Pashupatinath temple is significant for its multifaceted, encompassing religious, cultural, and historical dimensions. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and lies on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. It is one of the most famous and biggest ritual sites for Hindus in the world. The date of starting is not fixed; however, historians say that it started in the 3rd century, but the present building was built in the 17th century. Pashupati means the God of the beast. Hindus don’t sacrifice animals in this temple; instead, they offer milk, vermilion, and some fruits for worship. The main Pujari (priest) remains a “Bhatta” South Indian; this system prevailed since the 7th century. It is natively a Hindu temple; however, Buddhist religious also often come to worship in this temple.
In 1834, Muslim emperors or invaders, Samasuddhin, came to Nepal with his warriors and destroyed many temples and monuments. Since then, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter through the main entrance door. In Hinduism, there are three major deities: Brahma (the creator), Bishnu (the protector), and Maheswara (the destroyer). It is believed that Shiva is one of the manifestations of Maheswara and takes a big place in the Pashupatinath temple. The ceremonies or ritual serenities take place every day; however, there are 2 big festivals like Shiva Ratri and Tij. During Shibharatri, thousands of Hindu Shadus, including pilgrims, gather in Pashupatinath. And during TEEJ, all Hindu women dress up perfectly and vow to the lord Shibha for presenting a gentle, kind, and healthy husband or boyfriend. There are countless Shiva monuments, temples, devals, and piths. The Bagmati River is known as the holy Ganga. On the bank of the River, there are many Pyre plate forms for burning cremations. Hindus bring dead bodies to the riverside for the last right offering. While the dead body is completely burnt down, they take water from the River and wash the ashes into the river. That is because they believe our body is built by the five elements of the universe and sent back to the roots, such as the Fire element, the Sky element, the Air element, the Earth element, and the Water element
Visiting the Mighty holistic site becomes very interesting for seeing different activities. Monkeys, dogs, oxen, and cows seem good friends to each other. The Sadhus and Gurus are chanting mantras on the riverbank, as well as reading fortunes on the lines of the hand. The crowd of pilgrims gets in and out, with offerings every time in the temple.
Important Information for Visitors:
- Entry Fee: There is a fee for non-Indian foreigners to enter the main temple complex, but Nepalese and Indian citizens can enter for free.
- Restrictions: Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple building. Photography is restricted in certain areas. It's important to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.
Religious and Spiritual Importance
The Abode of Lord Shiva: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupati, which translates to "Lord of all living beings" or "Lord of the animals." It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus worldwide, especially followers of the Shaiva tradition.
A Jyotirlinga Site: The main deity is a lingam, a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures, Pashupatinath is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlinga sites, which are highly sacred shrines of Shiva.
A Symbol of Life and Death: The temple complex is not just a place of worship but also a site for Hindu cremation rituals. The ghats (platforms) along the Bagmati River are where bodies are cremated, making the temple a place where the cycle of life, death, and rebirth is on constant display. Observing these rituals offers a profound insight into Hindu philosophy.
A Place for Liberation: Many Hindus believe that dying and being cremated at Pashupatinath can lead to moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
Historical and Architectural Significance
Ancient Origins: The exact date of the temple's establishment is unknown, but historical records indicate a religious presence on the site as early as 400 CE. The current main temple, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver-plated doors, was reconstructed in the 17th century after the previous wooden structure was destroyed by termites.
Newari Pagoda Architecture: The main temple is a stunning example of traditional Nepalese pagoda-style architecture. The intricate wooden carvings and golden roofs showcase the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. The temple complex includes more than 500 other temples and shrines.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In recognition of its immense cultural and historical value, the Pashupatinath Temple complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 as part of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage site.
Cultural and Social Importance
Major Festivals: The temple is a hub of activity, especially during major Hindu festivals. The most important festival is Maha Shivaratri, which draws over a million devotees from Nepal and India. Teej, a festival for women, and Bala Chaturdashi, a ritual for the deceased, are also celebrated with great fervor.
A Meeting Place: The temple grounds are a melting pot of people from various walks of life. You can see Hindu holy men (sadhus) with their ash-smeared bodies, pilgrims performing rituals, and tourists observing the unique cultural practices.
Rituals and Worship: The daily rituals at Pashupatinath are highly structured. The main darshan (viewing) of the lingam is open to Hindus only, but visitors of all faiths can explore the surrounding grounds, temples, and the Bagmati River banks to witness the rituals and experience the spiritual atmosphere. The evening Aarti (fire ritual) on the banks of the Bagmati River is a particularly beautiful and engaging ceremony to attend.
