.
Thousands of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world visit the temple every year. The Pashupatinath Temple is a magnificent structure with a gold-plated roof and four silver-plated doors.
The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Inside the temple, there is a black granite statue of Lord Pashupatinath.
The temple complex also houses several other temples and shrines. The most notable of these is the temple of Lord Ganesh, which is said to be the oldest temple in the complex.
List of Facts about Pashupatinath Temple
- The Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- It is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva as the supreme deity of the Hindu pantheon.
- The temple complex also contains a number of small shrines and temples, including those to Kirtimukha Bhairava, the deity of destruction, and to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god.
- The temple is one of the four most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, known as the Char Dham Kshetra. Other are Mukti Kshetra, Ruru Kshetra, and Baraha Kshetra.
- It is also known as the “home of the holy Sadhus.”
- The temple is believed to have been built by Prachanda Deva, a Licchavi king, and a Shiva devotee.
- However, the current structure is thought to date from the 17th century AD.
- The temple is constructed in the Nepalese pagoda style, with a tiered roof and plinth.
- The main shrine is a two-tiered structure with a gold-plated roof.
- Inside the main shrine is a Nandi – Shiva’s bull and lingam, the symbol of Shiva.
- On the banks of the Bagmati River, there is a platform for cremation rites.
- The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 AD.
- It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nepal, with over 1.5 million visitors only during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
- The temple is open to Hindus only i.e. entry inside the temple premises, but visitors of all religions are welcome to admire the architecture and learn about the Hindu religion.
- The best time to visit the temple is during the Shivaratri festival when devotees come from all over Nepal to worship Shiva and also from India.
- The temple is located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 5 km from the city center.
- It is easily accessible by public transport, with buses and taxis readily available.
- The temple is open from 4 am to 9 pm but is closed between 12 PM to 5 PM.
- Photography and leather items (belts, purses, etc.) are not allowed inside the temple complex.
- The temple is surrounded by Sadhus and Yogis, you can pose with them as they are tourist friendly.
