Pashupatinath Temple: A Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred places of Hindu pilgrimage. The presiding deity of the temple is Shiva, and it attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered the largest temple complex in Nepal.
A Magnificent Temple Complex
This magnificent complex is made up of 492 temples, a Brridaashram and other buildings. It is also a great place to learn about Hindu culture and tradition.
A Spiritual Journey
A visit to this iconic temple can be a wonderful experience, especially for those who have lost a loved one or are on a spiritual journey. But it is important to understand that this is a sacred site and the cremation process is not open to non-Hindus, so it is best to make an appointment in advance.
Ancient History and Mythology
The Pashupatinath Temple was built in the 5th century and is one of the four most sacred Shiva lingams in Asia. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. It is the oldest and biggest temple in the region. It is dedicated to Shiva and his consort, Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, the earliest story of Pashupatinath dates back to 400 BC. In the ancient times, the temple was constructed as a wooden structure. However, it was later ruined by termites and had to be rebuilt. It is now a stone structure and has four faces. It is a pagoda style temple with a two-level roof and silver-covered doors.
Sacred Shrines
Aside from its main sanctum, Pashupatinath is known for the many smaller shrines that line the temple grounds. These small temples were built by different people and each have a special connection to the temple. Among them are the Guheswari Temple, the Chabahil Temple, and the Chandra Vinayak Temple. These temples are located close to the main temple and are very popular with tourists.
A Spectacular View
The entrance to the Pashupatinath temple is prohibited to non-Hindus, but there is an opportunity to see a part of it from the opposite bank of the Bagmati River. The view is worth the trek. If you want to climb to the top of the temple, there are a number of stairs that lead up the hill. From here, you can have a spectacular view of the entire complex and the gilded temple roof.
Monkeys and Cremation
While you are on the top of the temple, you may wish to take a break and rest while looking at the view. You can even feed the monkeys that live around the temple or watch them play in the treetops. On the south side of the temple, there is a crematorium where Hindus are permitted to cremate their dead. The cremation ritual here is a very powerful experience, but it is up to you whether or not you want to watch it. It is a good idea to go at sunrise or lunchtime when the sun rises and it is easier to view the cremation process. It is also a chance to take pictures of the famous Pashupatinath temple from a distance.
